Industrial Automation Engineer/Digital Transformation Specialist

Illumination Works LLC.; Warner Robins (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Illumination Works LLC is seeking an Industrial Automation Engineer & Digital Transformation Specialist to lead modernization efforts in government-operated facilities. You will upgrade legacy control systems, deploy secure IIoT solutions, and align OT with IT for better transparency and resilience.

You will manage projects, design PLC-based controls, implement MES and SCADA, and coordinate with multiple government departments while ensuring regulatory and cybersecurity compliance.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrial, or automation engineering roles.
• Proven experience leading modernization or digital transformation projects.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development.
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols (MQTT, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with MES implementation and integration.
• Knowledge of ERP systems integration.
• Hands-on data analysis, visualization, and database tools (Python, Power BI/Tableau, Excel, SQL).
• Understanding of IT/OT convergence principles.
• Industrial cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Knowledge of industrial modernization programs.
• Lean Six Sigma or PMP certifications are a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field.
• US citizenship with ability to obtain Secret Clearance.
• Background check and drug screening required.

Responsibilities

• Manage automation and digital modernization projects.
• Lead implementation of government-compliant MES systems.
• Integrate OT with government ERP and reporting platforms.
• Design, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems.
• Upgrade legacy systems to modern, secure platforms.
• Implement and troubleshoot SCADA systems.
• Support preventative and predictive maintenance systems.
• Deploy IIoT for real-time monitoring of assets and production.
• Ensure compliance with government safety and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate with multiple government departments.
• Train staff on new systems and technologies.
• Maintain documentation for all processes, risk assessments, and systems.

Skills

Experience in manufacturing

Leadership in modernization

Gov/regulatory experience

HMI/SCADA development

Industrial networking protocols

MES implementation

ERP integration

Data analysis and visualization

IT/OT convergence

Industrial cybersecurity

Industrial modernization

Lean Six Sigma

PMP

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Security clearance

Background check

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Industrial, Electrical, or Automation/Control Systems Engineering

Tools

Python

Power BI

Tableau

Excel

SQL

Job description

Illumination Works is looking for an Industrial Automation Engineer & Digital Transformation Specialist who will be responsible for leading automation upgrades and digital modernization initiatives within government-operated industrial and/or manufacturing facilities. This role supports national modernization strategies by upgrading legacy control systems, implementing secure digital technologies, enhancing operational transparency, improving efficiency and resilience of infrastructure, and ensuring regulatory and cybersecurity compliance. This position bridges the gap between Operational Technology (OT), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and process improvement with strategic digital transformation leadership.

The key responsibilities include:

• Manage automation and digital modernization projects
• Lead implementation of government-compliant MES systems
• Integrate operational systems with government ERP and reporting platforms
• Design, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems
• Upgrade legacy systems to modern, secure platforms
• Implement and troubleshoot SCADA systems
• Support preventative and predictive maintenance systems
• Deploy Industrial IoT (IIoT) for real-time monitoring of assets and production
• Ensure compliance with government safety and regulatory standards
• Coordinate with multiple government departments
• Train staff on new systems and technologies
• Maintain proper documentation for all processes, risk assessments, and systems

Do you have what it takes? Are you driven to implement creative solutions that unravel complex and ever-changing challenges? We value passion, curiosity, and perseverance with an ability to communicate ideas and results to diverse audiences. We look for people who thrive in collaborative and independent assignments, have the aptitude to learn new data quickly, and who are willing to mentor junior team members.

Key skills include:

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrial, or automation engineering roles
• Proven experience leading modernization or digital transformation projects
• Experience working within regulated or government environments preferred
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols (MQTT, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP)
• Experience with MES implementation and integration
• Knowledge of ERP systems integration
• Hands-on experience with data analysis, data visualization, and database management tools (e.g. Python, Power BI/Tableau, Excel, SQL)
• Understanding of IT/OT convergence principles
• Industrial cybersecurity fundamentals
• Knowledge of industrial modernization programs
• Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or project management are a plus
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Industrial, Electrical, or Automation / Control Systems Engineering or comparable academic discipline
• Must have or be willing to obtain Secret Clearance (this requires US citizenship)
• Acceptable candidates must successfully pass a drug test and background screen

About ILW

At Illumination Works, we know data, and we should, we’ve been doing it since we started in 2006! We specialize in everything data from big data to data science, data engineering, software engineering, and cloud design. We are a trusted technology partner in user-centered digital transformation—delivering impactful business results to clients. We partner with customers to solve their unique technology and data challenges and stay on top of modern technologies and advancements leveraging our Innovation Lab. Check out our website to learn more at www.ilwllc.com.

Why choose us?

We invest in our employees in all aspects of their life and we value family. We offer market-competitive salary, a generous PTO package, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans. We also offer 401K, short/long-term disability insurance, a fun and engaging culture, and training opportunities to keep you up to speed on the latest technologies.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

Know Your Rights Poster

Accommodations

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable workplace accommodation for any part of our employment process, please contact the Human Resources Staff by sending an email to [e-mail]. This option is reserved only for individuals who are requesting a reasonable workplace accommodation. It is not intended for other purposes or inquiries.

Notification for current or previously cleared professionals:

Official U.S. Government information appearing in the public domain shall not automatically be considered UNCLASSIFIED or approved for public release. ILW recognizes that information contained in resumes of current or previously cleared professionals may be sensitive, containing potentially proprietary and/or protected information. Protected Information is considered classified, in the process of a classification determination, or unclassified, but protected by statute. Therefore, all resumes should be approved for public release by a U.S. Government Official with Original Classification Authority, prior to posting the resume to ILW’s applicant tracking system.