Director of Controls & Instrumentation
Sedron Technologies, Chicago, IL, United States
Overview
Sedron Technologies is hiring a talented Director of Controls & Instrumentation to work a hybrid schedule out of our Chicago, IL office!
Sedron is a leading provider of circular waste management technologies for agricultural manure and municipal biosolids processing, deploying facilities across several North American regions. Since its founding in 2014, Sedron has pioneered innovative solutions, including the patented Varcor® system, to transform waste into clean water, organic fertilizer, and carbon-negative commodities. With strong engineering expertise, Sedron’s processes reduce nutrient pollution, lower operational expenses, and promote sustainability at a fraction of traditional costs.
The Director of Controls & Instrumentation operates at the intersection of engineering innovation and operational excellence, combining deep expertise in PLC/SCADA architecture, industrial instrumentation, and control system design with the leadership capability to build and develop a high-performing team of engineers and automation specialists. This role sets the technical direction for electrical and controls standards, ensures compliance with applicable codes and regulations (UL 508A, NFPA, NEC, ISA, IEC), and leads the full lifecycle of control systems—from early front-end engineering (FEL-2/FEL-3) through factory acceptance testing, commissioning, and ongoing operations.
Partnering cross-functionally with process, mechanical, and project engineering teams, the Director ensures that Sedron’s technologies are delivered safely, reliably, and on schedule. This is a highly visible opportunity for an experienced controls leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and is motivated to pair engineering rigor with meaningful environmental impact.
Because we design, build, commission, and operate our technologies, we are looking for individuals who can meet the following essential functions of the position:
Responsibilities
Lead UL 508A compliance and establish electrical, instrumentation, and controls standards across all projects
Define power distribution, control system architecture, and documentation standards (e.g., control narratives, I/O, network design)
Establish and enforce PLC/SCADA coding standards, software architecture, DevOps practices, and cybersecurity protocols
Oversee control hardware and software platform selection (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff) and system standardization
Lead and develop a high-performing team of controls and automation engineers, including hiring, coaching, and performance management
Set priorities, allocate resources, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
Partner cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and construction teams to integrate controls into system design and execution
Develop scopes of work, support procurement, and ensure quality through FAT, commissioning, and system validation processes
Drive reliable system delivery by minimizing commissioning risk and ensuring fully tested, functional systems
Support operating facilities through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives
Evaluate and implement advanced control strategies, instrumentation, and data/monitoring solutions
Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., NFPA, ISA, NEC, OSHA) and alignment with safety and EHS programs
This position has multiple levels of competency to be determined by performance, certifications, and supervisor discretion.
Benefits
Multiple medical, dental, and vision insurance options to keep you feeling your best
401(k) with employer matching — free money for future you
Generous paid time off and paid holidays (plus 2 floating holidays to use your way)
Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance
FSA and HSA options with employer contributions
Tuition reimbursement — we invest in your growth
Casual work attire — no suits required (unless that’s your thing)
Education/Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls/Automation Engineering, Instrumentation, or a related field
15+ years of experience in industrial automation, process controls, and instrumentation, including 5+ years leading engineering teams and capital projects
PE license, ISA CAP, or equivalent; Lean/Six Sigma certification a plus
Deep expertise in PLC programming and SCADA systems across major platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Ignition)
Strong knowledge of industrial networks, communication protocols, and control system architecture
Experience with process control strategies (e.g., PID, loop tuning, interlocks, safety systems)
Proficiency in electrical design and documentation tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN)
Familiarity with industrial cybersecurity standards and network segmentation practices
Background in industrial or process manufacturing environments (e.g., chemical, wastewater, energy, or similar)
Exposure to advanced technologies such as data historians, advanced process control (APC), or digital twins
Must have effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language
Additional Information
Compensation range for this role is between $155,000 – 220,000 annually
The range provided is Sedron’s estimate of the base compensation for this role. Actual amount offered will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, location, education, training, skills, and abilities.
Discretionary bonus
Must be a US Citizen or legal permanent resident for this position. We are unable to sponsor any employment visas.
We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. Due to the nature of the work performed, this role is considered
safety sensitive
and as such all applicants will be subject to a pre-employment drug test, and background check after receiving a conditional offer of employment.
Not sure you meet all the qualifications? We encourage you to still apply! We’ll review your application and may have training opportunities or other positions available.
Sedron Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sedron Technologies does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, veteran/military service status, or any other legally protected status. Sedron Technologies is an EEO/AA/M/F/Disabled/Veteran/E-Verify/Drug-Free Employer. To view the E-Verify Right to Work poster in English or Spanish, click here.
