Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. is looking for a Lead Controls Engineer to support project execution in industrial automation and material handling. This role focuses on PLC programming and controls engineering, requiring strong field involvement during installation and commissioning activities.

The ideal candidate will possess mechanical aptitude, effective communication skills, and a willingness to integrate emerging technologies like machine vision. The position involves approximately 50% travel with multi-week on-site rotations.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with field installation and commissioning.
• Ability to coordinate projects and lead technical discussions.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.

Responsibilities

• Support equipment installation, cable routing, and pneumatic systems.
• Provide site leadership and coordinate subcontractors.
• Assist with remote troubleshooting and customer support.

Skills

PLC programming

Controls engineering

Mechanical aptitude

Effective communication

Documentation skills

Job description

Seeking a Lead Controls Engineer to support project execution within industrial automation and material handling environments. This role combines PLC programming and controls engineering with strong hands‑on field involvement during installation, startup, and commissioning activities.

The position requires a practical mechanical aptitude and the ability to work closely with millwrights, electricians, and installation teams in the field. Responsibilities may include assisting with equipment installation, cable routing, pneumatic systems, and overall commissioning support.

Additional exposure may include:

• Industrial paint and coating systems
• Robotic and reciprocator applications
• ASi and industrial communication networks
• ERP/MES integration
• Ignition and database platforms
• Conveyor systems, lifts, and material handling equipment
• Washer systems and thermal processing operations

This role also includes site leadership responsibilities such as coordinating subcontractors, leading technical discussions, supporting project decision‑making, and maintaining a professional on‑site presence. Engineers may also provide remote troubleshooting and customer support as needed.

The ideal candidate is self‑motivated, capable of working independently in field environments, and interested in incorporating emerging technologies such as machine vision and camera systems into automation solutions. Strong documentation skills and effective communication across trades and customer teams are essential.

Travel is approximately 50%, with project schedules commonly involving multi‑week on‑site rotations followed by time home between assignments.