Lead Control and Automation Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in electrification and automation technologies is seeking a Lead Automation Controls Design Engineer. This high-impact role involves developing complex control system architectures and programming PLCs for large-scale industrial projects, ensuring compliance with global engineering standards.

Qualifications

• 6 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and controls.
• Proficiency in control programming environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement PLC code using structured programming environments.
• Develop HMI and SCADA systems for industrial processes.
• Conduct system testing and debugging for PLCs.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Control Systems

Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering

Tools

Siemens

Allen-Bradley

ABB

Job description

Lead Control and Automation Engineer Job Summary

A global leader in electrification and automation technologies is seeking a Lead Automation Controls Design Engineer to support system design and integration across energy, marine, industrial, and renewables sectors. The role involves developing complex control system architectures, programming PLCs, and designing HMI/SCADA interfaces for large-scale drive systems including motors, transformers, switchgear, and control panels. This is a high-impact engineering position that bridges conceptual design and on-site execution for major industrial projects.

Lead Control and Automation Engineer Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with engineering teams to design, develop, and implement programmable logic controller (PLC) code using structured programming environments such as function block diagrams and ladder logic.
2. Design human-machine interface (HMI) and SCADA systems that enable operators to efficiently control and monitor industrial processes.
3. Contribute to the selection and integration of automation hardware including sensors, actuators, and I/O modules, ensuring compliance with global engineering standards.
4. Conduct thorough system testing and debugging for PLCs and hardware configurations to ensure performance and reliability.
5. Develop detailed documentation including system configurations, software source code, network layouts, and version tracking.
6. Provide hands-on support during system installation and commissioning at customer sites; assist with troubleshooting, validation, and post-implementation support.
7. Work closely with customers and internal technical teams during the design and delivery phases of automation and power conversion projects.
8. Support proposal development, cost estimation, and technical scoping for new automation and control opportunities.

Lead Control and Automation Engineer Position Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
2. OR minimum of 6 years of relevant hands-on experience in industrial automation and controls.
3. Working knowledge of PLC programming (e.g., ladder logic, function block diagrams) and hands-on experience with HMI/SCADA platforms.
4. Legal authorization to work in the United States (candidates must not require future sponsorship).
5. Proficiency in at least one control programming environment (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, ABB, or similar).
6. Strong diagnostic and analytical thinking with a proactive approach to identifying and solving control system issues.
7. Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey technical details clearly to internal teams and customers.
8. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines in a dynamic project-based environment.
9. Enthusiastic team player with the ability to work collaboratively and contribute to technical discussions.