Senior Controls Engineer – Path to Engineering Manager

If you're an experienced Controls Engineer who's ready to take the next step into management but still enjoys the hands-on technical side of automation, this is a pretty unique opportunity. We're working with a long-established custom machine builder in the Dayton area that's looking for a mid-to-senior level Controls Engineer to eventually take over leadership of its Controls Engineering department. The current Controls Engineering Manager is preparing to transition into a director position, with that transition expected within the next 12 months, potentially sooner. The goal is to bring someone in who can get familiar with the equipment, team, and processes before stepping into the management role. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to continue designing, programming, and commissioning custom automation equipment while working directly alongside the current manager to prepare for that next step. And unlike many custom automation positions, travel is only around 0–10%, with a dedicated field service team handling most customer-site work. What you'll be working onPLC/HMI programming and development, primarily Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Electrical controls design and schematics using AutoCAD Electrical Taking ownership of controls projects from design through testing and commissioningVFDs, motors, sensors, instrumentation, and industrial networking Custom equipment builds, upgrades, rebuilds, and retrofits Equipment debugging, troubleshooting, and factory acceptance testing (FAT) Working closely with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and field service teams Learning the team's operations and gradually taking on leadership responsibilities in preparation for the management transition

Previous management experience isn't required. The ideal person is a technically strong engineer who's ready to move into leadership and wants the opportunity to learn directly from the current manager before taking over the position. Why this opportunity stands out Direct path to Engineering Management – Being hired specifically to succeed the current Controls Engineering Manager Expected transition within 12 months – Potentially sooner, depending on timing0–10% travel – Dedicated field service team handles most customer-site work Hands-on engineering – Continue working with custom equipment, PLC programming, and electrical design Work-life balance – Generally a 40-hour workweek with flexible start and finish times Technical variety – Custom automation equipment across multiple industrial applications Established company – Long-standing OEM with a collaborative engineering environment If you're a Controls Engineer who's been looking for the right opportunity to move into management without giving up the technical work you enjoy, I'd love to connect.