Controls Engineering Manager Jobs in Plainfield, IL

Position: Supervisor, Controls Engineering

Location: West Chester, OH

Job Id: 2088

# of Openings: 1

The Supervisor, Controls Engineering leads a team of PLC controls engineers that design and implement electrical controls systems for automated material handling equipment. This role supervises project/application-based work including development of specifications, review of electrical controls drawings, PLC/PAC logic, and HMI interface/operator screens. Team members develop the application in the office and install and test completed work at the client’s facility. The supervisor must be self‑motivated, dedicated, and possess a strong technical background in electrical and controls systems.

• Supervise a team of engineers, participate in hiring of engineers, scheduling, mentoring, reviewing, planning, following standards/procedures, developing standards, performance reviews & appraisals.
• Lead by example and participate in PLC code development to ensure standards are followed.
• Meet with both client and internal project teams to define applications.
• Review proposals, statements of work and customer specifications for automated material handling projects.
• Develop resource planning and forecasting to support in‑house and field PLC code development project phases.
• Coordinate departmental work to meet project schedules.
• Assign PLC controls resources to projects.
• Generate project‑specific documentation using standard company formats.
• Use AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical for design reviews prior to application code development and participate in design review meetings with electrical engineering.
• Supervise team progress and productivity and report status to engineering management.
• Identify customizations to standard PLC software components within the requirements of each specific project.
• Perform PLC software code reviews with assigned project resources.
• Participate in design reviews with project teams.
• Perform regular progress checks and reviews of PLC controls team.
• Create departmental standards documentation.
• Interact with mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering and on‑site installation teams.
• Work closely with PLC controls engineers & software engineers to integrate controls solutions.
• Perform on‑site technical system audits with project team members.
• Perform on‑site system commissioning progress checks to validate installation and commissioning status.
• Participate in scheduling of customer service and customer experience turnover meetings at the completion of a project.
• Provide leadership to junior staff members.
• Report to engineering manager & project managers.

• Ability to multi‑task and maintain deadlines while ensuring quality in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment.
• Ability to lead a team and accomplish project and management goals.
• Good organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with MS Office Software including Word, Excel & Outlook.
• Proficient with personal computers and experience using Microsoft Windows operating systems.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical.
• Knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC/PAC Controllers or similar automation controllers.
• Knowledge of industrial control systems including PLC and HMI systems (a plus).
• Knowledge of communication networks.
• Ability to read and understand system layouts, schematics and other control system drawings.

Bachelor of Science Degree from an accredited college or university in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET), Computer Science (BSCS), Computer Engineering (BSCE), or Computer Engineering Technology (BSCET). 5+ years of experience within the material handling industry is desired; related engineering experience is required. Experience in the material handling/equipment controls industry is preferred but not required.

Work effectively in a warehouse and/or construction environment for system testing. Climb ladders and move around on platforms to maneuver equipment. Flexibility to travel, often via air, with the ability to travel 5‑15% of the year to domestic and international job sites, including weekends and/or holidays. Work non‑traditional hours that may include nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

Capable of working in a construction site environment (no air conditioning, dusty, loud, etc.) and following all site safety rules such as wearing personal protective equipment (hard hats, safety shoes, hearing protection). Frequently move around the site to access equipment and remain standing for extended periods of time.

Trew and its companies are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.