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Controls System Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Mapleton, IL · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Title: Controls Engineer Location: Mapleton, IL Duration: 13 months Position type: W2 contract ... Control systems engineering knowledge Required Qualifications: * Allen ...

Controls Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$80K - $103K/yr

Provide support of new and existing equipment by providing on-site or phone support, requires an understanding of our machines and their controls systems * Lead machine start-ups and coordination of ...

$62K - $73K/yr

In this role, you will lead a team of Controls Engineers for the development, implementation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of industrial controls systems supporting GM Bedford ...

New

$61K - $79K/yr

Role Definition The Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) Division is seeking a highly motivated Control System Team Lead to join the Drivetrain Controls System Simulation and Validation ...

Showing results 21-40

Controls System Lead information

What does a Controls System Lead do?

A Controls System Lead is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated control systems used in manufacturing, industrial, or building environments. They lead teams of engineers and technicians to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, coordinate project timelines, and troubleshoot complex control issues. This role often requires deep knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, and programming, as well as leadership and project management skills. Controls System Leads also ensure compliance with safety and industry standards while optimizing system performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls System Lead?

To thrive as a Controls System Lead, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation systems, and process controls, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in industrial environments. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications such as ISA CAP or Siemens/Allen-Bradley training are typically required. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help ensure effective project management and team coordination. These competencies are crucial for maintaining system reliability, ensuring safety, and driving productivity in automated operations.

How does a Controls System Lead typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale automation projects?

A Controls System Lead often serves as the bridge between engineering, operations, IT, and project management teams to ensure automation projects are executed smoothly. They coordinate with mechanical and electrical engineers to integrate control systems, work closely with software developers for system programming, and liaise with operations to ensure solutions meet production needs. Effective communication and documentation are essential, as the role often involves leading design reviews, troubleshooting issues, and supporting commissioning activities. This collaborative environment fosters a holistic approach to problem-solving and delivers robust, scalable control solutions.

What is the difference between Controls System Lead vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls System LeadControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like PLC or SCADABachelor's in Electrical or Controls Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLead role in project teams, overseeing control system design and implementationDesign, develop, and test control systems within project teams
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process industriesManufacturing, automation, process industries

The Controls System Lead typically oversees control system projects, providing leadership and coordination, while the Controls Engineer focuses on designing and implementing control systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the Lead has additional responsibilities for project oversight.

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Infographic showing various Controls System Lead job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Senior Controls System Delivery Engineer

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Allison Transmission
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$159K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate change management activities ensuring process adherence and accurate documentation for transmission software, calibration, and hardware components

  • Manage the methods, processes, and technical implementation of transmission software and calibration production and delivery for both production and aftermarket

  • Support and validate updates or modifications to calibration delivery systems driven by regulations and maintain and optimize internal and customer-facing tools for configuring and distributing transmission software and calibrations


Allison Transmission rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

JOIN THE TEAM THAT'S POWERING PROGRESS
Building cities. Driving commerce. Fueling Progress. For over 100 years, Allison has powered the vehicles and technology that move our world forward.
What powers us? Our employees. From the first person hired by James Allison in 1915 to the thousands across the globe who work for Allison today, we're driving progress everywhere because we employ top talent worldwide. In both the Allison Transmission and Allison Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems business units, our team strives to Improve the Way the World Works.
Learn more about this role and how you can begin driving your career forward!
Benefits:
The below list features some of the benefits currently available. Eligibility may be subject to the terms and conditions of governing documents and available benefits may be subject to change at the company's discretion.
  • Choice of medical plans with prescription coverage
  • Employer HSA contribution
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Short & Long-Term Disability
  • Other voluntary benefits including: Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Identity Theft Protection and Pet Insurance
  • 401K with generous Company match & contribution
  • Accrued Paid Time Off
  • 12 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday
  • Robust employee wellness program
  • Tuition assistance program

