Automation & Controls Leader — PLC/SCADA Systems

Innovative Refrigeration Systems; Waynesboro (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 15%

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Weekly pay

Paid vacation and holidays

Sick leave

Jury duty leave

Career development

Employee discounts

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is seeking a Director of Automation & Controls to lead the Controls Engineering team and drive PLC/HMI based projects from concept through commissioning.

This role emphasizes technical excellence and business development for controls-related services. You will manage engineers, coordinate with internal departments, and maintain strong client relationships while delivering on schedule and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, or Electronics Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering, including PLC/HMI systems.
• Strong leadership and client communication abilities.
• Experience in construction or manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the PLC engineering team, including task assignments and mentorship.
• Present customized controls upgrade solutions to drive new business opportunities.
• Foster long-term client relationships to support ongoing and future projects.
• Coordinate with internal departments and leadership to align project execution strategies.
• Schedule engineering tasks based on field and shop requirements to meet deadlines.
• Develop and implement sequences of operation per client/project specs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and control system issues on-site and remotely.
• Travel approximately 10–20% for client meetings and commissioning.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Team leadership

Client relations

Industrial environment

Communication skills

Project management

PE license

Education

Bachelors in Electrical/Computer/Electronics Engineering

Job description

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is seeking a Director of Automation & Controls to lead the Controls Engineering team and drive PLC/HMI based projects from concept through commissioning.

This role emphasizes technical excellence and business development for controls-related services. You will manage engineers, coordinate with internal departments, and maintain strong client relationships while delivering on schedule and within budget.