What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineering Manager position at Sterling Engineering Inc.?
Electrical Controls Engineering Manager
West Michigan (Relocation Available)
Full-Time | Direct Hire
Minimal to No Travel
Full-Time | Direct Hire
Minimal to No Travel
A well-established custom automation and industrial systems integrator is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineering Manager to lead and support a growing controls engineering team. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys staying technical while guiding engineers through complex, customer-driven automation projects.
The company specializes in custom automated systems for automotive and truck manufacturing, including adhesive lines, bonding systems, and robotic automation.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Lead a team of Controls Engineers and Test Engineers
- Hands-on programming — not a desk-only management role
- Minimal to no travel
- Flexible work schedule
- Stable organization with ~100 employees
- Strong, repeat customer base in automotive and truck manufacturing
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Controls and Robot Engineers
- Oversee PLC, HMI, and robotic control system design for custom automation projects
- Review and approve programs, safety layouts, schematics, and documentation
- Act as the technical escalation point for complex automation challenges
- Collaborate closely with Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, and Sales
- Interface directly with customers on technical reviews and project execution
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, quality requirements, and regulatory expectations
Technology Environment
- PLCs: Allen-Bradley (primary)
- Robotics: Fanuc (primary), some ABB
- Automation Focus:
- Adhesive and bonding systems
- Automotive and truck body components
- Robotic material handling and assembly
What We’re Looking For
- 10 years of automation controls experience
- Prior leadership or team-lead experience in a custom automation environment
- Strong Allen-Bradley PLC programming background
- Fanuc robot programming experience (ABB a plus)
- Comfortable being hands-on when projects demand it
- Customer-facing experience and strong communication skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or equivalent experience
Reporting Structure
- Reports to the Managing Director, with direct visibility to executive leadership
Location & Relocation
- Preference for Midwest-based candidates
- Relocation assistance is available
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.