Lead Controls Engineer

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

We are looking for a Lead Electrical Controls Engineer to join our team! In this role, you will lead the design, coordination, and execution of electrical and automation projects across our manufacturing facilities. You will serve as a technical expert and mentor, driving innovation in automation, robotics, and energy efficiency while ensuring systems meet production and safety standards. If you're passionate about engineering leadership and driving impactful change in manufacturing environments, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee electrical controls projects across multiple facilities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Mentor and train Controls Engineers; promote knowledge sharing and best practices across the team.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, and Plant Services to scope and implement new and upgraded systems.
• Review and support Capital Investment Proposals to ensure accuracy and strategic alignment.
• Design electrical enclosures, sub-panels, and wiring diagrams in compliance with UL/CUL/CSA certifications and NFPA79 standards.
• Develop and maintain accurate documentation including software, programs, drawings, and BOMs.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, drives, and robotics systems (e.g., Allen Bradley, Siemens, Automation Direct, Fanuc).
• Conduct panel and machine acceptance testing both in-house and with OEMs.
• Provide hands-on and remote support for plant operations and maintenance teams.
• Travel up to 50% across the U.S. and Canada to support installations and provide onsite expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience designing electrical control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous leadership or mentoring experience preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage projects on time and within budget.
• Proficient in troubleshooting electrical components, AC/DC motors/drives, and PLCs.
• Skilled in modifying and creating PLC & HMI programs (Automation Direct, Siemens, Allen Bradley).
• Experience with AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical for electrical diagrams and panel layouts.
• Familiarity with:
  • Allen Bradley RSLogix 5, 500, Studio 5000
  • Kinetix Servo Drives & Motion
  • B&R Automation Studio
  • Fanuc Robotics
  • FactoryTalk View ME and Studio 5000 View Designer
  • Yaskawa and Allen Bradley VFDs

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Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

 Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

*100% paid by ADS.

Growth Opportunities & Global Presence: With a global network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers, ADS offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development in various locations around the world.

Inclusive and Creative Work Culture: ADS fosters a culture of passion, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to shape industry-leading solutions. We value diverse perspectives, recognizing that they drive better ideas, processes, and performance. Our workplace is built on respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ensuring every team member feels valued and contributes to our collective success.

Innovative & Sustainability Focused: Advanced Drainage Systems is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year.

Learn More: https://www.adspipe.com/about-us

ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.