Controls Engineering Manager - Austin, TX metro

Merck•Austin, TX

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineering Manager to lead our talented engineering team and drive the development of high-quality controls solutions. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with strong leadership skills to mentor engineers, oversee project delivery, and contribute to our technical strategy. EMD Electronics is dedicated to being the trusted supplier of high-tech materials, services and specialty chemicals for the electronics, automotive and cosmetics industries. We foster a global collaborative organization made up of individuals who have the passion to win, obsess about the customer, are relentlessly curious and act with urgency. Together, we push the boundaries of science to make more possible for our customers. This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field
5+ years of controls engineering experience with focus on embedded systems or industrial automation
2+ years of people management experience leading engineering teams
Background in software development (languages like C/C++, Python, etc.)
Experience with embedded systems development and real-time operating systems (RTOS)
Proficiency with PLC programming and industrial automation systems (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell, etc.)
Experience with microcontrollers and embedded platforms (ARM, STM32, ESP32, Arduino, etc.)
Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, CAN, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, etc.)
Familiarity with database systems, time-series databases, and data structures
Experience with hardware-software integration and system testing
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Ability to balance technical excellence with business objectives
Experience with talent acquisition and team building
Conflict resolution and negotiation skills

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or related field
Experience managing distributed or remote teams
Background in industrial automation, manufacturing, or IoT systems
Experience with specific embedded technologies and PLC platforms relevant to our stack
Certifications in project management, agile methodologies, or industrial automation
Previous startup experience or experience in fast-growing companies
Experience with Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing, or Industrial IoT initiatives
Proven track record of delivering complex embedded systems or industrial automation projects
Experience with agile development methodologies in embedded/industrial environments

Responsibilities

Oversee the architecture, design, and implementation of embedded systems and industrial automation solutions
Ensure adherence to coding standards, best practices, and quality metrics for embedded and PLC software
Drive technical decisions and evaluate new embedded technologies, microcontrollers, and industrial platforms
Lead code reviews and provide technical guidance for embedded systems, PLC programming, and IoT integration
Collaborate with product management to define technical requirements for industrial and embedded applications
Manage hardware-software integration and system validation processes
Plan, execute, and deliver projects on time and within budget
Work with cross-functional teams including Product, Design, and QA
Implement and improve development processes (Agile, Scrum, Kanban)
Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies
Ensure proper documentation and knowledge sharing within the team
Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation
Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies
Drive innovation and continuous improvement in engineering practices
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of controls engineers
Conduct regular 1:1 meetings, performance reviews, and career development planning
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance team culture
Manage hiring, onboarding, and retention of engineering talent
Resolve team conflicts and remove obstacles to team success