Test & Automation Engineering Supervisor - Manufacturing

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 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:

Required (Basic) 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 

Skills:

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 requirements
• Experience with developing and debugging test equipment, executable software, and code using LabVIEW (NI)
• Demonstrated experience in leadership
• Project management experience

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