Senior Manager, Industrial Controls Engineering

Symbotic; United States; Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 248,000; Full time

Job summary

Symbotic seeks a Senior Manager, Industrial Controls Engineering to lead a team of 6–8 PLC R&D Controls Engineers responsible for developing, testing, and maintaining PLC-based control software for industrial automation systems.

Reporting to the Director of Industrial Control Systems R&D, this role blends hands-on technical leadership with people management, project accountability, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical/Computer/Mechatronics or related field.
• 7+ years in industrial automation and people management.
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell PLC platforms, Motion Control, Safety PLC, OT networking.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA, preferably Ignition.
• Exposure to AI assisted PLC development, simulation tools, Digital Twins, and automated PLC testing.
• Ability to balance hands-on technical work with people leadership responsibilities.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Team leadership

PLC programming

Rockwell Automation

HMI/SCADA

AI / Digital Twins / automation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical/Computer/Mechatronics/Automation Engineering

Tools

Rockwell PLC

Inductive Automation Ignition

Motion Control

Safety PLC Systems

OT networking

Job description

Who we are

With its A.I.-powered robotic technology platform, Symbotic is changing the way consumer goods move through the supply chain. Intelligent software orchestrates advanced robots in a high-density, end-to-end system – reinventing warehouse automation for increased efficiency, speed and flexibility.

What we need

Symbotic is seeking a Senior Manager, Industrial Controls Engineering to lead a team of Controls Engineers responsible for developing, testing, and maintaining PLC-based control software for industrial automation systems. Reporting to the Director of Industrial Control Systems R&D, this role combines hands‑on technical leadership with people management, project delivery accountability, and cross‑functional collaboration.

What you’ll do

• Directly manage a team of 6–8 PLC R&D Controls Engineers, providing day‑to‑day guidance and technical direction.
• Own delivery of PLC software milestones across multiple projects and programs.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, goal setting, and career development planning.
• Communicate status, risks, and technical tradeoffs clearly to stakeholders.
• Lead prototyping, testing, validation, and documentation of new control system concepts and electrical designs.
• Ensure high‑quality, reliable, and maintainable PLC software design.
• Promote best practices in modular programming, version control, diagnostics, and documentation.
• Drive adoption of AI assisted programming, simulation, Digital Twins, and automated testing.
• Support troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis for complex or high‑impact issues.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years in industrial automation, controls engineering, and people management responsibility.
• Hands‑on expertise with Rockwell Automation PLC platforms, Motion Control, Safety PLC Systems, OT networking, and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development, preferably Inductive Automation Ignition software.
• Exposure to AI assisted PLC code development, simulation tools, Digital Twins, and automated PLC testing.
• Ability to balance hands‑on technical work with people leadership responsibilities.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Our environment

Up to 60% of travel may be required. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive and/or fly to client locations and company HQ. The employee is responsible for owning a credit card and managing expenses personally to be reimbursed on a bi‑weekly basis.

#LI-JS1 #LI-Remote

About Symbotic

Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the supply chain with its end‑to‑end, AI‑powered robotic and software platform. Symbotic reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for the world’s largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies. Applying next‑gen technology, high‑density storage and machine learning to solve today's complex distribution challenges, Symbotic enables companies to move goods with unmatched speed, agility, accuracy and efficiency. As the backbone of commerce the Symbotic platform transforms the flow of goods and the economics of supply chain for its customers. For more information, visit www.symbotic.com. We are a community of innovators, collaborators and pioneers who embrace our differences, because we know unique perspectives make us stronger and smarter. Every perspective matters. We depend on the collective voices of our employees, customers and community to help guide us as we build a better place to work – for you and the world. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information. The base range for this position in the posted location is $180,000.00 - $247,500.00 however, base pay offered may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, 401K, PTO and/or other benefits. Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the supply chain with its end‑to‑end, AI‑powered robotic and software platform. Symbotic reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for the world’s largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies. Applying next‑gen technology, high‑density storage and machine learning to solve today’s complex distribution challenges, Symbotic enables companies to move goods with unmatched speed, agility, accuracy and efficiency. As the backbone of commerce the Symbotic platform transforms the flow of goods and the economics of supply chain for its customers. For more information, visit www.symbotic.com.