Senior Automation Controls Engineer

1 La-Z-Boy Incorporated; Kentucky; On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

La-Z-Boy Incorporated in Kentucky is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, implementation, and optimization of automated manufacturing systems across operations. The role emphasizes controls engineering while integrating mechanical, robotics, and digital manufacturing to boost safety, quality, productivity, and performance.

You will collaborate with safety, manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and IT, plus external vendors, to deliver reliable automation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with 8–10 years in industrial controls.
• Hands-on PLC programming, HMI development, and machine controls experience.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to support projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls architecture development for new automation and capital equipment.
• Design, program, and support PLC, HMI, SCADA, and motion control systems.
• Develop electrical schematics, documentation, and network diagrams.
• Manage automation vendors and contractors to meet safety, quality and budget goals.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and improve OEE and uptime.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial networking

Robot/vision integration

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley)

Siemens

Beckhoff

Ignition SCADA

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Comfort starts with our 10,000+ team members across the globe, who are transforming the power of comfort every day. Our employees have the power to change lives, in our homes, work and communities. We foster an inclusive environment while honoring a legacy built on family, where everyone can be themselves. If you are ready to join an industry leading organization where our people are the most important asset, and innovation propels us into the future, you’re ready to take your seat at La-Z-Boy Incorporated.

WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF COMFORT

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and optimization of automated manufacturing systems across La-Z-Boy operations. This role provides technical leadership primarily in controls engineering, but also mechanical, robotics, machine integration, and digital manufacturing initiatives to improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance. This position will partner with safety, manufacturing, maintenance, quality, IT, and external suppliers to deliver reliable automation solutions that support safety, modernizing manufacturing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned)

• Automation & Controls Engineering Lead controls architecture development for new automation and capital equipment projects.
• Design, develop, program, and support PLC, HMI, SCADA, motion control, and industrial network systems.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, controls documentation, network diagrams, and technical standards.
• Develop and troubleshoot automation systems utilizing industry-standard platforms such as: Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) Siemens Omron Beckhoff Ignition SCADA.
• Integrate robotics, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, and automated material handling equipment.
• Participate in cross functional meetings, seminars, vendor trips, and training sessions to effectively investigate and evaluate new technology advancements and equipment developments.
• Project Management Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning and production launch.
• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, budgets, and implementation schedules.
• Manage automation vendors, system integrators, and contractors.
• Ensure projects meet safety, quality, performance, and financial objectives.
• Manufacturing Support Provide advanced troubleshooting support for new automation production equipment and controls systems.
• Analyze recurring equipment failures and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Improve machine uptime, throughput, reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities to reduce labor content through automation and process improvements.
• Support modernizing manufacturing initiatives.
• Utilize data collection and analytics tools to drive performance improvements.
• Champion standardization of controls hardware, software, and engineering practices across facilities.
• Leadership & Mentorship Serve as a subject matter expert in controls engineering and automation technologies.
• Mentor controls engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related technical field with 8-10 years of experience in industrial controls, automation engineering, and manufacturing systems, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience leading automation projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC programming, HMI development, industrial networking, and machine controls.
• Up to 25% travel or as required to support projects.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience within furniture, consumer goods, automotive, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Industry 4.0, IIoT, MES, and digital transformation initiatives.
• SolidWorks 3D and/or AutoCAD experience developing mechanical parts, systems, and facility drawings.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No direct reports.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Often required to sit, repetitive hand motion (such as typing), hear, listen, talk, stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb stairs, crawl reach overhead push/pull and lift up to 30 pounds.
• Seldom required to Climb ladders, kneel, squat, crouch, balance or lift up over 50 pounds.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits for Employees in the US

• Medical, Vision, Dental and Basic Life Insurance, available 401k retirement plan with company match of up to 6%.
• Paid time off includes: 9-11 paid holidays each year, two weeks’ prorated vacation as a new hire and either personal time (non-exempt only) or state mandated sick time.

More information can be found via: https://learn.bswift.com/la-z-boy

Weekly Hours: 40

If this role requires travel / driving in order to perform the key responsibilities outlined above, candidates must be able to meet the qualifications noted in the company’s Driver Management Program to be considered for the role.

Equal‑Opportunity Employer Statement

At La-Z-Boy Incorporated, we're an equal opportunity employer. We understand that our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints add value to our ability to create and deliver the best possible service, quality products, and is of utmost importance as we work together to build comfort.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We are committed to fostering an environment in which all employees feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work and bring great ideas to the table.

If you are a qualified individual that may need a change or adjustment to the application/interviewing/hiring process as a result of your disability, you may request a reasonable accommodations by emailing our recruiting team at [e-mail] or by calling 734-242-1444.

Company Culture

Come experience the power of comfort in your career! At La-Z-Boy, we believe people are our most important asset. From our manufacturing facilities and Furniture Galleries to our LEED-certified world headquarters, we empower our people to build something amazing every day. If you’re ready to join an industry-leading organization that values passion, innovation, and helping our communities, you’re ready to explore La-Z-Boy.

La-Z-Boy has been building incredible furniture since 1927, and there's a reason people still want La-Z-Boy in their homes—and more importantly, a reason great people are proud to be part of our company. We represent decades of hard-working, talented individuals coming together across the globe to continue our legacy and propel us into the future.