Senior Controls Engineer / Project Manager

About the Role

Kitchener Executive Consultants Inc. has partnered with a multi-faceted organization that designs, manufactures, and distributes both proprietary branded products, as well as contract manufactured materials, sold into various industries including Automotive and Commercial/Industrial Construction. We are supporting the hire of a Senior Controls Engineer / Project Manager, reporting to the Director of Engineering & Maintenance.

This role is accountable for the design, development, and optimization of control systems, electrical and mechanical equipment, and plant machinery, while directly managing all Electrical upgrade projects. It combines both strategic oversight and hands-on execution, requiring the ability to lead complex projects while also providing direct technical support across operations and engineering functions.

Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle capital and improvement projects, from concept and design through budgeting, procurement, installation, and commissioning.
• Consistent evaluation of plant processes to identify and implement changes that enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety.
• Leadership and mentorship: guide and support operations, maintenance teams, and junior engineers, providing expertise in troubleshooting, programming, and component specification.
• Supervise contractors and skilled trades when necessary, while ensuring compliance with safety codes, risk assessments, and industry regulations.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of electrical/controls engineering experience in a medium to large manufacturing environment, ideally within capital intensive and process driven environments.
• A P.Eng designation is preferred.
• Proven project management experiences, including oversight of capital projects.
• Technical proficiency must include AutoCAD, PLC, HMI, and VFD programming (Siemens, Rockwell, ABB), as well as Safety PLC programming, risk assessments, and safeguarding implementation.
• Strong knowledge of industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, FTP, TCP/IP) is expected.
• Experience in vision systems such as Keyence or Cognex.
• Solid understanding of electrical codes, Arc Flash safety training, and prior experience supervising skilled trades in a unionized environment.

Compensation

Our Client's preferred Salary Target is $110,000 - $120,000. The hiring salary will be based on the selected candidate's experience and ability to support the organization.