Mid-Level Electrical Controls Engineer

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer in Birmingham, AL to design, program, integrate, troubleshoot, and commission industrial automation systems.

You will collaborate with electrical, mechanical, applications, and project teams to develop reliable automation solutions. Responsibilities include PLC programming, HMI configuration, reading schematics and P&IDs, and supporting projects from design through startup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in industrial controls or automation.
• Hands-on PLC programming and debugging experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems including PLCs and HMI.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs.
• Configure and support HMI, VFDs, servo motors and robotics.
• Read electrical schematics, P&IDs, and project specs.
• Support projects from design through testing and commissioning.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Electrical schematics

Communication

Read drawings & P&IDs

Project collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree (EE / Mechatronics)

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Omron

Siemens

GE

Job description

The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, programming, integration, troubleshooting, and commissioning of industrial automation and controls systems. This position works on projects from initial design through deployment and collaborates with electrical, mechanical, applications, and project engineering teams to develop reliable and effective automation solutions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop industrial control systems, including electrical schematics, control panels, PLC programming, and HMI applications.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs for industrial automation systems.
• Configure and support HMI, VFD, servo, robotics, and other controls technologies as required.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, schematics, P&IDs, and project specifications.
• Assist with system architecture, hardware selection, I/O configuration, and controls integration.
• Develop electrical prints, panel layouts, wiring documentation, and other engineering deliverables.
• Support the integration of controls systems with electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Troubleshoot control system hardware, software, communications, and field devices.

Project Execution

• Support controls projects from design and programming through testing, startup, and commissioning.
• Work with project managers and other engineering disciplines to meet project requirements and schedules.
• Participate in design reviews, factory testing, site testing, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Identify and resolve technical issues during development, testing, and field installation.
• Assist with project documentation, technical specifications, and design changes.
• Communicate with customers, vendors, technicians, and field personnel as needed.

Technical Support

• Provide technical support to Controls Engineers, Technicians, and field personnel when required.
• Review controls designs and documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with troubleshooting and optimization of existing automation systems.
• Support development and implementation of engineering standards, templates, and programming practices.
• Stay current with controls technologies and industry practices.

Safety & Compliance

• Design and support controls systems in accordance with applicable electrical codes, OSHA requirements, and established safety practices.
• Support implementation and testing of safety circuits, emergency-stop systems, machine safeguarding, and safety PLC functions.
• Participate in risk assessments, safety reviews, and pre-startup activities as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or a related field preferred.
• Approximately 2+years of experience in industrial controls, automation, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC programming and industrial automation systems.
• Experience with Allen‑Bradley, Omron, Siemens, GE, or other PLC platforms.
• Experience with HMI, VFD, servo, robotics, vision, or related controls technologies.
• Ability to read and understand electrical drawings, schematics, and P&IDs.
• Experience developing electrical prints and control system documentation preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to customer facilities as required.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to work safely around industrial equipment and wear required personal protective equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Ability to work safely around industrial equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.