Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Retirement plans

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. is seeking an experienced Lead Controls Engineer in Columbia, South Carolina to support industrial automation projects. The role requires leading the design, development, and implementation of advanced control systems, providing technical mentorship to engineers. Ideal candidates bring strong experience in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, and project management. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and a collaborative environment for professional development.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience designing and troubleshooting automated manufacturing systems.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and engineering documentation.
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of industrial automation control systems.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and technical scope.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

System integration

Project execution

Electrical schematics interpretation

Motion control

Robotics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Computer Engineering

Tools

PLC platforms

SCADA systems

Distributed control systems (DCS)

Job description

Position Overview

An experienced Lead Controls Engineer is sought to support and drive industrial automation projects within manufacturing environments. This role is responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of advanced control systems, while providing technical direction, mentoring, and oversight to engineering teams. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in PLC programming, system integration, and project execution, with the ability to manage complex automation initiatives from concept through commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of industrial automation control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, drives, and industrial networks
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to controls engineers and cross-functional teams throughout project lifecycles
• Oversee system architecture, standards development, and best practices for controls engineering and integration
• Manage and coordinate project timelines, deliverables, and technical scope to ensure successful execution
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and stakeholders to deliver solutions that meet performance, quality, and budget requirements
• Lead system testing, validation, and commissioning activities, including troubleshooting and root cause analysis

Qualifications

• Extensive experience designing, developing, and troubleshooting automated manufacturing systems in industrial environments
• Strong expertise in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, and industrial communication networks
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and engineering documentation
• Experience with motion control systems, robotics, and electrical control panel design
• Proven ability to lead projects, mentor engineers, and drive technical decision-making

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Engineering, or a related field; equivalent technical experience may be considered

Benefits

• Compensation commensurate with experience and leadership scope
• Comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, retirement plans, and performance-based incentives
• Collaborative, team‑oriented environment with opportunities for professional growth and leadership development

Key Technologies & Experience Areas

PLC platforms, SCADA systems, distributed control systems (DCS), industrial networking, motion control, robotics integration, system commissioning, and full project lifecycle automation engineering.

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent