Electrical Controls Engineering Manager - Industrial Automation at Zen Sherpa LLC

Location: Lebanon, Oregon or Henderson, Nevada

Work Arrangement: On-site

Relocation: Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

Search: Nationwide

Electrical & Controls Engineering Manager – Industrial Automation

A growing industrial manufacturer is seeking an experienced Electrical & Controls Engineering Manager to lead electrical, controls, automation, and instrumentation engineering.

This is a nationwide search. The position may be based in either Lebanon, Oregon or Henderson, Nevada, and relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

This is a hands-on engineering leadership role for an experienced technical leader who combines deep knowledge of industrial electrical and control systems with a proven ability to lead engineers, projects, and modernization initiatives.

You'll play a key role in improving reliability, modernizing electrical and control systems, developing engineering talent, and leading capital projects from concept through commissioning.

Requirements

What You'll Do

• Lead, develop, and manage a team of 20+ engineering professionals, including experienced senior engineers and technical specialists.
• Build a collaborative, accountable engineering culture while effectively leading professionals with varying levels of experience and technical expertise.
• Coach, mentor, and develop engineering talent while setting clear expectations and priorities.
• Provide technical leadership for electrical distribution, motor controls, instrumentation, and automation systems.
• Guide the design, implementation, and modernization of PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and industrial network systems.
• Review and approve engineering designs, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Lead capital and modernization projects from concept and design through installation and commissioning.
• Troubleshoot complex electrical and control system issues and support root-cause analysis.
• Drive improvements in equipment reliability, system performance, and operational safety.
• Ensure compliance with applicable NEC, NFPA, OSHA, ISA, and IEEE standards.
• Coordinate with operations, maintenance, contractors, system integrators, and equipment suppliers.
• Develop engineering standards and support continuous improvement and change-management initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in electrical engineering, industrial automation, or control systems engineering.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing a sizable engineering team or organization, ideally 15–20+ technical professionals.
• Proven ability to lead highly experienced engineers and technical experts, establish accountability, build consensus, and earn the respect of a technically accomplished team.
• Strong people-management skills, including coaching, mentoring, performance management, team development, and organizational leadership.
• Strong knowledge of industrial electrical systems, including MCCs, VFDs, instrumentation, and electrical distribution.
• Hands-on knowledge of PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and industrial network architectures.
• Experience leading engineering projects from design through installation and commissioning.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, communication, and project leadership skills.

Preferred

• PE license.
• Master's degree in engineering, engineering management, or business.
• Experience within industrial manufacturing or process industries.
• PMP, automation, controls, or reliability-related certification.
• Experience with industrial cybersecurity and modern connected manufacturing technologies.
• Experience leading electrical or controls modernization and reliability initiatives.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Lead an accomplished team: Manage and develop an engineering organization of 20+ professionals, including experienced senior engineers and technical experts.
• Make an organizational impact: Shape engineering culture, accountability, standards, talent development, and technical direction.
• Stay technically engaged: Bring the technical credibility necessary to guide complex engineering decisions while empowering experienced engineers to own their areas of expertise.
• Modernize the operation: Help drive controls upgrades, electrical modernization, reliability improvements, and capital investments.
• Develop engineering talent: Mentor engineers, strengthen leadership capabilities, and build the team's long-term technical depth.
• Own major initiatives: Lead projects from concept and design through contractor coordination, installation, startup, and commissioning.

Benefits

• Annual Base Salary + 10% annual performance bonus
• Medical insurance options
• Traditional PPO with optional medical FSA
• High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dependent care FSA
• 401(k) with 4% employer match
• Paid time off
• Employer‑paid short‑term disability, long‑term disability, basic life, and AD&D
• Employee assistance program
• Optional voluntary life insurance
• Pet insurance
• Tuition reimbursement