Controls Supervisor

West Fraser; Opelika (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits starting Day 1

Competitive starting pay

On-the-job training

Promoting from within

401K with company match

Job summary

A leading diversified wood products company in Alabama is seeking an Electrical Controls Supervisor to support operational and maintenance objectives for its facility. The role requires troubleshooting expertise in electrical and automation systems, along with demonstrated supervisory skills. Candidates should have experience with Allen Bradley products and PLC programming. The company offers a competitive starting pay, benefits from day one, and a strong culture of internal promotion. A willingness to travel occasionally is required.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills and troubleshooting expertise are essential.
• Experience with high and low voltages.
• Demonstrated supervisory abilities are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve PLC and automation control systems.
• Train mill personnel to enhance their skill level.
• Work effectively with mill personnel to address their needs.
• Manage and develop the electrical team.
• Respond to emergency situations with urgency.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Assist with project planning and execution.

Skills

Troubleshooting skills

Analytical skills

Knowledge of Allen Bradley products

Familiarity with PLC 5 and Control Logix

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Experience with VFD Drives and Soft Starters

Education

5+ years with controls and automation

1+ year in manufacturing

Tools

PLC programming tools

Automation control software

Job description

Job Category : Maintenance & Skilled Trades

Requisition Number : CONTR016387

• Posted : January 2, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

• Travel Required : Yes

Description

The Electrical Controls Supervisor will be a key contributor and provide support to the overall operational and maintenance objectives to reach the top quartile mill status. The Controls Supervisor is responsible for troubleshooting all electrical, instrumental, and process malfunctions, including mechanical power transmission equipment and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. In addition, the successful individual will diagnose, repair, and overhaul automatic control valves, sensors, positioners, actuators, electrical AC/DC systems, and related systems.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated abilities in strong analytical skills, and the energy and drive to support and grow as West Fraser continues to grow and build out our US lumber business

Responsibilities:

• Work with the team at the facility and will be responsible for helping to maintain and improve the PLC and other automation control systems while ensuring that all work is completed in a safe reliable manner.
• Demonstrated ability to train/impart knowledge to mill personnel. Bring the skill level at the mill up to match the systems now in place.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and work with mill-level personnel, develop an understanding of mill needs, and deliver the required help in an effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop electrical team
• Excellent troubleshooting skills – Drives, PLC issues, control issues, electrical. Ability to troubleshoot from afar and talk mill folks effectively through issues.
• Responsible for maintenance and care of the various optimization systems (software and hardware).
• Willingness to respond to emergency situations at a given mill, bring a “whatever it takes” mindset to the position.
• Ability to recognize opportunities for improvement and help local mill management see the same. Aid mill in implementing these improvements.
• Assist as required in project planning, startups, helping the mill to meet/exceed ramp expectations. Ability to work with vendors and help expeditiously move the mill beyond the vendors' expertise.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Familiar with Allen Bradley products, VFD Drives, Soft Starters, and HMI’s
• Experience with PLC 5 and Control Logix PLC platforms
• Experience with communication network protocols: ethernet, DeviceNet, ControlNet
• Proficient in computer and Microsoft Office software packages
• Experience working with high and low voltages
• Demonstrated supervisor abilities
• Ability to manage small projects and day to day work planning
• Experience following electrical schematics
• Good track record with troubleshooting skills

Preferred:

• Has 5 years or more experience with controls and automation
• Has a minimum of 1-year experience in manufacturing
• Can work with minimal supervision
• Wants to grow and consider relocation opportunities to further develop themselves
• Has a serviced based attitude to support production needs
• Looks for continuous process improvements
• Works well in a team environment
• Has the ability to work with vendor’s for the process to maximize uptime
• Is willing to work flexible hours based on business needs

Outstanding benefits package includes:

• Benefits starting Day 1
• Competitive starting pay
• On-the-job training
• A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within
• 401K with company match and additional retirement contribution

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please apply through our online application process. Be sure to attach your resume to your online profile as resumes will not be accepted at the site. No phone inquiries, please.

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company producing lumber, OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and energy with over 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe. We are the largest lumber producer in North America, a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels, and the world’s largest producer of oriented strand board (OSB).

We are a growing company, believe strongly in promoting from within, and pride ourselves on providing a challenging environment with continuous development. The successful candidate should be interested in future growth opportunities within the company

West Fraser is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D & Drug-Free Workplace (DFW)

Travel Required

Yes . <10% expected travel. Must be able to travel via car and air when required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.