Senior Automation / Controls Engineer
About the Company:
This opportunity is supported through a longstanding partnership with our client who is a privately held, global manufacturing and engineering company operating in a highly regulated, precision-driven industry.
The business blends the scale and financial strength of a global enterprise with the hands-on, engineering-first culture of a smaller team. Automation sits at the center of how work gets done, not as a support function, but as a core capability. The company invests consistently in in-house automation, custom equipment, and modern manufacturing systems.
Engineers stay close to the work. They design, build, and support the systems they create. Projects are funded, priorities are clear, and ownership matters.
Why This Role Exists:
A senior automation engineer recently retired, creating a critical capability gap within the automation engineering group. While short-term coverage has been managed internally, the business now requires deeper controls expertise and independent technical leadership to support:
The Role:
The Senior Automation / Controls Engineer will design, build, integrate, upgrade, and support custom automation and robotic equipment used in manufacturing. This role owns systems end to end—from concept and design through build, debug, installation, and sustained production support.
This is a hands-on engineering role. Engineers seeking desk-only or narrowly scoped controls work will not be successful here.
What You’ll Do: Design and implement control systems for custom automation equipment Program and debug PLC- and motion-controlled systems Design and wire electrical panels and machine wiring Integrate robotics, motion systems, sensors, and safety components Build, assemble, debug, and commission equipment in the automation lab and on the production floor Upgrade and modernize aging equipment, controls, and software Troubleshoot complex automation issues in production environments Create and maintain technical documentation Collaborate closely with manufacturing, operations, and engineering teams Mentor and coach other engineers as a senior technical resource
Projects You’ll Be Involved In: Tabletop and standalone multi-axis automation systems Winding and assembly equipment Robotics and part-transfer automation Control system modernization and electronics upgrades New automation supporting growing product lines Integration of higher levels of automation, including AGVs/AMRs Work includes a mix of new equipment design and execution-focused upgrades.
What Success Looks Like:
Within the first year, you will: Independently lead complex automation and controls projects Serve as the most advanced controls resource on the team Modernize legacy equipment and improve system reliability Adapt to shifting priorities while driving work to completion Elevate the technical capability of the group through mentoring and collaboration
What We’re Looking For: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics, or related) Minimum of 5+ years of experience Strong hands-on experience in automation and controls engineering PLC programming and motion control experience Experience building, wiring, debugging, and commissioning equipment Ability to work across mechanical, electrical, and software domains Strong communication and collaboration skills Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship
Preferred: Robotics or Vision System Integration Experience Electrical panel design and layout experience Experience upgrading or modernizing legacy automation equipment Background in precision manufacturing or regulated environments Industry background matters less than real, hands-on controls ownership.
Work Environment: Fully on-site role (hands-on work requires presence) Flexible start and end times Occasional work-from-home flexibility for focused design or personal needs Co-located engineering team for rapid collaboration and problem-solving On-site automation lab and close proximity to production floors This is an engineer’s environment—not a ticket queue.
Compensation & Benefits: Competitive base salary (target range: $100,000–$130,000) Bonus opportunity Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) with company match Paid time off and holidays Long-term stability with ongoing investment in automation and engineering
Who This Role Is For:
This role is ideal for an engineer who: Enjoys hands-on automation and controls work Wants ownership from design through production Thrives in a collaborative, low-ego environment Is comfortable with variety and changing priorities Cares about building systems that actually run
If you want to design real machines, build them, and see them succeed in production, this role was built for you.
About ManpowerGroup, Parent Company of: Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells
ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells – creates substantial value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2022 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.