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Sedron is a leading provider of circular waste management technologies for agricultural manure and municipal biosolids processing, deploying facilities across several North American regions. Since its founding in 2014, Sedron has pioneered innovative solutions, including the patented Varcor® system, to transform waste into clean water, organic fertilizer, and carbon-negative commodities. With strong engineering expertise, Sedron’s processes reduce nutrient pollution, lower operational expenses, and promote sustainability at a fraction of traditional costs.
The Director of Controls & Instrumentation operates at the intersection of engineering innovation and operational excellence, combining deep expertise in PLC/SCADA architecture, industrial instrumentation, and control system design with the leadership capability to build and develop a high-performing team of engineers and automation specialists. This role sets the technical direction for electrical and controls standards, ensures compliance with applicable codes and regulations (UL 508A, NFPA, NEC, ISA, IEC), and leads the full lifecycle of control systems—from early front-end engineering (FEL-2/FEL-3) through factory acceptance testing, commissioning, and ongoing operations.
Partnering cross-functionally with process, mechanical, and project engineering teams, the Director ensures that Sedron’s technologies are delivered safely, reliably, and on schedule. This is a highly visible opportunity for an experienced controls leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and is motivated to pair engineering rigor with meaningful environmental impact.
Because we design, build, commission, and operate our technologies, we are looking for individuals who can meet the following essential functions of the position:
Responsibilities
Lead UL 508A compliance and establish electrical, instrumentation, and controls standards across all projects
Define power distribution, control system architecture, and documentation standards (e.g., control narratives, I/O, network design)
Establish and enforce PLC/SCADA coding standards, software architecture, DevOps practices, and cybersecurity protocols
Oversee control hardware and software platform selection (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff) and system standardization
Lead and develop a high-performing team of controls and automation engineers, including hiring, coaching, and performance management
Set priorities, allocate resources, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
Partner cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and construction teams to integrate controls into system design and execution
Develop scopes of work, support procurement, and ensure quality through FAT, commissioning, and system validation processes
Drive reliable system delivery by minimizing commissioning risk and ensuring fully tested, functional systems
Support operating facilities through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives
Evaluate and implement advanced control strategies, instrumentation, and data/monitoring solutions
Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., NFPA, ISA, NEC, OSHA) and alignment with safety and EHS programs
This position has multiple levels of competency to be determined by performance, certifications, and supervisor discretion.
Benefits
Multiple medical, dental, and vision insurance options to keep you feeling your best
401(k) with employer matching — free money for future you
Generous paid time off and paid holidays (plus 2 floating holidays to use your way)
Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance
FSA and HSA options with employer contributions
Tuition reimbursement — we invest in your growth
Casual work attire — no suits required (unless that’s your thing)
Education/Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls/Automation Engineering, Instrumentation, or a related field
15+ years of experience in industrial automation, process controls, and instrumentation, including 5+ years leading engineering teams and capital projects
PE license, ISA CAP, or equivalent; Lean/Six Sigma certification a plus
Deep expertise in PLC programming and SCADA systems across major platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Ignition)
Strong knowledge of industrial networks, communication protocols, and control system architecture
Experience with process control strategies (e.g., PID, loop tuning, interlocks, safety systems)
Proficiency in electrical design and documentation tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN)
Familiarity with industrial cybersecurity standards and network segmentation practices
Background in industrial or process manufacturing environments (e.g., chemical, wastewater, energy, or similar)
Exposure to advanced technologies such as data historians, advanced process control (APC), or digital twins
Must have effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language
Additional Information
Compensation range for this role is between $155,000 – 220,000 annually
The range provided is Sedron’s estimate of the base compensation for this role. Actual amount offered will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, location, education, training, skills, and abilities.
Discretionary bonus
Must be a US Citizen or legal permanent resident for this position. We are unable to sponsor any employment visas.
We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. Due to the nature of the work performed, this role is considered
safety sensitive
and as such all applicants will be subject to a pre-employment drug test, and background check after receiving a conditional offer of employment.
Not sure you meet all the qualifications? We encourage you to still apply! We’ll review your application and may have training opportunities or other positions available.
Sedron Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sedron Technologies does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, veteran/military service status, or any other legally protected status. Sedron Technologies is an EEO/AA/M/F/Disabled/Veteran/E-Verify/Drug-Free Employer. To view the E-Verify Right to Work poster in English or Spanish, click here.
#J-18808-Ljbffr