Controls Engineering Manager

Cleanwater1, Inc. (CW1), one of the most dynamic and fastest growing companies in the water infrastructure market, seeks an experienced Controls Engineering Manager to develop and lead its centralized control panel fabrication process across all its subsidiary companies. Through its subsidiaries, CW1 offers a portfolio of proprietary and patented technologies targeting water and wastewater treatment, including on-site hypochlorite generation equipment, polymer activation systems, chemical feed systems, and potable water mixing and treatment systems.

The Controls Engineering Manager will play a crucial role in the design, programming, and assembly of control panels within the manufacturing environment of CW1's operating companies. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail to ensure the efficiency and consistency of our production processes and the reliability of our control systems.

The Controls Engineering Manager will report to the COO of CW1. This position will be responsible for leading all controls-related functions within the current and future organizational structure. This full-time position can be located at any of our current facilities (Milpitas, CA; Louisville, CO; Grain Valley, MO; or Vineland, NJ).

Essential Job Functions

• Build and manage a team, operating across multiple manufacturing locations and product lines, to do the following:

• Control Panel Design: Develop electrical schematics and layout designs for control panels based on project requirements and specifications and in compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

• Programming: Write, test, and debug PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) software for control systems.

• Component Selection and Standardization: Identify and specify appropriate components, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and other hardware, based on project requirements and budget constraints. Evaluate technical specifications and performance characteristics to ensure compatibility and reliability.

• Assembly Support: Provide technical guidance and assistance to assembly technicians during the fabrication of control panels. Verify proper wiring, connections, and mounting of components to meet design specifications and quality standards.

• Testing and Troubleshooting: Develop and implement quality control processes to conduct functional testing and validation of control systems to verify performance, accuracy, and reliability. Diagnose and resolve issues related to electrical wiring, programming errors, or component failures to minimize downtime and production delays.

• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed documentation, including wiring diagrams, programming manuals, and testing procedures. Ensure accurate record-keeping of design changes, revisions, and configurations for future reference and compliance purposes.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and quality improvement within the control panel design and assembly process. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement innovative solutions and best practices.

• Establish and maintain an in-depth understanding of the products and services offered to, and needs of, customers of CW1.

• Provide general planning and budgeting, including directing effort and coordination of internal and external resources.

• Provide system technical management, configuration, and new feature implementation and upgrades.

• Manage departmental employees and their activities, including hiring and termination, approving timecards, managing overtime, overall performance management, conducting performance appraisals and providing coaching and guidance, training and development, analyzing and resolving work problems, and discipline.

• Lead team to achieve goals; promote and demonstrate effective communication and positive culture.

• Maintain and support a superior safety and housekeeping program, including all timely communication initiatives.

• Collaborate with other departments and local facility management as necessary to facilitate effective operation of departmental activities.

• Implement projects as assigned by COO and perform other job-related duties as assigned or as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or related field.

• Proven 5+ years of experience in control panel design, PLC programming, and industrial automation.

• 2+ years' experience in a supervisory role.

• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, EPLAN) for electrical schematics and layout design.

• Strong knowledge of PLC (Allen Bradley) programming languages (e.g., ladder logic, function block diagram) and HMI development tools.

• Familiarity with electrical codes and standards (e.g., NEC, UL) for industrial control systems.

• Hands-on experience with electrical assembly techniques and familiarity with common electrical components.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong computer skills including the ability to prepare spreadsheets and use Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Power Point and/or Access) to analyze data trends and for reporting and recordkeeping.

• Strong hands-on user of MRP/ERP software systems.

• Ability to read and review blueprints, plans, specifications, and other documentation.

• Availability to work Monday through Friday, with ability and willingness to work weekends and adapt to changing work schedules.

• Willingness to travel regularly between CW1 facilities, to customer locations, and occasionally internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid passport with ability to travel internationally.

• Valid driver's license.

• Prior experience in the water or wastewater industry.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools or controls.

• Ability to perform work in a standing, stooping, sitting or bending position for extended periods of time.

• Must have manual dexterity to operate the equipment and tools required for this position.

• Must be able to quickly respond (with hand, finger or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it responds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 40 lbs.

• Ability to look at computer monitors for much of the workday.

Work Environment

• Approximately 60% Office.

• Approximately 40% Light Industrial

• May be exposed to areas of high noise levels, hazardous propellants, chemicals and industrial facilities. Appropriate PPE and training will be provided for all conditions.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This is an exempt position. Compensation is dependent on skill level. Benefits package and incentives are provided.

Qualified applicants should submit their resume when responding to this advertisement. No phone calls, please.

Cleanwater1 and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers supporting workforce diversity

• M/F/ Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their gender identity or expression, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status or medical condition.

Cleanwater1, inc. and its affiliated subsidiaries maintain a drug-free workplace.