Senior Controls Engineer

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; Irondale (AL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Flexible work environment

Job summary

A leading automation firm is looking for a Senior Controls Engineer to lead complex projects. This role involves design, development, and mentoring within a collaborative team. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in automation, advanced PLC/HMI programming skills, and a proven track record in executing sophisticated projects. With significant travel and hands-on involvement, this position offers competitive compensation and the chance to significantly impact engineering standards.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of controls engineering experience in industrial automation or systems integration.
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical teams.
• Proven track record leading complex automation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex automation systems.
• Drive full project lifecycle execution—from design through commissioning.
• Ensure compliance with electrical codes and safety standards.

Skills

Complex, multi-disciplinary automation projects

Advanced PLC/HMI programming

Strong communication skills

Leadership abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Rockwell

Siemens

Job description

Location: Birmingham, AL (On-site + Travel)

Compensation: $95,000 – $155,000 + Full Benefits

Travel: 30% (project-based, including commissioning)

Overview

A fast-growing industrial automation and systems integration firm is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of complex control systems across a range of industrial applications.

This is a high-impact technical leadership role responsible not only for advanced controls engineering, but also for mentoring junior engineers, driving standards, and ensuring successful project execution. The ideal candidate thrives in both hands‑on engineering and leadership environments, with the ability to take ownership of large‑scale automation projects from concept through commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & System Design
  • Lead the design and development of complex automation systems, including PLC/HMI programming, electrical schematics, and panel layouts
  • Own high‑level system architecture decisions, including multi‑system integration and safety‑critical designs
  • Develop robust, scalable control solutions for custom industrial equipment and processes
  • Troubleshoot and optimize system performance through simulation, testing, and field validation
• Project Execution & Oversight
  • Serve as the lead controls engineer on large, technically complex projects
  • Drive full project lifecycle execution—from design through commissioning
  • Manage timelines, budgets, and engineering deliverables to ensure successful project completion
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and applications teams to ensure seamless integration
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Controls Engineers and Technicians
  • Review work for technical accuracy and provide structured, actionable feedback
  • Identify skill gaps and implement training and development plans
  • Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence
  • Develop and maintain engineering standards, templates, and reusable code libraries
  • Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements to reduce cycle time and rework
  • Track performance metrics (on‑time delivery, engineering hours, quality) and drive improvements
• Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure all designs comply with applicable electrical codes and safety standards (NEC, IEC, OSHA)
  • Lead reviews of safety systems including safety PLC logic, interlocks, and machine safeguarding
  • Support risk assessments, PSSRs, and overall system safety validation
  • Stay current on evolving industry regulations and best practices

Qualifications

• Experience
  • 7+ years of controls engineering experience in industrial automation or systems integration
  • Proven track record leading complex, multi‑disciplinary automation projects
  • Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical teams
• Technical Expertise
  • Advanced PLC/HMI programming (Rockwell, Siemens, or equivalent platforms)
  • Strong background in industrial control systems (VFDs, I/O, motor controls, safety systems, SCADA)
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical for schematics, panel layouts, and BOMs
  • Deep understanding of industrial networks and communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus)
• Leadership & Project Skills
  • Strong ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage competing priorities
  • Experience with project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation
  • Excellent communication skills for both technical and customer‑facing interactions
• Preferred
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
  • OSHA 30, NFPA 70E, or similar safety certifications
  • Hybrid of office, shop floor, and customer site environments
  • Significant travel for commissioning, troubleshooting, and project execution
  • Hands‑on involvement in real‑world system deployment

What This Role Is NOT

• Not a purely managerial role—this is a hands‑on technical leadership position
• Not entry‑or mid‑level—requires deep experience and independent decision‑making
• Not a support role—this person owns critical systems and project outcomes

$95K – $155K base salary (based on experience)

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Flexible work environment

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Lead high‑visibility, custom automation projects (not repetitive production work)
• Direct impact on engineering standards and technical direction
• Opportunity to build and shape a growing controls team
• Exposure to advanced automation technologies and complex system integration

To apply, send your resume to [e-mail].

All communications are 100% confidential.

Patrick DelGaone
[e-mail]