Automation & Controls Engineering Manager at Ajulia Executive Search – San Jose, California

• Location: San Jose, California
• Type: Direct Hire
• Job #26158

Are you ready to take on a leadership role in advanced manufacturing and automation? This opportunity as an Automation & Controls Engineering Manager offers a competitive salary along with an excellent benefits package including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off. Does this position align with your experience leading automation strategy, controls systems, and engineering teams? Then this role could be the right fit for you.

Summary:
We are seeking an Automation & Controls Engineering Manager to lead full-scale automation strategy and execution within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role will focus on building and managing a high-performing engineering team, while developing scalable control systems that drive efficiency, reliability, and safety across production operations. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience along with deep technical expertise in industrial automation, controls systems, and factory integration.

As an Automation & Controls Engineering Manager, You Will:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of automation and controls engineers
• Define and implement the overall automation and controls strategy for manufacturing operations
• Establish standards for hardware platforms, software systems, and communication protocols
• Oversee controls engineering deliverables for capital equipment projects from concept through production ramp
• Manage external vendors, system integrators, and machine builders, including design reviews and approvals
• Develop and maintain standardized control systems and code libraries to improve efficiency and reliability
• Ensure compliance with machine safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate automation systems with MES, SCADA, and ERP platforms
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex automation and control system issues
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system performance and scalability

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls systems
• 3+ years of leadership or management experience
• Strong experience designing and implementing full factory automation systems
• Expertise in PLC programming (Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff, or similar platforms)
• Experience with motion control systems, robotics integration, and machine vision
• Knowledge of MES, HMI, SCADA, and ERP system integration
• Experience reviewing electrical designs and schematics (NFPA 79, UL 508A)
• Proven ability to manage vendors, integrators, and cross-functional teams
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience in power electronics, EV, battery, or advanced manufacturing environments
• Background building or scaling automation teams or departments
• Experience with digital twin or virtual commissioning technologies
• Proficiency with EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical

Education:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(K) with company match
• Paid Time Off and holidays
• Retirement plan

Salary: $170K-$220K

Ask for: Hersha Dwyer

Job Id: 26158

Ajulia Executive Search is a New Jersey based Executive Search Firm specializing in retained searches in multiple sectors, including Manufacturing, Finance, IT, Legal, and Pharmaceutical. We have a nationwide client base and offer services in temporary and direct hire placements.

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