Automation & Controls Engineering Manager

LHH · Milwaukee, United States

This range is provided by LHH. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Recruiting Consultant | LHH | Program Management and Relationship Building

Compensation: $120,000–$160,000 base + 15% bonus

LHH is partnering with our client, a U.S.-based manufacturing leader, to identify an Automation & Controls Engineering Manager who will spearhead modernization and optimization initiatives across a high-volume production environment. This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity designed for an engineer who thrives in fast‑paced operations, values process reliability, and brings strong PLC and automation expertise to a team transitioning toward next‑generation manufacturing systems.

What You’ll Do

• Lead automation and controls projects that enhance production performance and reliability across multiple lines.
• Troubleshoot complex control system issues both remotely and on‑site across all shifts, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Support plant operations during automation upgrades and system integrations.
• Serve as the primary technical expert for PLC programming, HMI configuration, and controls diagnostics.
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers, providing direction on project execution and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with operations, maintenance, and IT teams to ensure alignment on automation goals.
• Drive a culture of proactive troubleshooting, standardization, and system reliability across all production shifts.

What We’re Looking For

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred).

Experience: Minimum 2 years of leadership experience and 5+ years of hands‑on technical work in automation and controls within manufacturing (food or related industry preferred).

Technical Skills

• PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen‑Bradley or Siemens preferred)
• HMI systems and control network integration
• Electrical and instrumentation systems
• Remote diagnostics and root cause analysis
• EFD experience is a plus

This is an opportunity to own automation strategy and execution in a growing manufacturing operation where innovation, reliability, and leadership are valued equally. If you’re ready to take a hands‑on role building smarter, more connected production systems, we’d like to meet you.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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