Controls Engineering Supervisor

Controls Engineering Supervisor

The Controls Engineering Supervisor leads a team of controls engineers and technicians in a large manufacturing facility that produces commercial shelving and racking systems. This role oversees new equipment and expansion projects, manages project timelines and budgets, and drives automation and controls initiatives across the plant. The supervisor spends significant time on the production floor, working closely with operations to ensure reliable, efficient, and safe performance of automated systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of 8–9 controls engineers and technicians supporting new and existing automation equipment.
• Oversee controls and automation aspects of the facility's expansion and new equipment associated with Project Dylan.
• Plan, manage, and track project timelines and budgets to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of automation and controls projects.
• Delegate work effectively across the team, ensuring clear priorities, ownership, and accountability for assigned tasks.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership for PLC programming, HMI development, and troubleshooting of automated systems.
• Support and optimize Allen-Bradley PLC-based control systems throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to electrical controls, automation, and production equipment to minimize downtime.
• Work with robotic welding systems, including Fanuc robotics, to support and improve robotic weld and welding automation processes.
• Collaborate closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to support daily operations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead and support automation initiatives that improve safety, quality, throughput, and reliability of sheet metal and shelving production.
• Monitor and maintain controls documentation, including programs, schematics, and configuration records, to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement control system enhancements to support long-term operational goals.
• Serve as a key point of contact for controls-related issues on the production floor, providing guidance and technical direction.
• Support the onboarding, training, and development of team members to build strong technical and leadership capabilities within the group.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience as a leader or supervisor within an automated manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Strong controls and automation experience in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, particularly with Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Experience with HMI programming and interface development for automated systems.
• Hands-on troubleshooting skills for controls, automation, and electrical engineering issues.
• Experience with robotics, including Fanuc robotic systems and robotic welding applications.
• Experience in supporting weld equipment and welding robotics in a production environment.
• Project management experience, including managing budgets and keeping project timelines on track.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and coordinate a team of engineers and technicians.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional production and engineering teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, particularly with sheet metal and shelving or similar products.
• Familiarity with large-scale facility expansions and integration of new automation equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives in controls and automation.
• Interest in career growth into higher-level leadership roles within engineering and operations.
• Comfort working in a hands-on, floor-focused engineering role in a manufacturing setting.

Work Environment

The role is based in a very large manufacturing facility that produces sheet metal components and commercial shelving units similar to those found in major retail stores. The building is older but has recently undergone an expansion with newly installed equipment and modernized automation systems. Engineers and supervisors spend most of their time on the production floor, working directly alongside production and support teams on active projects and daily operations. The work environment offers a flexible schedule, casual dress, and a laid-back culture that emphasizes collaboration and approachability. The organization has a long-established presence in the industry with significant market share and provides strong opportunities for growth and advancement, including pathways from engineering into leadership roles. While on a contract-to-hire basis, employees receive 6 paid holidays, 3 weeks of accrued vacation, and a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage available on the first day of employment. Upon conversion to direct employment, the benefits expand to include a 401(k) with employer match, an Employee Assistance Program, an Educational Assistance Program, career development programs, company bonus potential of up to 5% every six months (up to 10% per year), 10 paid holidays, 3 weeks of accrued vacation, and continued access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits from the first day.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middlebury, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Middlebury, IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.