Senior Controls Engineer

SPOC Energy; Trussville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SPOC Energy is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to drive the architecture, design, and implementation of advanced control systems for high-power electrical equipment and energy systems. You will lead controls and automation initiatives, promoting accountability, communication, and a team-first mindset aligned with SPOC’s Lift Up culture.

The role covers hardware and software development, BOM ownership, PLC/CODESYS programming, and Linux-based control environments, with collaboration across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• 7+ years experience in industrial controls or power systems.
• Experience with PLC platforms and CODESYS environments.
• Strong Linux-based application development and scripting ability.
• Experience designing high-power electrical systems with inverters or VFDs.
• Ability to develop BOMs, schematics, and control panel designs.
• Strong troubleshooting across electrical and software domains.

Responsibilities

• Design high-power control systems and develop BOMs, I/O lists, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
• Program and maintain control software across PLC, CODESYS, and Linux platforms.
• Integrate controls with inverters and power electronics for reliable operation.
• Configure and commission VFDs/inverters, favoring Danfoss or equivalent.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams.
• Support testing, FAT, and field commissioning; troubleshoot issues.
• Develop technical docs and mentoring for juniors.

Skills

Control systems design

PLC programming

CODESYS

Linux

BOM management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Danfoss drives

Industrial automation hardware

Job description

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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