Automation and Controls Systems Engineer

Accelera; Hopkins (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera is seeking a Lead Automation and Controls Systems Engineer to drive the design, optimization, and long-term reliability of instrumentation and control systems at our Hopkins facility. You will serve as a technical authority for electrical infrastructure and process control frameworks, aligning them with high-output manufacturing goals.

You will lead end-to-end instrumentation and power system upgrades, manage cross-functional teams, and own project scopes, budgets, and schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years in industrial/high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience with DCS and PLC for production automation.
• Strong knowledge of electrical power distribution.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end instrumentation and power system upgrades from design through commissioning.
• Deliver plant modifications by solving engineering challenges and applying control solutions.
• Direct cross-functional teams to meet milestones and quality standards.
• Own project scopes, bid packages, budgets, and overall financial health.
• Collaborate with Operations and Reliability to integrate new systems into workflows.
• Participate in hazard analysis and risk mitigation reviews to enhance site safety.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Industrial experience

Instrumentation

Industrial controls

DCS and PLC platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

DCS

PLC

Power distribution

Job description

Automation and Controls Systems Engineer

About the Role

As a Lead Automation and Systems Engineer, you will drive the design, optimization, and long-term reliability of complex instrumentation and control systems. You will serve as a technical authority, ensuring our electrical infrastructure and process control frameworks are robust, efficient, and aligned with high-output manufacturing goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end execution of instrumentation and power system upgrades, managing projects from initial design through final commissioning.
• Deliver high-impact plant modifications by resolving complex engineering challenges and implementing innovative control solutions.
• Direct cross-functional teams, including designers and technical craft personnel, to ensure project milestones and quality standards are met.
• Own the financial and operational health of projects by developing detailed scopes of work, managing bid packages, and tracking budget performance.
• Collaborate with Operations and Reliability Engineering departments to integrate new systems seamlessly into existing workflows.
• Enhance site safety and operational integrity by actively participating in hazard analysis and risk mitigation reviews.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of professional experience within an industrial or high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Deep technical proficiency in instrumentation, industrial controls, and electrical power distribution.
• Proven track record of working with DCS and PLC platforms to automate and optimize production processes.

Preferred Skills

• Strong understanding of advanced process control principles and loop tuning.
• Experience managing project lifecycles, including scheduling and resource allocation.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex electrical systems in a fast-paced production setting.