Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

NorthPoint Search Group; Flowery Branch (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

NorthPoint Search Group is seeking a Senior Controls & Automation Engineer for a leading manufacturing client. The role focuses on architecture, development, and optimization of sophisticated automation systems, leading major initiatives, and mentoring staff.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in controls engineering, strong PLC expertise (Allen-Bradley and Mitsubishi), and the ability to drive standards, safety, and reliability across production environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in controls/automation engineering.
• Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical, Computer Engineering, or Mechatronics (or equivalent).
• Proven experience leading complex automation projects.
• Experience mentoring engineers and technicians.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley products preferred; Mitsubishi experience highly relevant.
• Strong PLC programming, troubleshooting, analytical and leadership skills.
• Project management and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard engineering software.
• Excellent English communication and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and optimize PLC programs using Allen-Bradley and Mitsubishi platforms.
• Lead major automation initiatives and establish controls standards.
• Mentor controls engineers and maintenance technicians.
• Collaborate with IT and MES teams to integrate automation with enterprise systems.
• Ensure compliance with NEC, NFPA, IEC, and related standards.
• Provide technical leadership and document controls and procedures.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Project leadership

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

English communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering / Mechatronics

Equivalent experience considered

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Mitsubishi

Microsoft Office

Engineering software

Job description

Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

Who: An established manufacturing organization is seeking an accomplished Senior Controls & Automation Engineer with deep technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and extensive experience with industrial automation systems.

What: You will architect advanced automation solutions, lead complex controls projects, establish engineering standards, and mentor engineers and technicians across the organization.

When: This is a full-time opportunity for an experienced controls professional with at least 10 years of relevant automation or controls engineering experience.

Where: This position supports a manufacturing and production environment and requires hands‑on collaboration with engineering, maintenance, operations, IT, and MES teams.

Why: This role offers the opportunity to influence automation strategy, introduce new technologies, improve manufacturing reliability, and shape controls engineering best practices across the organization.

Office Environment: You will work in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment with occasional off‑hours support required for critical system issues and project deadlines.

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, technical expertise, and qualifications.

Position Overview

The Senior Controls & Automation Engineer will provide technical leadership for the architecture, development, implementation, and optimization of sophisticated manufacturing automation systems. This individual will lead major automation initiatives, establish controls standards, improve equipment reliability and safety, and strengthen engineering capabilities across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and optimize PLC programs, primarily utilizing Allen‑Bradley and Mitsubishi platforms.

• Develop innovative manufacturing controls solutions focused on operator safety, reliability, maintainability, and scalability.

• Establish and maintain controls engineering standards and best practices.

• Collaborate with IT and MES teams to integrate manufacturing automation with enterprise systems.

• Ensure automation systems comply with applicable NEC, NFPA, IEC, and other relevant standards and regulations.

• Oversee technical documentation, including electrical schematics, risk assessments, operating procedures, and controls documentation.

• Lead large‑scale automation projects from initial scope and budgeting through procurement, installation, commissioning, and completion.

• Evaluate emerging automation technologies and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing capabilities.

• Evaluate and onboard technology providers and automation vendors while developing strategic supplier relationships.

• Analyze system performance and present recommendations and improvement opportunities to senior leadership.

• Lead root cause analysis for complex or recurring automation and controls issues.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase system reliability, performance, and efficiency.

• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for automation and controls equipment.

• Provide technical support during critical system issues and project deadlines, including off‑hours support when necessary.

• Mentor Controls Engineers and maintenance technicians in advanced troubleshooting and problem resolution.

• Train manufacturing and maintenance personnel on new automation systems, technologies, and processes.

• Provide technical guidance and support to other engineering disciplines.

• Foster collaboration across engineering, operations, maintenance, IT, and manufacturing teams.

• Remain current on emerging controls and automation technologies through ongoing professional development and industry networking.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in controls engineering, automation engineering, or a related discipline.

• Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field; equivalent job-related experience, military service, professional certifications, and demonstrated skills may be considered in lieu of a degree based on the essential functions of the position.

• Proven experience leading complex automation projects.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and technical professionals.

• Experience with Allen‑Bradley products is preferred.

• Strong PLC programming expertise; Mitsubishi experience is highly relevant.

• Advanced troubleshooting, diagnostic, and analytical skills.

• Strong project management and technical leadership capabilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant engineering software.

• Strong communication, problem‑solving, strategic thinking, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

• Proactive, self‑driven approach to identifying problems and implementing innovative solutions.

• Ability to read, write, understand, and communicate effectively in English.

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