Senior Controls & Project Lead Engineer

About Justrite Safety Group

At Justrite Safety Group, we're more than just a collection of industrial safety companies; we're a dynamic organization dedicated to protecting people, property, and the planet. Our ever-growing portfolio of companies collaborates to deliver advanced industrial safety solutions that set the standard for excellence.

As our business continues to grow, we continue to look for top talent to join our team as we lead the charge in revolutionizing industrial safety, ensuring that every worker returns home safe, every workplace remains secure, and our environment thrives for generations to come. With Justrite Safety Group, safety isn't just a priority—it's our passion.

The Contribution You’ll bring to this Role:

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Controls & Project Lead Engineer to join our engineering team. This role is critical in the design, development, programming, and implementation of control systems for automated equipment and process improvement. In addition, the successful candidate will work with cross-functional projects across multiple manufacturing sites, driving innovation and efficiency in mechanical and automation systems.

In this role, you will report directly to the Director of Advance Manufacturing, setting the stage for your career to soar! This role is your gateway to opportunities for advancement, with the potential to grow within the organization in 3-5 years as you make meaningful contributions to our organizational goals.

About the Team:

The Advanced Manufacturing Team at Justrite Safety Group is a dynamic, cross-functional group of engineers and continuous‑improvement specialists dedicated to optimizing production operations and pioneering process innovation. They work collaboratively to enhance efficiency, reliability, and quality across modern manufacturing environments—designing cutting‑edge tooling, implementing lean and Six Sigma methodologies, and deploying advanced machine and automation solutions. Guided by a shared mission to deliver consistent, safe, and high‑performance production of safety-critical products—from chemical safety cabinets and spill-control systems to ergonomic and motion‑safety equipment—the team is integral to ensuring that Justrite’s operations not only meet but exceed regulatory and quality standards while driving sustainable growth.

What You’ll Do at Justrite:

Controls Engineering

• Design, develop, and implement control systems for automation equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Program, test, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems including Allen Bradley, Siemens, Omron, and Mitsubishi platforms.
• Commission new control systems ensuring they meet performance and specification requirements.
• Analyze system data, diagnose issues, and apply corrective actions to improve system reliability and safety.
• Provide technical support and maintenance for existing control systems.
• Maintain detailed and accurate documentation for all control system components and software.
• Utilize control system design tools and simulation software to model and optimize processes.

Project Leadership

• Lead automation & process improvement projects from concept through execution across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Develop, manage, and maintain project schedules using project scheduling software.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure all project milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance overall system performance.
• Analyze mechanical systems and identify opportunities for improvements or redesigns.
• Provide leadership in problem-solving and troubleshooting of both mechanical and control systems.
• Create financial models for savings to justify capital investments.

Your Skills and Expertise:

To ensure your success from day one in this role, Justrite requires the following qualifications at a minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in control systems engineering and project management.
• Willingness to travel 40-50% of the time to different manufacturing sites.

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

• Strong troubleshooting skills for both control and mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in programming and commissioning a wide range of PLC systems (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi).
• Familiarity with SCADA, HMI, and i