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Automation Controls Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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This position reports directly to and works closely with the Automation & Controls Manager. Key Responsibilities * Design and develop electrical systems and instrumentation packages for industrial ...

Be Seen First

This position reports directly to and works closely with the Automation & Controls Manager. Key Responsibilities * Design and develop electrical systems and instrumentation packages for industrial ...

Process Controls Manager Memphis, TN (Hybrid) Direct Hire Opportunity Recruiting Partner: Gateway ... The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving automation strategy, managing ...

Automation Controls Technician

Dodson, LA · On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

The Automation Controls Technician is responsible for the daily maintenance of the plant ... Plan and manage * Maintain an automation control system knowledge base in both batch and continuous ...

Automation Controls Technician

Dodson, LA

$70K - $93K/yr

The Automation Controls Technician is responsible for the daily maintenance of the plant ... Plan and manage * Maintain an automation control system knowledge base in both batch and continuous ...

The Automation & Controls Lead is the plant's technical authority for automation, controls, and ... Manage hardware and software lifecycle, including mitigation and upgrade plans * Maintain ...

Automation & Controls Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

This position demands a highly motivated individual who can manage projects from conception to installation. As an Automation & Controls Engineer, you'll be responsible for creating and implementing ...

The Automation & Controls Lead is the plant's technical authority for automation, controls, and ... Manage hardware and software lifecycle, including mitigation and upgrade plans * Maintain ...

The Automation & Controls Lead is the plant's technical authority for automation, controls, and ... Manage hardware and software lifecycle, including mitigation and upgrade plans * Maintain ...

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Automation Controls Manager information

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$31K

$116.6K

$169.5K

How much do automation controls manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls manager in the United States is $116,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automation Controls Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Controls Manager, you need expertise in control systems engineering, PLC programming, industrial automation, and typically a bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI software, industry-standard PLCs (such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens), and relevant certifications like ISA CAP are essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills help manage teams and facilitate cross-departmental collaboration. These competencies ensure the reliable design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems that drive operational efficiency and safety.

What are Automation Controls Managers?

Automation Controls Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated control systems within manufacturing or industrial environments. They manage teams of engineers and technicians, ensure that control systems operate efficiently and safely, and coordinate improvements to increase productivity. Typically, they also work on troubleshooting and upgrading control hardware and software, while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Their role is crucial in optimizing automated processes and minimizing downtime.

What are some common challenges faced by Automation Controls Managers when overseeing multidisciplinary teams?

Automation Controls Managers often coordinate between engineering, IT, and operations departments, which can present challenges in aligning priorities and communication styles. Managing projects that involve both hardware and software components requires strong organizational skills and the ability to translate technical requirements across disciplines. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly evolving automation technologies while ensuring team members receive proper training is a key aspect of the role. Successful managers foster collaboration by promoting open communication and cross-functional problem-solving.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Manager vs Automation Technician?

AspectAutomation Controls ManagerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP)Associate degree or technical diploma, certifications like Siemens or Allen-Bradley technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees automation projects, manages teams, coordinates with engineering and managementPerforms hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automation systems
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, industrial facilities, and large-scale automation settingsCommon in factories, plants, and maintenance departments

The Automation Controls Manager focuses on overseeing automation projects and managing teams, requiring higher-level credentials and strategic responsibilities. In contrast, the Automation Technician handles the technical installation and maintenance tasks. Both roles are essential in automation environments but differ in scope and seniority.

More about Automation Controls Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Automation Controls Manager jobs? Cities with the most Automation Controls Manager job openings:
What states have the most Automation Controls Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Automation Controls Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,607 per year, or $56.1 per hour.
Automation & Controls Engineering Manager

