Controls Engineer III

Birdon America, Inc.; Bayou La Batre (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision

401(k) with company match

Vacation/Sick accrual

Job summary

Birdon America Inc. in Bayou La Batre, AL is seeking a Controls Engineer III to lead the technical development and integration of marine control systems across program lifecycles.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Engineering and 5+ years in control system design, with hands-on PLC/SCADA/HMI experience. The engineer will collaborate with systems, electrical, and cybersecurity teams to meet schedule and budget objectives while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Mechanical or related).
• 5+ years in control system design and integration.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, sensors, switches, actuators, VSDs, and field devices.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar design software.
• Knowledge of Profibus, Modbus RTU/TCP, and Serial ASCII communication protocols.
• Knowledge of maritime regulatory authorities and cybersecurity controls.
• Willingness/ability to obtain and maintain DoD clearance if required.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and integration of controls systems across maritime platforms.
• Develop specifications, drawings, network architectures, and system interfaces.
• Draft site surveys, test procedures, test reports, and white papers.
• Prepare executive briefs and ensure regulatory and contractual compliance.
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Cyber teams.

Skills

Control system design

PLC/SCADA/HMI

AutoCAD

Sensors and field devices

Networking protocols

Cybersecurity basics

Maritime regulatory knowledge

DoD clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering (Electrical/Computer/Mechanical)

Tools

AutoCAD

Siemens STEP 7 / TIA Portal

WINCC / ROCKWELL / GE FANUC

Job description

Controls Engineer III

This position is located on-site in our Bayou La Batre, AL shipyard

The Controls Engineer III will lead the technical development and implementation of ship cross-functional control systems (Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation and Control Systems, Cyber System Architectures) throughout the program lifecycle for assigned program(s). The Controls Engineer III ensures control system engineering tasks and deliverables meet technical, schedule, and cost objectives.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide engineering for a broad spectrum of controls capabilities for marine hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) systems.
• Support the controls engineering team as required in the delivery of cross-functional control systems (Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation and Control Systems, Cyber System Architectures).
• Lead design and integration efforts of control systems & technologies across maritime platforms.
• Develop specifications and design artifacts to achieve engineering and cybersecurity (CS) deliverables such as drawings, specifications, network architectures, system interfaces, and network system configurations.
• Draft technical reports such as site surveys, test procedures, test reports, trade studies, and white papers.
• Write and support executive level papers/briefs for submission.
• Ensure controls engineering solutions meet contract and regulatory requirements.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Skills / Experience:

• Successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree.
• A minimum 5 years of experience in control system design and integration.
• Basic proficiency in AutoCad or similar design software.
• Configuration, programming, installation, and test experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADAs.
• Configuration and commissioning experience with sensors, switches, valve actuators, variable speed drives, and other field devices.
• Design, installation and troubleshooting experience with communication protocols such as Profibus, Modbus RTU/TCP, and Serial ASCII.
• Specific knowledge related to the following:
  • Siemens STEP 7, TIA Portal, WINCC, ROCKWELL, GE FANUC, or other integrated automation platform.
  • Windows Server Domain management including DNS, Active Directory, and Group Policy.
  • Knowledge of Maritime Regulatory Authorities (i.e. ABS, DNV, GL, NAVSEA, MIL, USCG, IMO, etc.).
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity and risk management, and NIST and NEI cybersecurity controls.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance may be required if deemed necessary for assigned program(s).

Birdon offers a full benefits package including:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• EAP
• Life
• STD/LTD
• 401(k) with company match (pre- and post-tax options)
• Vacation/Sick accrual and holiday pay
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Employee referral program
• Pet Insurance

Birdon is committed to the HEALTH and SAFETY of our workforce and to the ENVIRONMENT we expect this same commitment from all employees.

Birdon America Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Know Your Rights. The Company invites any applicant and/or employee to review the Company’s written Affinitive Action Plan. This plan is available for inspection upon request by emailing [e-mail]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact [e-mail] for further assistance.