Lead Engineer, Controls - Career Transitions : 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 at 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 plant technical leadership.
• Provide input to the Engineering Projects Manager to develop and manage power and control standards and ensure 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 the replacement of obsolete equipment/technologies.
• Build and maintain a sustainable system for technician skill development in Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I). 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) and responsible for safety and equipment compliance in their areas.
• 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 key system elements related to power and control systems, including electrical safety and quality/CCP compliance.
• Work closely with engineering and operations on the selection and startup of new equipment, becoming the technical expert and ensuring proper training.
• Provide power and controls engineering support on capital projects.
• Offer daily support across plant operations as needed.
• Learn and apply control, simulation, and process modeling technologies to analyze and improve operations.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education

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

Experience

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

Other

• Ability to work and manage effectively 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 the installation of equipment in a food manufacturing environment.
• Proven results in manufacturing maintenance with maintenance systems.
• 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 written and verbal.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Willing to work off-shifts or weekends and take support calls as needed.
• Experience in leading, teaching, or managing teams effectively.
• Some travel required.
• Able to perform moderate physical activity, including working on the manufacturing floor and equipment maintenance.