Controls Engineering Manager at Vobev

Vobev is the first independent can maker and filler in North America to streamline the beverage supply chain under one roof in a 1.3 million sq ft facility, shrinking lead times, reducing costs, and lowering the carbon footprint. Our culture, built on Safety, Quality, and People, fosters innovation and collaboration in an inclusive environment. We're passionate about building world-class drinkable brands and need a pioneering team to deliver on this vision. Join us to disrupt the industry and make a difference every day.

SUMMARY

The Controls Engineering Manager will lead the design, development, and optimization of advanced control systems for can-making and can-filling manufacturing operations. This role involves strategic oversight of automation projects, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring that systems are fully integrated and scalable to meet the long-term needs of the facility. The ideal candidate will have significant expertise in control systems, be capable of managing cross-functional teams, and drive continuous improvement initiatives for enhanced productivity and efficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Automation Strategy & Leadership: Develop long-term automation strategies to align with business goals and ensure scalability of manufacturing operations.
• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of complex control systems, including advanced PLCs, robotics, HMI, SCADA systems, and other automated equipment.
• Serve as the technical expert on automation and control systems, providing guidance and support to both engineering teams and leadership.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of automation engineers or technicians, fostering growth and ensuring successful project execution. Including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees
• Oversee the training and development of staff on control system best practices and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, and IT departments, as well as external vendors and contractors.
• Project Management & Oversight: Lead large-scale automation projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet performance objectives.
• Define project scope, resource allocation, and timelines in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain high-level documentation of all systems, including design specifications, risk assessments, and test procedures.
• System Integration & Optimization: Oversee the integration of control systems across multiple manufacturing lines, ensuring seamless operation, real-time data acquisition, and minimal downtime.
• Continuously evaluate and improve system performance by analyzing key metrics, implementing predictive maintenance, and upgrading equipment as necessary.
• Ensure that control systems meet both internal safety protocols and external regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, ISO).
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize automation processes, reduce production costs, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Research and implement cutting-edge technologies in automation, robotics, and data analytics (e.g., Industry 4.0, machine learning) to keep the facility at the forefront of innovation.
• Lead efforts to standardize control systems across multiple production lines or facilities.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure that all control systems are designed with safety as a priority, complying with safety regulations such as OSHA, GMPs, and industry-specific standards.
• Develop risk assessments, including failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), to identify and mitigate potential safety and reliability issues.

Why Join Us: Vobev offers a comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, disability, 401(k), paid holidays and PTO with opportunities for professional growth and development in a collaborative and supportive work environment. We are committed to safety and quality in all aspects of what we do. Vobev is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred with
• 7+ years of experience in automation and control systems within a manufacturing environment, preferably in can-making, filling, or packaging industries.
• Leadership experience, managing and mentoring teams and leading large-scale automation projects.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies, machine learning, or data analytics for process optimization.
• Extensive hands-on experience with advanced PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), SCADA systems, robotics, and industrial communication protocols.
• Strong background in systems integration, data acquisition, and control architecture design.
• Expert-level proficiency in programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and industrial networks.
• Experience in project management, including planning, budgeting, and stakeholder communication.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience in project management, including planning, budgeting, and stakeholder communication.

Physical Demands: The Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands to finger, handle and feel objects, tools, and controls. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee may be required to lift objects such as equipment parts, tools, and supplies, which could vary in weight. Company safe lifting guidelines or restrictions must be followed to ensure the safety and well-being of employee. Employees should complete proper training on safe lifting techniques and the use of lifting aids or equipment provided to minimize the risk of injury. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Vobev is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation

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