Controls Engineering Leader

Hargrove; Alabama; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hargrove is seeking a Controls Engineering Leader to oversee design and implementation of electrical and instrumentation systems in McCalla, AL. The role involves ensuring compliance with local and national codes, managing engineering projects, and leading technical development.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, with 4+ years of experience and strong leadership abilities in a manufacturing environment. Familiarity with Allen Bradley PLCs and safety standards like NFPA and OSHA is essential.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant industrial experience in electrical and instrumentation engineering.
• Professional Engineering registration is highly preferred.
• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex electrical and instrumentation engineering assignments.
• Engage and lead plant technical development and compliance.
• Manage initiatives for E&I focused and complete capital projects.

Skills

Ability to effectively engage, lead, and build capability on the floor

Strong knowledge of machinery and process control

Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications

Excellent interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC

Rockwell FactoryTalk

Proficy

Job description

## Controls Engineering LeaderApplylocations: McCalla, ALtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: 2026-000572# What You'll Be Doing**Job Scope:** Generally responsible for performing all aspects for complete design of complex electrical and instrumentation engineering assignments. This level requires extensive progressive experience in electrical and instrumentation engineering and involves applying advanced engineering techniques and analysis. This work will be performed under general supervision.**Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:*** Serves as primary administrator and troubleshooter for plant power and control systems and is a key member of plant technical leadership.* Builds and maintains a sustainable system for plant E&I skill development.* Coaches the area E&I Coordinator on skill assessment and development of operating and E&I technicians within the department.* Works with the site Controls Engineering Manager to build and maintain sustainable process and machine control onboarding and ongoing development systems for plant Process Engineers, Interns and Area Leaders.* Works with the site Controls Engineering Manager to develop power and control standards and ensure application of the standards in their area of responsibility.* Knows, communicates, and ensures technician compliance to local and national regulator codes (NFPA 70, NFPA 70e, NFPA 79 and OSHA 1910).* Is also responsible for ensuring equipment and safe practice compliance in their area of responsibility.* Responsible for validation of the MES data from PLC into Proficy.* Support plant PEs in conditioning PLC data to accommodate effective data analysis including application development.* Owns the validity and ongoing system for maintaining the site sustainability metering equipment (power monitors and usage flow meters).* Owns using the power monitoring data and developing plans to reduce overall consumption and costs.* Provides expertise in the design and implementation of machine control and process automation applications, such as: control strategies, HMI design, MES applications and KPI development.* Works Controls Engineering Manager, department management and technicians to identify losses, and develop plans and strategies to eliminate them, in the areas of safety, quality, reliability and cost.* Owns parts or whole Key Elements for systems related to power and control system such as electrical safety (LOTO, Electrical PPE, Energized work permits, low voltage qualification, etc.) and Quality/CCP compliance (checkweighers, metal detectors, vision systems, ingredient flows, temperatures, etc.).* Works closely with engineering and operations leaders on selection and installation/start-up of new equipment.* Becomes the technical expert on new equipment and ensures the training of others with regard to control systems.* Serves as project manager for initiatives ranging from E&I focused projects to complete capital projects.* Provides power and controls engineering support on capital initiatives in their area of responsibility.* Provides support throughout other parts of the plant as needed on a daily basis.* Learns and applies advance control, simulation and process modeling technologies to analyze and improve overall process and packaging operations.# Ideal Background**Education:** Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university is required.**Registration:** Professional Engineering registration is highly preferred.**Experience:** This position requires 4+ years of relevant industrial experience in electrical and instrumentation engineering.**Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:*** Ability to effectively engage, lead, and build capability on the floor* Ability to work and manage within a team environment* Strong knowledge of machine and/or process control hardware, instrumentation and software including Allen Bradley PLC and Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms* Working knowledge of NFPA and OSHA guidelines related to electrical equipment and practices* Understanding of technical systems and terminology* Experience learning and integrating new technologies* Experience leading the installation of equipment in food manufacturing environment* Demonstrated results in manufacturing maintenance utilizing maintenance systems* Experience with plant systems software (Proficy, Project Management, eAM, etc.)* Self-motivated and able to motivate others* Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills* Effective presentation, verbal, and written communication skills* Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications* Excellent interpersonal skills* Some travel may be required for plant start up* Willingness to work off-shifts or weekends as needed* Willingness to relocate for future opportunities**Physical Requirements*** Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.