Senior Automation Controls Engineer - Lead PLC Projects

The Judge Group; Russellville (AR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k plan

Dental and vision coverage

Job summary

The Judge Group is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer in Russellville, AR. This role requires 5–8 years PLC experience, a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, and a strong background in regulated manufacturing environments.

You will lead automation projects, support maintenance strategies, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive reliability and process improvements. Occasional after-hours support may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• 5-8 years PLC experience.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong communication across cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and control drawings.
• Hands-on experience with HMIs, servo systems, VFDs, sensors, instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for automation systems, manufacturing operations, and facility infrastructure to ensure reliable production performance.
• Lead and execute automation and controls projects from concept development through implementation and startup.
• Establish, prioritize, and manage automation, electrical, and instrumentation improvement initiatives with cross-functional teams.
• Develop and deliver training programs to enhance technical capabilities and workforce development.
• Maintain and improve industrial control systems, automation platforms, and related technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and operational reliability.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to maximize uptime.
• Identify and address equipment lifecycle and obsolescence with long-term modernization plans.
• Ensure compliance with electrical, process safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture and maintain documentation.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders across operations, maintenance, engineering, and management.
• Participate in troubleshooting complex equipment and process issues.
• Provide after-hours support for critical operations or emergencies.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Automation systems

Process control

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

HMIs

Servo systems

VFDs

Sensors

Instrumentation

Job description

The Judge Group is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer in Russellville, AR. This role requires 5–8 years PLC experience, a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, and a strong background in regulated manufacturing environments.

You will lead automation projects, support maintenance strategies, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive reliability and process improvements. Occasional after-hours support may be required.