Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; Iowa (LA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle (personal use)

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company contribution

Paid time off and holidays

Life insurance

Job summary

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. is seeking a Lead Electrical Controls Engineer to drive technical execution in modern automation projects.

The role involves mentoring engineering teams and leading critical SCADA/controls projects that serve municipal water, wastewater, and industrial infrastructure. The position offers leadership opportunities, exposure to a variety of PLC/HMI platforms, and direct impact on essential utilities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field preferred.
• Experience with PLC/HMI platforms and industrial SCADA systems.
• Proven ability to lead controls projects and coordinate technical teams.
• Strong troubleshooting and commissioning experience in industrial environments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail.
• Excellent client and team communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of PLC and HMI apps for complex SCADA systems.
• Oversee control system commissioning including instrumentation, drives, and motor controls.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to controls engineers and field personnel.
• Manage project execution, schedules, deliverables, and client coordination.
• Implement and troubleshoot industrial communications networks (fiber, radio, broadband).
• Serve as primary technical advisor to clients throughout lifecycle and support.
• Support proposal development and system architecture decisions.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA experience

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Project coordination

Communication

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Modicon

GE

FactoryTalk

Ignition

Job description

Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

OPEN TO REMOTE IF LOCATED WITHIN THE STATE OF IOWA

Join a well-established, forward-thinking automation integrator with decades of success delivering cutting-edge control systems across municipal water, wastewater, and industrial infrastructure. This is an opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role where you will drive technical execution, mentor engineering teams, and lead critical automation projects that communities rely on every day.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Leadership & Ownership - Lead multidisciplinary controls projects from concept through commissioning
• Technical Influence - Guide automation standards, system architecture, and best practices
• Modern Technology Stack - Work across leading PLC/HMI platforms and advanced communications systems
• Highly Visible Work - Your solutions directly support essential infrastructure and public utilities
• Company Vehicle + Personal Use - Take home a fully provided vehicle you can use outside of work
• Strong Stability - Backed by decades of industry success and consistent project flow

What You'll Do

• Lead the design and development of PLC and HMI applications for complex SCADA systems
• Oversee control system commissioning, including instrumentation, drives, and motor controls
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to controls engineers and field personnel
• Manage project execution, schedules, technical deliverables, and client coordination
• Implement and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including fiber, radio telemetry, and broadband systems
• Serve as the primary technical advisor to clients throughout project lifecycle and ongoing support
• Support proposal development, system architecture decisions, and process improvements

What We're Looking For

• Strong PLC programming background (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Modicon, GE, or similar)
• Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms (FactoryTalk, Wonderware, Cimplicity, Ignition, etc.)
• Proven ability to lead controls projects and coordinate technical teams
• Strong troubleshooting and commissioning experience within industrial environments
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining high attention to detail
• Strong communication skills with clients, engineering teams, and end users
• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field preferred

Travel

• Approximately 25% overnight travel within the Midwest
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Company vehicle (available for personal use)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Paid time off and holidays
• Life insurance