Senior Controls & Automation Leader

RACINE RAILROAD PRODUCTS INC; Mount Pleasant (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Racine Railroad Products Inc. in Mount Pleasant, WI seeks a Programming & Controls Manager to lead our controls development team, overseeing the design, integration, testing, and release of control systems for advanced rail equipment.

The role reports to the Chief Engineer, requires a strong background in embedded systems and vision/safety tech, and offers leadership across engineering, product development, operations, and customer service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in embedded systems, controls engineering, or software development.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership or project management role.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, embedded software, CAN bus, HMI systems, and industrial communication protocols.
• Familiarity with vision systems, sensors, and safety technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary projects and navigate product iterations or late-stage changes.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Preferred: Experience in rail equipment, heavy machinery, or mobile automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of programming and controls projects across multiple equipment platforms.
• Own project timelines, scope, resource planning, and change management.
• Identify and manage scope creep, coordinating with cross-functional teams to align on deliverables and priorities.
• Serve as a key liaison between engineering, product development, operations, and customer service to drive improvements and resolve technical challenges.
• Guide the development and integration of control software, vision systems, and third-party collision avoidance solutions.
• Work closely with mechanical and electrical teams to ensure seamless system performance.
• Stay current on industry trends and recommend technologies that enhance product safety and automation.
• Develop and enforce a structured testing and release strategy for control system updates and new features.
• Define test cases, performance benchmarks, and failure criteria for validation processes.
• Implement a revision control system for software releases to support field reliability and service.
• Manage a team of control engineers and software developers, providing mentorship, feedback, and career development.
• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear goals and performance expectations, aligned with company objectives.

Skills

Embedded systems

Controls engineering

Software development

Leadership

Project management

PLC programming

Vision systems

Industrial communication protocols

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering

Mechatronics

Tools

PLC programming tools

CAN bus

HMI development

Job description

Racine Railroad Products Inc. in Mount Pleasant, WI seeks a Programming & Controls Manager to lead our controls development team, overseeing the design, integration, testing, and release of control systems for advanced rail equipment.

The role reports to the Chief Engineer, requires a strong background in embedded systems and vision/safety tech, and offers leadership across engineering, product development, operations, and customer service.