Automation Controls Engineering Supervisor
Eaton · Kentwood, MI
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $97k–$143k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 3 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A management controls role at Eaton (industrial) in Kentwood, MI. Identify, develop, and implement automation solutions to support the build‑up of new production lines, with primary accountability for process control architecture, implementation, and reduction of manual touch time.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, Automation, CATIA / NX
- Base pay
- $97k–$143k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 55 other live controls postings in Michigan.
- Base pay
- About 8% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $79k–$143k, from 16 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 77%
- Robotics 64%
- PLC 61%
- New product launch 32%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 30%
- AutoCAD 23%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for CATIA / NX, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Eaton
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Eaton in Kentwood
1 other open role at this site.
- Senior Quality Assurance Engineer · Quality · Senior
Full description from EatonAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Provide controls engineering and automation leadership to improve Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) for new and existing products.
- ◆Identify, develop, and implement automation solutions to support the build‑up of new production lines, with primary accountability for process control architecture, implementation, and reduction of manual touch time.
- ◆Evaluate existing production and test automation solutions and provide technical direction, recommendations, and implementation support to improve test effectiveness, reliability, throughput, and scalability.
- ◆Provide hands-on test leadership for all production test equipment at the site
- ◆Manage the design, build, and verification of production test equipment through external and internal suppliers for Capital projects.
- ◆Ensure test equipment update
requirements
from Manufacturing Change Orders are implemented in a timely manner.
- ✓Promote Continuous Improvement mindset with testing plans and test equipment consolidation ideas in line with developing a 5-yr CAPEX plan.
- ✓Manage Test Engineer(s) and Technicians in test equipment troubleshooting and repair. Manage purchasing and maintaining spares for equipment and parts. Provide technical advice and guidance to this team. Create opportunities for growth and development for team members. Performance manage and coach high and low performers on the team effectively. Development of organizational capability/capacity and engineering/technical skills among staff to support the site and organization operating unit strategy. Maintenance of appropriate training programs to assure continuous learning.
- ✓Create and release drawings and schematics as updates are needed.
- ✓Perform troubleshooting and repair of test equipment.
- ✓Perform hands-on testing as required
- ✓Comply with Eaton’s high expectations for a safe work environment.
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science fields from an accredited institution
- ✓5+ years of experience within a manufacturing environment
- ✓3+ years of experience in manufacturing, sustaining, and/or test engineering
- ✓Must be able to work in the United States without corporate sponsorship now and within the future
- ✓This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., Green Card Holder), Political Asylee, or Refugee
requirements
- ✓Experience with developing and debugging test equipment, executable software, and code using LabVIEW (NI)
- ✓Demonstrated experience in leadership
- ✓Project management experience
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Eaton’s IS AER FMC division is currently seeking a Automation Controls Engineering Supervisor. This is a Full Time (M-F Daylight), onsite role based at our Aerospace Manufacturing plant in Grand Rapids, MI! Relocation benefits are available from within the United States!
Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
What you’ll do
The Controls Engineering Supervisor is responsible for driving technical and process excellence while providing strong people leadership and delivering timely results at Eaton’s Grand Rapids site. This role leads automation and test equipment initiatives supporting electro-mechanical actuator products, including actuators, controllers, motors, locking mechanisms and related components. The position balances hands-on technical contribution with supervisory responsibility, ensuring production test systems are robust, compliant, and aligned with manufacturing readiness goals.
Job
Preferred Criteria
- +Bachelor’s Degree in Controls, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering
- +Experience with testing electrical systems
- +Experience writing test procedures and reports
- +Knowledge and experience with DO-160 or MIL-STD testing
Skills
- •Knowledge of algorithm design and programming logic
- •Familiarity with root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action (CA) methodologies
- •Experience working with automation, control, and monitoring systems and software
- •Ability to install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain mechanical systems and electrical equipment
- •Understanding of standard operating procedures, engineering documentation, and electrical diagrams
- •Experience with automated test equipment and implementation
- •Knowledge of Catia, ProE, or other 3D design tools
- •Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- •Excellent facilitation skills, project management skills, and drive for results
- •Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, from production associates to the leadership team
All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates’ privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.
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