Job Description:
Primary Purpose of Role:
Responsible for support of the Controls System Product Team change management activities around the implementation of transmission software & calibration production releases and controls hardware components. This role focuses on planning, defining, prioritizing and delivery of product quality improvements, cost reductions, and new features, that enable Allison Transmission controls.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Coordinate change management ensuring process adherence and accurate documentation for transmission configuration changes for both software/calibration and hardware components
    • Perform assigned pre-implementation and post-implementation activities to accurately release drawings and bill of material changes
  • Manage the methods, processes, and technical implementation of transmission software & calibration production and delivery for both production and aftermarket
    • Management of all software & calibration releases across all product families in support of 4th, 5th, & 6th generation controls
  • Team Leader to develop new and innovative means to deliver transmission software & calibration for Allison's future production offerings
    • Support and validate updates/modifications to calibration delivery systems driven by regulations that require calibration restrictions and/or management through OEM
  • Business Lead for Calibration Delivery System (CDS) and Allison Calibration Configuration Tool (ACCT)
    • Maintain and optimize Allison's internal and customer-facing tools which configure and distribute transmission software & calibrations
    • Ownership of CDS and Allison Calibration Configuration Tool
    • Ownership of/Provide end-user support/troubleshooting for VCP/VEPS
    • Complete user acceptance testing for enhancement and improvements to Calibration Delivery Systems
  • Support database management of CDS/ACCT using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
    • Writing and optimizing complex SQL queries for data retrieval and analysis
    • Collaborate with IT professionals to ensure accuracy and reliability of data within the database
  • Provide functional specifications and user acceptance testing for enhancements and improvements to change management system
  • Ensure timely delivery of multiple software releases and hardware component changes across several platforms each year
  • Document and maintain key business knowledge of calibration delivery, industry standards, and state of the art methods
  • Develop and track program timelines across multiple programs simultaneously

Key Performance Measures:
  • Thorough and organized documentation
  • Cross functional teams support
  • Appropriate decision making and risk analysis

Competencies and Behaviors:
  • Drive: Self-starter with an inner drive to continuously improve the product & process
  • Influencing: Proficiency in working with cross functional teams to lead & influence changes to process & business systems
  • Ownership: Takes responsibility for projects/program success
  • Teamwork: Very effective, frequently leads
  • Customer support: Excellent

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
  • Strong Computer Skills - MS Office Strong analytical ability with outstanding problem-solving skills
  • Ability to lead projects to meet cost, quality, and schedule requirements
  • Basic understanding of embedded controls software development, validation, and production release
  • Experience finding and creating solutions independently with limited information to deliver a positive outcome
  • Experience collaborating and working cross functionally on strategic company initiatives

Experience:
  • 5+ years of engineering experience in a related field Strong oral and written communication skills
  • 3+ years of product design and development experience, transmission
  • SAP & Bill of Material experience
  • Project management experience
  • Basic understanding of programming & communication standards, such as SAE J1939, UDS, VEPS
  • Experience with Cyber Security concepts
  • Experience with commercial vehicle architectures & controls
  • Experience with at least one Database Management System (Microsoft SQL Server, preferred)

Scope Factors
Products:
  • All product families in support of 4th, 5th, & 6th generation controls

Responsibility:
  • All software & calibration releases across all product families in support of 4th, 5th, & 6th generation controls
  • Lead for CDS and ACCT

Internal Interactions: Across multiple functions. Peers at the same level and higher. Presentations with executive leaders
External Interactions: Contract services through IS&S, VEP OEM customers
Financial Responsibility: none
Allison Transmission is an equal opportunity employer. We have opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.
If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran requiring assistance and/or reasonable accommodations reviewing any of the careers information, please contact us at ati+ask4max@service-now.com.
Please note that Allison Transmission will make an offer of employment only to individuals who have applied for a position using our official application. Be on alert for possible fraudulent offers of employment. Allison Transmission will not solicit money or banking information from applicants.

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