Sr. Automation Controls Engineer (1158698)

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

Location:

Russellville, AR

Salary:

$110,000.00 USD Annually - $120,000.00 USD Annually

Description

Judge Direct Placement is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer in Russellville, AR area!

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 in partnership with production, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams.
• Develop and deliver training programs to enhance technical capabilities and support workforce development.
• Maintain and improve industrial control systems, automation platforms, and related technologies to support operational excellence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement, equipment reliability, and process optimization initiatives.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to maximize equipment uptime and performance.
• Identify and address equipment lifecycle and obsolescence challenges by developing long-term replacement and modernization plans.
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical, process safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture by modeling and reinforcing safe work practices.
• Maintain accurate documentation, project records, and technical standards.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders across operations, maintenance, engineering, and management teams.
• Participate in troubleshooting efforts to resolve complex equipment and process issues.
• Provide occasional after-hours support for critical manufacturing operations, system upgrades, or emergency situations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required
• 5-8 years PLC experience
• Experience supporting highly regulated manufacturing environments, including industries governed by stringent quality, safety, and compliance requirements.
• Background in manufacturing, automation, process engineering, or related industrial operations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively engage cross-functional teams and leadership stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering and technical principles to troubleshoot complex equipment, process, and system challenges.
• Ability to interpret and work from technical documentation, including electrical schematics, control drawings, equipment manuals, process flow diagrams, and instrumentation documentation.
• Solid understanding of electrical, electronic, and industrial control system fundamentals.
• Hands-on experience with industrial automation technologies, including human-machine interfaces (HMIs), servo systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, instrumentation, and process control equipment.
• Experience with PLC-based control systems and manufacturing automation platforms is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement and operational reliability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and standard business software tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including (but not limited to) health, dental, vision and 401k