Manager, Industrial Controls Engineering

What we need 

Symbotic is seeking a Manager of 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. 

• Up to 25% travel may be required for employees located in proximity to our HQ in Wilmington, MA.

• 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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