Controls Engineering Leader

Hargrove Engineers & Constructors; McCalla (AL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Hargrove Engineers & Constructors is seeking an experienced electrical engineer in McCalla, Alabama. You will be responsible for the design and support of complex electrical systems and instrumentation engineering, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Electrical Engineering and possess over 4 years of relevant experience, alongside a strong knowledge of control hardware and instrumentation. Leadership capabilities and familiarity with Proficy software will be advantageous. Join us in advancing plant engineering and technician development.

Qualifications

• Requires 4+ years of experience in electrical and instrumentation engineering.
• Professional Engineering registration is preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform complete design of electrical and instrumentation engineering.
• Ensure compliance with local and national regulator codes.
• Coach staff and develop E&I skill capabilities.
• Support plant processes and ensure effective data analysis.

Skills

Machine/process control hardware

Allen Bradley PLC experience

Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms

Knowledge of NFPA guidelines

Leadership in team environments

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor or Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Proficy software

Microsoft Suite

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

Job Scope: Generally responsible for performing all aspects of 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.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hargrove is a drug‑free workplace.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.