Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Job summary

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. is seeking a Lead Electrical Controls Engineer in Roanoke, Virginia, to provide technical leadership in automating complex systems across various environments. This role focuses on overseeing project execution and mentoring junior engineers.

The ideal candidate should have over 8 years of experience, a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, and strong PLC programming skills. The position comes with competitive salary options and a focus on professional development within a growing engineering firm.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of controls engineering or systems integration experience.
• Proven experience leading automation projects and teams.
• Strong knowledge of industrial networking protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Provide technical guidance for automation projects.
• Review engineering deliverables for accuracy and compliance.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Electrical engineering

Troubleshooting

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Schneider Electric

Ignition

FactoryTalk

Job description

About the Opportunity

A growing industrial automation and systems integration firm is seeking a Lead Electrical Controls Engineer to provide technical leadership for complex controls, automation, and SCADA projects across industrial, municipal, utility, and manufacturing environments.

This role is ideal for a senior engineer who thrives in a hands‑on leadership position, overseeing project execution from concept through commissioning while mentoring junior engineers and serving as a technical resource for customers and project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of PLC, HMI, and SCADA-based control systems.
• Serve as the technical lead for multiple automation projects, ensuring quality, schedule, and budget objectives are achieved.
• Develop control system architectures, electrical designs, control narratives, and technical specifications.
• Program and troubleshoot PLC platforms including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, and related systems.
• Design and configure SCADA and HMI applications utilizing platforms such as Ignition, FactoryTalk, Wonderware, VTScada, or similar technologies.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to controls engineers, programmers, and technicians.
• Review engineering deliverables, electrical drawings, and control system documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate with project managers, customers, field technicians, and panel fabrication teams throughout project lifecycles.
• Lead commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and system optimization activities at customer sites.
• Assist with project estimating, proposal development, and technical sales support.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, customer specifications, and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of controls engineering, automation, or systems integration experience.
• Proven experience leading automation projects and providing technical direction to engineering teams.
• Strong PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, or similar platforms.
• Extensive experience developing SCADA and HMI systems.
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, and related communication systems.
• Experience with instrumentation, process control systems, and industrial automation architectures.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and root‑cause analysis skills.
• Excellent communication and client‑facing abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Valid driver's license required.

Preferred Experience

• Water/Wastewater automation and SCADA systems.
• Manufacturing and process automation.
• Power generation, utilities, or energy infrastructure projects.
• UL 508A control panel design and electrical power distribution systems.
• Project management and engineering team leadership experience.
• Competitive salary and bonus potential.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Professional development and continuing education assistance.
• Advancement opportunities within a growing engineering organization.

Travel

• Approximately 20% travel required.
• Occasional overnight travel for project meetings, commissioning, and startup support.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior controls professional seeking a leadership role with a company delivering innovative automation and SCADA solutions for critical industrial and infrastructure projects.