Automation and Controls Engineering Manager

Company Description

Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. is an industry-leading innovation company focused on creating smarter, safer and more beautiful homes and improving lives. Our driving purpose is that we elevate every life by transforming spaces into havens. We believe our work and our brands can have incredibly positive impacts for not just our business and shareholders, but for people and the planet, too. When you join Fortune Brands, you become part of a high-performing team who are empowered to think big, learn fast and make bold decisions. We support an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone is encouraged and empowered to be their authentic selves, and where our differences and unique perspectives are a key strength. Explore life at Fortune Brands here

Job Description

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.

YOUR ROLE:

• Leadership & Team Development
  • 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.

• Controls Engineering & Project Delivery
  • 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.

• Operations Support & Reliability
  • 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.

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
  • 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.

• Safety & Compliance
  • 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.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in engineering, automation, controls, or maintenance operations, with at least 2+ years in a leadership or project management role.
• Technical Expertise
  • Hands-on experience with Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation platforms (ControlLogix, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk, RSLinx).
  • Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming, integration of robotics, variable frequency drives (PowerFlex series), motion control, and SCADA systems.
  • Strong knowledge of industrial networking, Ethernet/IP, and system integration.
• Leadership & Problem-Solving
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, manage cross-functional projects, and engage stakeholders at all levels.
  • Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills in high-volume manufacturing or distribution environments.
• Continuous Improvement & Project Execution
  • Experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, or other CI methodologies to improve system performance.
  • Proven track record in leading automation projects, including design, vendor management, commissioning, and handoff.
• Soft Skills