Senior Controls Engineer

SPOC Automation; Trussville (AL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SPOC Automation is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and implementation of advanced control systems for high-power electrical equipment and energy systems. You will own BOMs, write control software for PLC/CODESYS and Linux environments, and collaborate across departments to deliver scalable, manufacturable solutions.

The role emphasizes leadership in controls and automation, with a focus on reliability, documentation, and mentoring junior engineers to uphold

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or power systems engineering.
• Experience with PLC platforms and CODESYS environments.
• Strong experience with Linux-based systems, including development and scripting.
• Direct experience designing and supporting high-power electrical systems, including integration with inverters or variable frequency drives.
• Proven ability to develop and manage BOMs, electrical schematics, and control panel designs.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical systems, controls software, and integrated systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems for high-power applications, including system architecture, control strategies, and detailed design deliverables. Own and develop complete bill of materials (BOMs), I/O lists, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts to support production and field deployment. Ensure designs are manufacturable, serviceable, and aligned with company standards.
• Develop, program, and maintain control software across multiple platforms, including traditional PLC environments, CODESYS-based systems, and Linux-based control applications. Integrate control systems with inverters, drives, and other power electronics, ensuring proper operation, communication, and protection strategies.
• Configure and commission variable frequency drives and inverter systems, with strong preference for experience with Danfoss products or equivalent platforms. Develop parameter sets, communication interfaces, and control logic required for stable and efficient system operation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless product development and execution. Actively participate in design reviews, providing technical input and identifying risks early in the design process.
• Support testing, validation, and commissioning activities, including prototype builds, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and field commissioning. Troubleshoot system issues across hardware and software domains, providing timely and effective resolution.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including control narratives, functional specifications, software documentation, and commissioning procedures. Ensure consistency and clarity across all deliverables.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of engineering standards, templates, and best practices within the organization.

Skills

PLC programming

CODESYS

Linux development

Electrical systems integration

BOM management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls or related field

Tools

Danfoss drives

Modbus

CAN

Ethernet/IP

Linux-based platforms

Job description

Job Location: Corporate Office - Trussville, AL 35173

The Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for the architecture, design, and implementation of advanced control systems supporting high-power electrical equipment and integrated energy systems. This role spans hardware and software development, including control and power panel design, bill of materials (BOM) ownership, PLC/CODESYS programming, and Linux-based control environments. This individual will serve in leadership and contribution in controls and automation, driving standardized, scalable solutions across product lines while ensuring alignment with SPOC's Lift Up culture- promoting accountability, communication, and team-first execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems for high-power applications, including system architecture, control strategies, and detailed design deliverables. Own and develop complete bill of materials (BOMs), I/O lists, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts to support production and field deployment. Ensure designs are manufacturable, serviceable, and aligned with company standards.
• Develop, program, and maintain control software across multiple platforms, including traditional PLC environments, CODESYS-based systems, and Linux-based control applications. Integrate control systems with inverters, drives, and other power electronics, ensuring proper operation, communication, and protection strategies.
• Configure and commission variable frequency drives and inverter systems, with strong preference for experience with Danfoss products or equivalent platforms. Develop parameter sets, communication interfaces, and control logic required for stable and efficient system operation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless product development and execution. Actively participate in design reviews, providing technical input and identifying risks early in the design process.
• Support testing, validation, and commissioning activities, including prototype builds, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and field commissioning. Troubleshoot system issues across hardware and software domains, providing timely and effective resolution.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including control narratives, functional specifications, software documentation, and commissioning procedures. Ensure consistency and clarity across all deliverables.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of engineering standards, templates, and best practices within the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or power systems engineering.
• Demonstrated experience working with PLC platforms and CODESYS environments.
• Strong experience with Linux-based systems, including application development, scripting, and system integration.
• Direct experience designing and supporting high-power electrical systems, including integration with inverters or variable frequency drives.
• Proven ability to develop and manage BOMs, electrical schematics, and control panel designs.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical systems, controls software, and integrated systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Danfoss drives and inverter systems.
• Experience with industrial communications protocols (Modbus, CAN, Ethernet/IP, TCP/IP, etc.).
• Familiarity with power systems concepts including motor control, protection schemes, and energy systems.
• Experience supporting commissioning in field environments (marine, industrial, oil & gas, or similar).
• Exposure to embedded systems or edge-device software architecture is a plus.

Culture

• Strong communicator who actively engages across teams and disciplines to drive alignment and clarity.
• Highly collaborative, with a willingness to both lead and support team efforts as needed.
• Takes ownership of outcomes and consistently follows through on commitments.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment with evolving priorities.
• Demonstrates behaviors aligned with SPOC's Lift Up culture- raising the standard of performance, supporting teammates, and contributing to a positive and accountable work environment.

Why This Role Matters

This role is critical to scaling SPOC's controls and automation capabilities across increasingly complex product offerings. The Senior Controls Engineer will directly influence system reliability, product consistency, and the speed at which novel solutions are brought to market.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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