Automation Controls Manager Jobs in Portage, WI (NOW HIRING)

The Automation and Controls Engineer is responsible for supporting, improving, and implementing automation and control systems across the production environment. This role focuses on identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and cost using automation technologies, controls systems, industrial networking, robotics, SCADA, and data collection tools.

The Automation and Controls Engineer will work closely with Manufacturing Services, Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Purchasing, Planning, Finance, and external vendors to scope, propose, implement, troubleshoot, and support automation projects. This position plays a key role in driving continuous improvement and ensuring production equipment and processes operate efficiently, safely, and reliably.

• Examine equipment, processes, operations, and procedures to identify improvement opportunities in safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and cost using automation and controls technologies.
• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, Requests for Quote, and cost estimates for new equipment purchases, equipment modifications, and process improvements.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and provide technical recommendations for automation equipment, controls platforms, and system integrations.
• Lead, support, program, and troubleshoot automation equipment during design, implementation, installation, commissioning, startup, and production ramp-up.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial robotic arms, vision systems, and plant-floor data collection systems.
• Develop dashboards, reporting tools, and data collection methods from plant-floor devices to support operational visibility and decision-making.
• Support industrial networking, including Ethernet/IP and related communication protocols for production equipment and connected systems.
• Partner with Maintenance and Operations to resolve day-to-day production issues related to controls, automation, equipment performance, and system reliability.
• Participate in cross-functional project teams as a technical resource, team member, and individual contributor.
• Support safety-related controls, machine guarding, interlocks, and risk reduction initiatives.
• Assist with root cause analysis, corrective actions, process mapping, FMEA, capability studies, and other continuous improvement activities.
• Generate, review, and maintain electrical schematics, control system documentation, equipment drawings, and project records.
• Ensure automation projects meet company standards, safety requirements, production needs, and project timelines.
• Manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while communicating status, risks, and technical issues effectively.

Requirements:

• Associate degree plus 2-4 years of engineering project experience in an automation and controls environment required.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent related experience preferred.
• Proven experience supporting or leading automation and controls projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience programming, troubleshooting, or supporting PLC systems, preferably with strong Allen-Bradley ladder logic experience; Siemens experience preferred.
• Experience with industrial robotic arms, robot programming, troubleshooting, or integration preferred.
• Experience with machine guarding, safety circuits, and industrial safety systems preferred.
• Experience with SCADA software, such as Inductive Automation Ignition, preferred.
• Experience with industrial Ethernet/IP networking and plant-floor device communication preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio preferred.
• Hands-on experience with Python, C++, Java, or other programming languages a plus.
• Experience using AutoCAD to generate or modify electrical and hardware schematics preferred.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing techniques, capability studies, process mapping, FMEA, and root cause analysis preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and creative-thinking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical team members.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to understand complex process interactions and equipment systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience implementing automation projects from concept through production startup.
• Familiarity with manufacturing equipment integration, data acquisition, and production reporting systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Quality, and external suppliers.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement principles.
• Ability to balance hands-on troubleshooting with project planning, documentation, and execution.