Lead Engineer, Controls - Gables Search Group : Job Details

TITLE

Controls Supervisor

LOCATION

Decatur, AL

POSITION SUMMARY

The Controls Leader will provide key leadership regarding power and control systems, equipment specification and maintenance, proper operation, technician development, troubleshooting, and repair to achieve or exceed reliability targets for the plant. This role is responsible for systems optimization, compliance, personnel safety, and technician skill development related to plant electrical power and process control systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the primary administrator and troubleshooter for plant power and control systems; serve as a key member of the plant's technical leadership team.
• Provide input to the Engineering Projects Manager to develop and manage power and control standards, ensuring their application on all projects and upgrades.
• Lead the execution of the site master plan for power and control systems, including understanding the installed base and planning for obsolete equipment replacement.
• Build and maintain a sustainable system for the skill development of plant Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) technicians. Coach technicians on skill assessment and development.
• Manage Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) technicians and set daily direction.
• Ensure technician compliance with local and national regulator codes (NFPA 70, NFPA 70e, NFPA 79, OSHA 1910). Responsible for equipment and safety practice compliance within their area.
• Validate MES data from PLCs and support plant Process Engineers in conditioning PLC data for effective analysis, including application development.
• Support the design and implementation of machine control and process automation applications, such as control strategies, HMI design, MES applications, and KPI development.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to identify losses and develop strategies to eliminate them, focusing on safety, quality, reliability, and cost.
• Own parts or entire key system elements related to power and control, including electrical safety (LOTO, PPE, energized work permits), quality, and CCP compliance.
• Work closely with engineering and operations leaders on new equipment selection, installation, and start-up. Become the technical expert and ensure training on new control systems.
• Provide power and controls engineering support for capital initiatives.
• Offer daily support to other plant areas as needed.
• Learn and apply control, simulation, and process modeling technologies to analyze and improve processes and packaging operations.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering is required; Electrical Engineering preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant controls experience.
• Manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Experience in mechanical and electrical systems within food manufacturing is preferred.

Other Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to work and manage within a team environment.
• Strong knowledge of machine and process control hardware, instrumentation, and software, including Allen Bradley PLC and Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms.
• Working knowledge of NFPA and OSHA electrical guidelines.
• Proficiency with plant historian systems.
• Understanding of technical systems and terminology.
• Experience with learning and integrating new technologies.
• Experience leading equipment installation in a food manufacturing environment.
• Track record of results in manufacturing maintenance and systems management.
• Experience with plant systems software.
• Self-motivated with the ability to motivate others.
• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work off-shifts, weekends, and support calls as needed.
• Experience in leading, teaching, or managing teams effectively.
• Some travel may be required.
• Ability to perform moderate physical activity, including time on the manufacturing floor and equipment handling.