Automation & Controls Engineering Manager

CelLink Corporation

Georgetown, TX • On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Automation & Controls Manager
Position Summary
The Automation & Controls Manager is responsible for leading a hands-on team that designs, implements, optimizes, and supports automation and controls systems for new and existing manufacturing equipment. This role combines people leadership with deep technical engagement and is responsible for driving automation strategy, equipment performance, controls architecture, standardization, troubleshooting, project execution, and continuous improvement across the factory. The ideal candidate is a strong technical leader who can coach engineers, work cross-functionally, and remain close to the equipment, software, and commissioning activities that enable high-performing manufacturing operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
  • Lead, develop, and support a team of automation and controls engineers responsible for design, implementation, optimization, and sustainment of manufacturing automation systems.
  • Remain hands-on in automation and controls engineering work, including troubleshooting, programming, commissioning, debug, and performance improvement of complex process tools and automation systems.
  • Own automation and controls strategy for new equipment introductions, existing equipment upgrades, and factory expansion initiatives.
  • Provide technical leadership for advanced conveyor systems, pick-and-place systems, precision material handling, motion control, machine vision, process control, and integrated sensor-based automation solutions.
  • Guide the engineering and integration of PLCs, SCADA systems, motion controllers, machine vision systems, heater controllers, web edge guiding and steering systems, pneumatic actuators, encoders, force sensors, thermocouples, analog devices, and other sensing technologies.
  • Establish and maintain standards for electrical controls design, control panel engineering, documentation, compliance, revision control, and software change management across replicated tool sets.
  • Drive best practices for electrical and software version control to ensure consistency, repeatability, and traceability across large-scale equipment deployments.
  • Oversee development and execution of test plans to verify equipment functionality, controls performance, reliability, and readiness for production use.
  • Lead root cause analysis and resolution of equipment failures, partnering with internal teams and external vendors to implement robust corrective actions.
  • Manage vendor relationships related to controls and software design, technical requirements, integration, acceptance testing, commissioning, and issue resolution.
  • Support factory build-out and expansion efforts, including vendor acceptance testing, equipment installation, commissioning, startup, and process qualification.
  • Partner closely with manufacturing, process engineering, quality, maintenance, software, and operations teams to align automation priorities with production goals.
  • Provide clear project updates, technical documentation, training, and communication to stakeholders at all levels.
  • Build team capability through hiring, coaching, performance management, prioritization, and development of engineers in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Promote a culture of integrity, teamwork, accountability, self-discipline, and professional competence.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Experience/Education
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in Automation & Controls Engineering or a similar field, including experience supporting complex automated manufacturing systems.
  • 2+ years of experience leading, mentoring, or managing engineers or technical teams in a manufacturing or industrial automation environment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Advanced control system engineering and programming of complex process tools and automation systems, primarily using Beckhoff, Mitsubishi, and Omron PLCs, Windows and Linux PCs, C#, Python, and SQL.
  • Strong hands-on troubleshooting capability across electrical, controls, software, instrumentation, and automated material handling systems.
  • Experience leading architecture, standardization, and deployment of controls solutions across multiple tools or manufacturing lines.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing execution systems and experience integrating equipment data streams into factory information databases.
  • Advanced knowledge of process control, real-time data acquisition, and equipment-to-factory systems integration.
  • Ability to lead technical decision-making, prioritize across multiple projects, and balance short-term operational issues with long-term engineering improvements.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineers, technicians, vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Ability to influence others and gain alignment using technical judgment, structured problem-solving, and supporting data.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to remain hands-on with equipment, controls programming, system debug, and commissioning activities.
  • Ability to travel up to 10%.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
Working Conditions/Hours:
Salaried Exempt
Physical Demands - Office and Manufacturing Environment
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms and pull/push; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment -
Includes both a typical office environment, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues, and a shop environment, with exposure to high noise levels from operating machines, physical hazards from moving equipment and machine parts, nuisance dust, and skin exposure to chemicals used to run/maintain machines
PPE-
May be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to safety glasses, safety shoes, bump-caps, gloves, hair nets, masks, & clean-room frocks while adhering to the prescribed safety procedures
We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates are essential to our success. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees while building teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunity employer. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. CelLink participates in the E-Verify program in specific locations as required by law.
CelLink was founded in 2012 and entered volume production in 2018. CelLink provides electrical systems to the world's leading automotive OEMs & EV manufacturers, data center developers, and stationary power companies. The company has raised approximately $315M in funding through private investment and multiple grants from the US Department of Energy. CelLink's investors include 3M, Atreides, BMW, BorgWarner, Bosch, D1 Capital, Fidelity, Fontinalis Partners, Ford, Franklin Templeton, Lear, Park West, SK Telecom, Standard Investments, T. Rowe Price, Tinicum, and Whale Rock.