Controls Engineering Supervisor

As a Controls Engineering Supervisor at Lincoln Electric, you will oversee and evaluate supplier quotes, lead the controls team in system design and development, ensure the accuracy and completeness of all electrical designs, and collaborate with mechanical engineers to realize project goals. Furthermore, you'll be responsible for implementing ISO controls processes in all projects and participating in design reviews with clients to ensure quality standards are met.

To qualify for the Controls Engineering Supervisor position at Lincoln Electric, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Electronics or Electrical Engineering along with a minimum of 3 years of experience in automation and controls engineering. Familiarity with controls hardware, pneumatic applications, and programming in PLC systems such as Rockwell or Siemens is also required.

Technical skills crucial for a Controls Engineering Supervisor at Lincoln Electric include proficiency in Rockwell PLC programming (RS Logix 5000, FactoryTalk Suite) or Siemens PLC systems (TIA portal, WinCC), hands-on experience with industrial communication protocols like Profinet and Ethernet/IP, and a strong understanding of IEC 61131-3 programming languages to effectively develop control solutions.

Lincoln Electric maintains quality in Controls Engineering projects by adhering to established ISO controls processes and implementing rigorous documentation practices. The Controls Engineering Supervisor will lead the team in design verification, participate in internal and external design reviews, and ensure all projects meet specific customer standards and regulatory requirements.

The work environment for a Controls Engineering Supervisor at Lincoln Electric is collaborative and supportive. You will be interacting with multiple teams, including project engineers and mechanical engineers. This role encourages innovation and problem-solving, with plenty of opportunities for professional growth and development in a forward-thinking company recognized for its engineering excellence.

To effectively answer this question, discuss your specific projects where you've utilized Rockwell PLCs or Siemens PLCs. Highlight the programming tasks you’ve accomplished, challenges faced, and how you overcame them. Providing metrics or results from these projects can also demonstrate your impact.

In responding to this question, detail your project management strategies. Discuss how you break down projects into manageable tasks, use timelines to monitor progress, and communicate regularly with team members to address potential delays or issues before they escalate.

When discussing industrial communication protocols, you can mention your preference for Profinet or Ethernet/IP, citing their advantages in speed and flexibility. Be prepared to explain how you’ve applied these protocols in previous projects and the outcomes that resulted from this choice.

Illustrate your conflict resolution skills by sharing an example of a past conflict. Discuss the steps you took to facilitate communication, understand different viewpoints, and find a collaborative solution. Emphasizing teamwork and compromise is key.

To answer this question, outline your process for documenting designs, including tools used and standards followed. Emphasize the importance of accurate documentation for compliance, future reference, and maintaining quality control.

When addressing your experience with ISO standards, cite specific engineering projects where you implemented these standards. Discuss the impact this had on project outcomes and how it helped the team achieve clear and consistent quality measures.

Talk about your mentoring style, including how you provide feedback, encourage problem-solving, and share knowledge. Mention any formal training or guidance programs you’ve developed to support junior engineers’ growth.

Describe your prioritization process, such as assessing project urgency, importance, and deadlines. Sharing specific tools or methodologies you use for task management—like Gantt charts or project management software—can add extra weight to your answer.

Explain your approach to professional development. This could include attending industry conferences, subscribing to relevant publications, participating in webinars, or taking additional courses in emerging technologies in controls engineering.

In your answer, express your admiration for Lincoln Electric’s reputation in the industry, focus on the exciting projects you would be involved in, or mention specific values of the company that resonate with you. Connecting your career aspirations with the company’s mission can strengthen your answer.