Senior Manager, Industrial Controls Engineering

Symbotic; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 248,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Disability insurance

401K

PTO

Job summary

Symbotic is seeking a Senior Manager in Industrial Controls Engineering to lead a team of engineers responsible for PLC-based control software for industrial automation. The role blends technical leadership with people management and cross-functional collaboration to deliver complex projects.

The team will deliver milestones, mentor engineers, and drive innovative concepts including AI-assisted programming, Digital Twins, and automated testing while ensuring quality, reliability, and

Qualifications

• 7+ years in industrial automation, controls engineering, and people management.
• Hands-on expertise with Rockwell PLC platforms, Motion Control, Safety PLCs, OT networking.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development, preferably Ignition software.
• Exposure to AI-assisted PLC code development, Digital Twins, and automated testing.
• Ability to balance hands-on work with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willing to travel up to 60% and have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Directly manage a team of 6–8 PLC R&D Controls Engineers and provide day-to-day guidance.
• Own delivery of PLC software milestones across multiple projects.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and career development planning.
• Communicate status, risks, and tradeoffs to stakeholders.
• Lead prototyping, testing, validation, and documentation of new control concepts.
• Ensure high-quality, reliable PLC software design.
• Promote modular programming, version control, diagnostics, and documentation.
• Drive AI-assisted programming adoption, simulation, and Digital Twins.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for high-impact issues.

Skills

PLC programming

Rockwell Automation

OT networking

Motion control

Safety PLC systems

HMI/SCADA

AI assisted PLC coding

Digital Twins

Team leadership

Project delivery

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Inductive Automation Ignition

Job description

Symbotic is seeking a Senior Manager in Industrial Controls Engineering to lead a team of engineers responsible for PLC-based control software for industrial automation. The role blends technical leadership with people management and cross-functional collaboration to deliver complex projects.

The team will deliver milestones, mentor engineers, and drive innovative concepts including AI-assisted programming, Digital Twins, and automated testing while ensuring quality, reliability, and