Senior Automation Controls Engineer

This position is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and optimization of automated manufacturing systems across La-Z-Boy operations. This role provides technical leadership primarily in controls engineering, but also mechanical, robotics, machine integration, and digital manufacturing initiatives to improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance. This position will partner with safety, manufacturing, maintenance, quality, IT, and external suppliers to deliver reliable automation solutions that support safety, modernizing manufacturing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement objectives.

Job Description:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

Automation & Controls Engineering

• Lead controls architecture development for new automation and capital equipment projects.
• Design, develop, program, and support PLC, HMI, SCADA, motion control, and industrial network systems.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, controls documentation, network diagrams, and technical standards.
• Develop and troubleshoot automation systems utilizing industry-standard platforms such as:
  • Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley)
  • Siemens
  • Omron
  • Beckhoff
  • Ignition SCADA
• Integrate robotics, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, and automated material handling equipment.
• Participates in cross functional meetings, seminars, vendor trips, and training sessions to effectively investigate and evaluate new technology advancements and equipment developments

Project Management

• Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning and production launch.
• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, budgets, and implementation schedules.
• Manage automation vendors, system integrators, and contractors.
• Ensure projects meet safety, quality, performance, and financial objectives.

Manufacturing Support

• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for new automation production equipment and controls systems.
• Analyze recurring equipment failures and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Improve machine uptime, throughput, reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to reduce labor content through automation and process improvements.
• Support modernizing manufacturing initiatives.
• Utilize data collection and analytics tools to drive performance improvements.
• Champion standardization of controls hardware, software, and engineering practices across facilities.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Serve as a subject matter expert in controls engineering and automation technologies.
• Mentor controls engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel.

SCOPE & IMPACT: 

This position is responsible for the specification, design, execution, and tracking of new automation manufacturing equipment to support modernizing our manufacturing processes by leveraging and collaborating with cross functional teams to successfully complete and implement first-of-kind automation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related technical field with 8-10 years of experience in industrial controls, automation engineering, and manufacturing systems, or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience leading automation projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming, HMI development, industrial networking, and machine controls.
• Up to 25% travel or as required to support projects

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: 

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience within furniture, consumer goods, automotive, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Industry 4.0, IIoT, MES, and digital transformation initiatives.
• SolidWorks 3D and/or AutoCAD experience developing mechanical parts, systems, and facility drawings

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No direct reports

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Often required to sit, repetitive hand motion (such as typing), hear, listen, talk, stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb stairs, crawl reach overhead push/pull and lift up to 30 pounds. Seldom required to Climb ladders, kneel, squat, crouch, balance or lift up over 50 pounds.

OTHER DUTIES:  Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit offerings to employees and their families include: Medical, Vision, Dental and Basic Life Insurance, available 401k retirement plan with company match of up to 6%. Paid time off includes: 9-11 paid holidays each year, two weeks’ prorated vacation as a new hire and either personal time (non-exempt only) or state mandated sick time.

More information can be found via:

If this role requires travel / driving in order to perform the key responsibilities outlined above, candidates must be able to meet the qualifications noted in the company’s Driver Management Program to be considered for the role.