Senior Manager, Industrial Controls Engineering

What we need

Symbotic is seeking a Senior Manager, Industrial Controls Engineering to lead a team of Controls Engineers

responsible for developing, testing, and maintaining PLC-based control software for industrial automation systems. Reporting to the Director of Industrial Control Systems R&D, this role combines hands-on technical leadership with people management, project delivery accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.

What you’ll do

• Directly manage a team of 6–8 PLC R&D Controls Engineers, providing day-to-day guidance and technical direction.

• Own delivery of PLC software milestones across multiple projects and programs.

• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, goal setting, and career development planning.

• Communicate status, risks, and technical tradeoffs clearly to stakeholders.

• Lead prototyping, testing, validation, and documentation of new control system concepts and electrical designs.

• Ensure high-quality, reliable, and maintainable PLC software design.

• Promote best practices in modular programming, version control, diagnostics, and documentation.

• Drive adoption of AI assisted programming, simulation, Digital Twins, and automated testing.

• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for complex or high-impact issues.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field.

•  Minimum of 7 years in industrial automation, controls engineering, and people management responsibility.

• Hands-on expertise with Rockwell Automation PLC platforms, Motion Control, Safety PLC Systems, OT networking, and industrial communication protocols.

• Experience with HMI/SCADA development, preferably Inductive Automation Ignition software.

• Exposure to AI assisted PLC code development, simulation tools, Digital Twins, and automated PLC testing.

• Ability to balance hands-on technical work with people leadership responsibilities.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Our environment

• Up to 60% of travel may be required. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive and/or fly to client locations and company HQ.

• The employee is responsible for owning a credit card and managing expenses personally to be reimbursed on a bi-weekly basis.

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The base range for this position in the posted location is $180,000.00 - $247,500.00 however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, 401K, PTO and/or other benefits.