Manager, Controls and Automation - East Providence - Aspen Aerogels

Description

Description

Aspen is a technology leader in sustainability and electrification solutions. What we do- Aspen's aerogel technology enables customers and partners to achieve resource efficiency, e‑mobility and clean energy goals. Aspen's PyroThin products address thermal runaway in the electric vehicle market. Cryogel and Pyrogel are valued by leading energy infrastructure companies. What we value- Our core values—We Do the Right Thing, Problem Solvers, Allies, Drive Forward—guide decisions and inspire meaningful impact across teams and communities.

What you will do-

The Manager, Controls and Automation leads a team that implements, maintains and improves control systems for efficient plant operation. This role navigates the strategic roadmap, executes on initiatives, and develops standards and system specifications in collaboration with Manufacturing, Maintenance, Engineering and IT. Based at the Rhode Island facility.

How will you do it-

• Develop and lead a team of Automation and Control Engineers, providing inspiration, direction, guidance, support and mentorship.
• Accountable for the success of team members, including goal setting, performance evaluations, feedback, training and professional development.
• Accountable for successful execution of automation projects from concept design to implementation and validation.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards in all C&A activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize control systems and enhance manufacturing processes.
• Manage resource allocation to support strategic momentum.
• Monitor and analyze key performance metrics related to automation and control systems, making data‑driven decisions to improve overall plant performance.
• Champion long‑term platform improvement efforts, including Field Device Management, Alarm management, enhanced control loop monitoring, and high‑performance graphics per industry standards.
• Evaluate, select and implement new control systems, equipment and technologies that align with the plant's long‑term vision.
• Exhibit exceptional project management skills, managing multiple projects of varying complexity.
• Initiate and lead project design reviews to ensure P&IDs, instrumentation specs and other engineering documents meet C&A standards.
• Work with stakeholders and engineering teams to develop Functional Requirement Specifications, User Requirement Specifications and Control Narratives.
• Develop training materials and provide ongoing training for control system users.
• Participate in developing or implementing testing protocols for process optimization, enhancement and troubleshooting.
• Adopt and follow Aspen's core values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer and Innovation at all levels.
• Provide regular updates to plant leadership and stakeholders on C&A initiative progress, highlighting successes, challenges and potential solutions.

Manufacturing Support

• Work closely with production, engineering and maintenance to identify and communicate daily issues, priorities and production changes.
• Identify automation opportunities that enhance manufacturing processes and efficiency.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define automation requirements, prioritize projects and allocate resources effectively.
• Participate in daily production meetings, weekly staff meetings and other scheduled meetings.
• Lead as an integral part of the team during plant outages from equipment shutdown through startup of the processes.
• Provide troubleshooting expertise to isolate problem causes and guide corrective actions (controls/graphics, field devices, electrical, IT platforms).
• Develop support and escalation procedures for multi‑level support in troubleshooting controls‑related issues for a 24/7 operation.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Interview, hire, train and develop employees; plan, assign and direct work; set goals and appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve problems.

Why you are right for the job

• Complete knowledge of and adherence to safety regulations and standards for control and automation in hazardous industrial environments.
• Minimum of a 4‑year bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• 5 years of experience with DCS platforms (object and library‑oriented software development, graphics engines, ISA‑88 batch systems).
• 5 years of experience with PLC equipment (Rockwell FactoryTalk View SE, AssetCentre, DriveExec).
• Solid experience with industrial networks and IT infrastructure for process control (HART, Ethernet‑IP, Sercos, Profibus DP/PA, Profinet). Architecture, design, configuration, testing and troubleshooting.
• Virtual environments (VMware) configuration and troubleshooting.
• 5 years of experience with electrical and instrumentation technologies for hazardous area applications (Class 1 Div 1/Div 2).
• 5 years of proven capital project experience.
• Robust communication and interpersonal skills for effective presentation, problem resolution and interaction with multiple disciplines.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve control system issues efficiently, making sound decisions under pressure.

Preferences

• Bachelor's degree in control systems, automation, computer or electrical engineering.
• Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• 5 years' experience with ABB's 800xA platform (AC800M Control Builder, PG2 graphics, Batch recipe and management engines, Asset Optimization, Information Management).
• Experience in the Oil & Gas, Chemical, or Food & Beverage industries with knowledge of design criteria, standards and codes for controls and instrumentation, and batch manufacturing.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 and integrated‑plant concepts/environments.
• Experience and familiarity with ISA standards.

What to expect

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Occasionally required to stand, walk, climb stairs, sit, use hand and finger dexterity, climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl.
• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, around fumes, airborne particles or toxic chemicals, exposed to outside weather, and with moderate noise levels.
• Occasionally lifts and/or moves more than 10 pounds.
• Required vision: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and focus adjustment.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Perks of Joining Our Team Aspen offers a comprehensive benefits package, a positive work environment, work/life balance, and growth opportunities in a culture focused on inclusion, sustainability and problem solving.

Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Holidays, Sick Time, PTO, 401(k) Employer Match, Life and Disability Insurance and more.

Expected Compensation: $135,000–$155,000 USD/year plus yearly bonus eligibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. For assistance, email or call ‑3111.

For Our Rhode Island Applicants
Aspen Aerogels, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. The East Providence, RI facility is subject to Title 28, Chapter 29‑6.2 of Rhode Island General Laws, governing Worker's Compensation.

Aspen Aerogels