Director of Controls & Instrumentation

Sedron Technologies • Chicago, IL

25d • $155,000 - $220,000

About The Position

Sedron Technologies is hiring a talented Director of Controls & Instrumentation to work at our Chicago, IL office or Bellingham or Sedro-Woolley, WA office!
Sedron is a leading provider of circular waste management technologies for agricultural manure and municipal biosolids processing, deploying facilities across several North American regions. Since its founding in 2014, Sedron has pioneered innovative solutions, including the patented Varcor® system, to transform waste into clean water, organic fertilizer, and carbon-negative commodities. With strong engineering expertise, Sedron’s processes reduce nutrient pollution, lower operational expenses, and promote sustainability at a fraction of traditional costs.
The Director of Controls & Instrumentation operates at the intersection of engineering innovation and operational excellence, combining deep expertise in PLC/SCADA architecture, industrial instrumentation, and control system design with the leadership capability to build and develop a high-performing team of engineers and automation specialists. This role sets the technical direction for electrical and controls standards, ensures compliance with applicable codes and regulations (UL 508A, NFPA, NEC, ISA, IEC), and leads the full lifecycle of control systems—from early front-end engineering (FEL-2/FEL-3) through factory acceptance testing, commissioning, and ongoing operations.
Partnering cross-functionally with process, mechanical, and project engineering teams, the Director ensures that Sedron’s technologies are delivered safely, reliably, and on schedule. This is a highly visible opportunity for an experienced controls leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and is motivated to pair engineering rigor with meaningful environmental impact.
Because we design, build, commission, and operate our technologies, we are looking for individuals who can meet the following essential functions of the position:

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls/Automation Engineering, Instrumentation, or a related field
• 15+ years of experience in industrial automation, process controls, and instrumentation, including 5+ years leading engineering teams and capital projects
• Deep expertise in PLC programming and SCADA systems across major platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Ignition)
• Strong knowledge of industrial networks, communication protocols, and control system architecture
• Experience with process control strategies (e.g., PID, loop tuning, interlocks, safety systems)
• Proficiency in electrical design and documentation tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN)
• Familiarity with industrial cybersecurity standards and network segmentation practices
• Background in industrial or process manufacturing environments (e.g., chemical, wastewater, energy, or similar)
• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language
• Must be a US Citizen or legal permanent resident for this position. We are unable to sponsor any employment visas.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. Due to the nature of the work performed, this role is considered safety sensitive and as such all applicants will be subject to a pre-employment drug test, and background check after receiving a conditional offer of employment.

Nice To Haves

• PE license, ISA CAP, or equivalent; Lean/Six Sigma certification a plus
• Exposure to advanced technologies such as data historians, advanced process control (APC), or digital twins

Responsibilities

• Lead UL 508A compliance and establish electrical, instrumentation, and controls standards across all projects
• Define power distribution, control system architecture, and documentation standards (e.g., control narratives, I/O, network design)
• Establish and enforce PLC/SCADA coding standards, software architecture, DevOps practices, and cybersecurity protocols
• Oversee control hardware and software platform selection (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff) and system standardization
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of controls and automation engineers, including hiring, coaching, and performance management
• Set priorities, allocate resources, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and construction teams to integrate controls into system design and execution
• Develop scopes of work, support procurement, and ensure quality through FAT, commissioning, and system validation processes
• Drive reliable system delivery by minimizing commissioning risk and ensuring fully tested, functional systems
• Support operating facilities through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Evaluate and implement advanced control strategies, instrumentation, and data/monitoring solutions
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., NFPA, ISA, NEC, OSHA) and alignment with safety and EHS programs

Benefits

• Multiple medical, dental, and vision insurance options to keep you feeling your best
• 401(k) with employer matching — free money for future you
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays (plus 2 floating holidays to use your way)
• Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance
• FSA and HSA options with employer contributions
• Tuition reimbursement — we invest in your growth
• Casual work attire — no suits required (unless that’s your thing)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees