Automation Engineer

Cindavi; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cindavi in Columbus, MS is seeking an Automation Engineer to own and advance our control systems in a fast-paced, continuous-process manufacturing environment.

You will spend most of your time troubleshooting PLC logic, HMIs, and drives while supporting capital projects and equipment upgrades. The role emphasizes hands-on problem solving, ownership from diagnosis through implementation, and strong collaboration with operations and maintenance teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• Hands-on ladder logic and PLC programming experience.
• Understanding of motor theory, VFDs, drives, torque, and industrial equipment.
• On-site work in Columbus with occasional unscheduled needs.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and improve PLC logic, HMIs, drives, and automated production equipment.
• Configure and support industrial networks (ControlNet, DeviceNet, Ethernet, Profibus).
• Apply motor-control, VFD, torque, and drive-system knowledge to resolve issues.
• Support startups, maintenance outages, retrofits, and capital projects.
• Partner with engineering, operations, maintenance, and electricians to improve reliability.

Skills

Ladder logic

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Motor theory

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Studio 5000

Ignition

SQL

Kepware

Job description

Looking for an Automation Engineer role with real ownership, strong earning potential, and no shortage of technical challenges?

Job Summary

We are hiring an Automation Engineer to join our team in Starkville, Mississippi. This is a hands-on opportunity to support the Level 1 controls behind a large-scale, continuous-process manufacturing operation where your work will directly influence uptime, safety, quality, and production.

You will spend approximately 70% of your time supporting daily automation and operating controls, with the remaining 30% focused on capital projects, equipment upgrades, and continuous improvement. If you enjoy getting close to the equipment, solving difficult problems, and taking ownership from diagnosis through implementation, this role offers the challenge and visibility you are looking for.

Duties

• Troubleshoot and improve PLC logic, HMIs, drives, field devices, operating systems, and automated production equipment.
• Configure and support industrial networks, including ControlNet, DeviceNet, industrial Ethernet, and Profibus.
• Apply motor-control, VFD, torque, and drive-system knowledge to resolve process and equipment issues.
• Support startups, maintenance outages, retrofits, obsolescence replacements, and capital projects.
• Partner with engineering, operations, maintenance, and electricians to improve reliability and process performance.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Hands-on experience with ladder logic and PLC programming or troubleshooting.
• A practical understanding of motor theory, VFDs, drives, torque, and industrial equipment.
• The initiative to identify problems, take ownership, and follow work through without constant direction.
• Experience in industrial manufacturing, systems integration, equipment commissioning, or a relevant technical education with strong projects or internships.
• The ability to work fully onsite in Columbus and support occasional unscheduled operating needs.

Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, TMEIC, Toshiba, Schneider Electric, RSLogix, Studio 5000, Ignition, SQL, Kepware, or Level 1 to Level 2 integration is highly valuable. Steel, metals, foundry, paper, converting, web-handling, and other continuous-process backgrounds translate especially well.

We offer performance-based earning potential, relocation support, broad technical exposure, and meaningful ownership in a high-impact industrial environment. We are flexible on degree and exact platform experience for candidates with the right fundamentals, drive, and learning ability.