Control Systems Manager

Job Description

Description

The final filing date is November 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

The City of Sunnyvale is hiring a regular full-time Control Systems Manager! This is a pivotal new leadership role to support the continued advancement of our newly renamed Sunnyvale Clean Water Facility. We are seeking a forward-thinking professional who excels at guiding technical teams, strengthening critical infrastructure, and ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient plant operations. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in modern control technologies, a proactive approach to system reliability, and the ability to collaborate closely with various operational groups across the organization.

Under general direction, the Control Systems Manager plans, organizes, and directs the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of critical automation, instrumentation, supervisory control and data acquisition/programmable logic controller (SCADA/PLC), and control systems at the City’s wastewater treatment plant. This position supervises technical staff, coordinates closely with operations and maintenance teams, directs design and implementation relating to controls, manages system upgrades and cybersecurity measures, and ensures compliance with regulatory and safety standards, manages outside consultants, and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Deputy Director of Environmental Services - Wastewater Treatment. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, and technical support staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Control Systems Manager is the highest-level technical and supervisory authority within the control systems function at the wastewater treatment plant. This classification is responsible for comprehensive program management, strategic technology planning, and implementation of advanced process control systems that support regulatory compliance and operational performance. Distinguished from lower-level positions by its full accountability for system integrity, cybersecurity, staff supervision, and coordination across multiple departments, the role requires complex problem-solving and leadership to maintain and enhance critical automation infrastructure.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Plan, organize, and manage all activities related to control, instrumentation, SCADA/PLC, and automation systems throughout the wastewater treatment facility.
• Supervise, train, evaluate, and direct assigned staff; establish goals and performance standards; ensure work is performed safely and efficiently.
• Oversee the design, configuration, and programming of PLCs, distributed control systems (DCS), and SCADA control logic and human-machine interface (HMI) systems.
• Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) teams to plan and implement process control strategies, upgrades, and commissioning activities.
• Develop and maintain system standards for automation architecture, network infrastructure, and data management, including cybersecurity and disaster recovery protocols.
• Evaluate control system capacity, reliability, and expansion needs; recommend improvements and new technologies.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, project submittals, and specifications for control system components and installations.
• Direct emergency troubleshooting and repair operations for automation, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Prepare, monitor, and administer budgets for control systems programs, projects, and maintenance activities.
• Manage contracts and vendor relationships; oversee selection of consultants and integrators to ensure compliance with City standards and specifications.
• Ensure adherence to City safety policies, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Electric Code (NEC), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70E) requirements, and best practices for electrical and confined-space work.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for assigned technical staff.
• Promote innovation, standardization, and continuous improvement in automation, process control, and information systems management.
• Reviews the work of staff to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, and the public.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of municipal control systems.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from residents, other departments, and agencies.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

When working in an office environment , must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

When working in the field , must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend; possible entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment; to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to a weight of 25 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Environmental Conditions:
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or the public in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

An associate degree or 60 semester/90 quarter units from an accredited college or university in Instrumentation, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, or a closely related field.

AND

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in process control systems for an industrial or wastewater treatment facility, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or lead role.
A bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and methods of automation, instrumentation, and control system engineering.
• Design, programming, and maintenance of PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems and associated communication networks.
• Electrical theory, industrial control wiring, and diagnostic troubleshooting.
• Industrial networking protocols, virtualization, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Wastewater treatment plant processes, systems, and operations.
• Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) principles and predictive maintenance methods.
• Applicable codes, standards, and safety regulations (OSHA, NEC, NFPA 70E).
• Project and contract management, budgeting, and procurement procedures.
• Principles of effective supervision, leadership, and staff development.
• Complex arithmetic and statistical techniques.
• Research methods and techniques.
• Recent and on-going developments related to the operations of the assigned department.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively working with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Design, implement, and troubleshoot complex control and instrumentation systems.
• Interpret and apply electrical schematics, diagrams, and specifications.
• Develop and enforce network, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery plans.
• Plan, organize, and direct the activities of professional and technical staff engaged in automation and control systems.
• Ensure compliance with City policies and applicable safety regulations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive technical and administrative reports, plans, specifications, and correspondence
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting critical deadlines.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Supervise the establishment of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for Control Systems Operations.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective manner.
• Lead, motivate, and coach staff in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Prepare and administer complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Apply sound judgment in technical and management decision-making.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, management, contractors, and regulatory agencies, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.

Willingness to:

• Work irregular hours as needed to support operational and emergency response requirements.
• Respond to emergency situations including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Travel to various worksites throughout the City as required.

Licenses/Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of one or more of the following certifications is highly desirable: ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST); ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP); or equivalent industry certification in process automation or control systems.
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Automation, or Information Systems.
• Knowledge of wastewater plant operations, equipment and instrumentation.
• Experience managing automation projects in a public utility or municipal wastewater treatment environment.
• Demonstrated success implementing large-scale control system modernization or integration projects.
• Expertise in virtualization, advanced industrial networking, and cybersecurity practices.
• Experience with strategic planning and asset management programs.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities, emphasizing innovation and continuous improvement.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & PROCESS

The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale. The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications. A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as the posting will close Wednesday, November 4, 2026 by 5:00 PM.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position.Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026 (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in an in-person selection interview with the hiring department scheduled for the week of November 30, 2026. Selection interviews will take place onsite in-person, please plan accordingly.

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). A candidate with education obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense to determine its equivalency in the United States. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Summary of Management - SMA Benefits

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job - YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 or recruitments@sunnyvale.ca.gov .

Summary of Management SMA Benefits

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Closing Date/Time: 11/4/2026 5:00 PM Pacific