Automation Engineering Lead — PLCs, Controls & Systems

NorthPoint Search Group; Gainesville (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

NorthPoint Search Group is seeking a Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to lead the architecture, development, and optimization of sophisticated manufacturing automation systems.

This role will drive major automation initiatives, establish controls standards, improve equipment reliability and safety, and mentor engineers and technicians across operations, IT, MES, and maintenance in a fast-paced plant environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in controls engineering, automation engineering, or a related discipline.
• Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field; equivalent job-related experience may be considered.
• Proven experience leading complex automation projects.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and technical professionals.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley products is preferred.
• Strong PLC programming expertise; Mitsubishi experience is highly relevant.
• Strong project management and technical leadership capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant engineering software.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to read, write, understand, and communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and optimize PLC programs, primarily utilizing Allen-Bradley and Mitsubishi platforms.
• Develop innovative manufacturing controls solutions focused on operator safety, reliability, maintainability, and scalability.
• Establish and maintain controls engineering standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with IT and MES teams to integrate manufacturing automation with enterprise systems.
• Ensure automation systems comply with applicable NEC, NFPA, IEC, and other relevant standards and regulations.
• Oversee technical documentation, including electrical schematics, risk assessments, operating procedures, and controls documentation.
• Lead large-scale automation projects from initial scope and budgeting through procurement, installation, commissioning, and completion.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing capabilities.
• Evaluate and onboard technology providers and automation vendors while developing strategic supplier relationships.
• Analyze system performance and present recommendations and improvement opportunities to senior leadership.
• Lead root cause analysis for complex or recurring automation and controls issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase system reliability, performance, and efficiency.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for automation and controls equipment.
• Provide technical support during critical system issues and project deadlines, including off-hours support when necessary.
• Mentor Controls Engineers and maintenance technicians in advanced troubleshooting and problem resolution.
• Train manufacturing and maintenance personnel on new automation systems, technologies, and processes.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other engineering disciplines.
• Foster collaboration across engineering, operations, maintenance, IT, and manufacturing teams.
• Remain current on emerging controls and automation technologies through ongoing professional development and industry networking.

Skills

Leadership

PLC programming

Automation architecture

Mentoring

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

English communication

Problem solving

Vendor evaluation

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Mitsubishi

Microsoft Office/engineering software

Job description

NorthPoint Search Group is seeking a Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to lead the architecture, development, and optimization of sophisticated manufacturing automation systems.

This role will drive major automation initiatives, establish controls standards, improve equipment reliability and safety, and mentor engineers and technicians across operations, IT, MES, and maintenance in a fast-paced plant environment.