Senior Automation Controls Engineer

La-Z-Boy; Monroe (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

La-Z-Boy Incorporated is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead automation initiatives across our manufacturing operations. You will design and support PLC, HMI, SCADA, motion control, and industrial networks, partnering with safety, IT, maintenance, and suppliers to deliver reliable automation solutions.

The role focuses on safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to mentor junior engineers and drive modernization across facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering or related field.
• 8–10 years of experience in industrial controls, automation engineering, and manufacturing systems.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming, HMI development, industrial networking, and machine controls.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to support projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and controls engineering initiatives across projects.
• Design, develop, program, and support PLC, HMI, SCADA, motion control, and industrial networks.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, controls documentation, network diagrams, and technical standards.
• Develop and troubleshoot automation systems using Rockwell, Siemens, Omron, Beckhoff, and Ignition SCADA.
• Integrate robotics, vision systems, sensors, and automated material handling equipment.
• Lead projects from concept through commissioning and production launch.
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships; ensure safety, quality, and financial objectives.
• Provide manufacturing support and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial networks

Motion control

Electrical schematics

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley)

Siemens

Omron

Beckhoff

Ignition SCADA

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.

Job Description:

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.
• Participates 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.

SCOPE & IMPACT:

This position is responsible for the specification, design, execution, and tracking of new automation manufacturing equipment to support modernizing our manufacturing processes by leveraging and collaborating with cross functional teams to successfully complete and implement first-of-kind automation.

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, responsib