Controls Engineering and Automation Manager

Fortune Brands Innovations • New London, NC

82d

About The Position

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Promote a 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing