Overview:CEC Controls is seeking an experienced Engineering Team Leader to lead our Michigan Process Controls group, serving the water and wastewater sector. The ideal candidate brings hands-on expertise across the full control systems lifecycle - design, engineering, startup, testing, and implementation - within water/wastewater and related process industries.
This is a leadership role that pairs strong technical acumen with proven capability in project management and team leadership, guiding both projects and people to successful outcomes.
Location: Lansing/Oakland County/Warren- Southeast Michigan (approximately 75% work from home, 25% on jobsite)
Responsibilities:- Provide technical leadership across multiple process automation projects, primarily within the water/wastewater industries, including engineering guidance as required
- Design automation control systems from customer specifications, including PLC/control panels, SCADA systems, and OT networks
- Program automation and control systems involving PLCs and HMIs (OIT & SCADA)
- Develop electrical and P&ID drawings; specify electrical equipment, automation components, and instrumentation based on calculations, customer specifications, and engineering principles; facilitate coordination across CAD, field wiring, and shop functions
- Lead power-up, debugging, and calibration of water/wastewater and other process control systems
- Drive standardization in project execution across teams and branches by following company processes and checklists, and supporting development of standardized design platforms
- Ensure engineers have the resources and support needed to perform their project duties successfully and on schedule
- Coordinate with customers and interface directly with clients to resolve technical issues, supporting project management and business development
- Build and maintain relationships with internal and external customers, as well as key suppliers
- Perform project engineering duties as needed, including tracking schedules and progress to help ensure project commitments are met on time and within budget
- Support the business development team through participation in client meetings and proposal development
- Review job specifications and assist with proposal estimates
Skills & Qualifications: - Bachelor's or associate degree in engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant work experience with a technical degree
- 10+ years of experience in the process automation (instrumentation and controls) industry
- Skilled in PLC programming using platforms such as RSLogix/Studio 5000, Siemens Step 7 (TIA Portal), Opto22 PAC Control; relevant system certifications are a plus
- Skilled in developing and maintaining HMI/SCADA applications such as FactoryTalk View, Ignition, VTScada, Wonderware, iFIX, PAC Display, Groov View; relevant system certifications are a plus
- Experience designing electrical control panels in accordance with UL508A standards, including specification of hardware and network architecture
- Familiarity with design requirements for hazardous locations (e.g., Class I, Division 1 and Division 2)
- Familiarity with industrial instrumentation such as pressure, flow, level, temperature, and analytical instruments
- Experience configuring and troubleshooting industrial networks, including managed ethernet switches, VLANs, VPN tunnels, MQTT, cellular routers, and firewalls
- Experience integrating fieldbus devices via EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP and HART
- Ability to read and red-line P&IDs and loop drawings
- Experience performing factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT), as well as on-site startup, commissioning, and client training
- Working knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations (ISA, UL, NEC, IEEE, NFPA, OSHA, etc.)
- Experience with estimating and proposal development for industrial controls projects is desirable
- Strong attention to detail in maintaining accurate drawings, files, bills of materials, and equipment/spare parts specifications
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with clients, staff, contractors, and project stakeholders in a team environment
- Proven ability to manage a team of control engineers on a daily basis, including organizing schedules, setting priorities, and allocating resources across multiple concurrent projects
- Ability to participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and scope development for new bids
- Valid driver's license and ability to pass background checks for access to municipal and industrial sites
- Ability to travel as needed, up to 25% annually
- Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship from CEC is required
Physical Requirements:- Able to climb a 2-story ladder.
- Can walk a mile in 20 minutes.
- Be able to cover, on foot, a reasonable distance on a job site.
- Able to lift 30 lbs. without difficulty.
What We Offer:- Competitive salary
- Full benefits (health, dental, vision, 401k match, life/disability)
- Mileage compensation and travel expenses for site work
- Ongoing work on a diverse mix of municipal and industrial automation projects across Michigan
