Automation and Controls Engineering Manager

Job Description

As the Manager of Automation and Controls Engineering, you will play a critical role in driving the reliable operation, optimization, and innovation of Fiberon’s automated manufacturing and distribution systems at the three New London Fiberon facilities. You will lead a team of skilled controls engineers and technicians, ensuring safe, efficient, and cutting‑edge performance across conveyors, robotics, PLCs, drives, and facility‑wide automated systems.

This position is ideal for a leader with strong technical expertise in controls and automation who is passionate about mentoring teams, driving continuous improvement, and implementing advanced technologies to enable a high‑performing, world‑class facility.

• Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of controls engineers and technicians, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Establish clear goals, performance standards, and training pathways to build technical excellence within the team.
• Controls Engineering & Project Delivery
  • Oversee design, programming, and implementation of automation and controls systems, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, drives, and SCADA systems.
  • Lead controls‑related capital projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring systems meet safety, quality, and performance requirements.
  • Serve as the subject‑matter expert (SME) for automation during new equipment installations, retrofits, and system upgrades.
• Operations Support & Reliability
  • Partner with maintenance and operations teams to troubleshoot complex electrical and controls issues, driving root‑cause analysis and sustainable solutions.
  • Support preventative and predictive maintenance strategies to reduce downtime and increase equipment reliability.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
  • Identify and implement automation improvements to enhance safety, throughput, and cost savings.
  • Champion lean principles and CI methodologies (5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma) to streamline processes and improve operational performance.
  • Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies, recommending innovative solutions to strengthen Fiberon’s automation capabilities.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Promote strong safety culture by ensuring all systems and processes comply with OSHA, NFPA 70E, and other regulatory standards.
  • Provide technical leadership to prevent accidents, address unsafe behaviors, and ensure electrical/controls work is executed to the highest standards.

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in engineering, automation, controls, or maintenance operations, with at least 2+ years in a leadership or project management role.
• Technical Expertise
  • Hands‑on experience with Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation platforms (Control Logix, Studio 5000, Factory Talk, RSLinx).
  • Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming, integration of robotics, variable frequency drives (Power Flex series), motion control, and SCADA systems.
  • Strong knowledge of industrial networking, Ethernet/IP, and system integration.
• Leadership & Problem‑Solving
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, manage cross‑functional projects, and engage stakeholders at all levels.
  • Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills in high‑volume manufacturing or distribution environments.
• Continuous Improvement & Project Execution
  • Experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, or other CI methodologies to improve system performance.
  • Proven track record in leading automation projects, including design, vendor management, commissioning, and hand‑off.
• Soft Skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to collaborate with operations, IT, maintenance, and corporate stakeholders.
  • Detail‑oriented, safety‑focused, and proactive in identifying risks and opportunities.

Fortune Brands believes in fair and equitable pay. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is Hiring Pay Range: $107,000 USD - $170,000 USD. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not…