Sr. Controls Engineer

FirstFour Staffing; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstFour Staffing is seeking a seasoned Controls Engineer to join our marine automation team. You will design, program, install, and commission complex PLC/HMI/SCADA systems aboard vessels and in onshore facilities.

You will mentor engineers, review drawings, travel to field sites as needed, and ensure compliance with industry standards (ABS/DNV/NAVSEA). A BS in engineering and 8+ years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of controls/automation engineering experience.
• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Rockwell/Allen-Bradley experience required.
• AVEVA experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, programming, integration, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of controls and automation systems.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and distributed control systems.
• Support complex automation systems involving sensors, actuators, VFDs, and other field devices.
• Troubleshoot communication networks and protocols including Profibus, Modbus RTU/TCP, and Serial ASCII.
• Review engineering designs, drawings, system specifications, and programming for technical accuracy.
• Lead installation and commissioning efforts in the field.
• Mentor and provide technical direction to other engineers, designers, and technicians.
• Coordinate with engineering, production, customers, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Technical leadership

Field installation/troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

AVEVA

Industrial networks

Job description

We’re hiring Controls Engineers to join a growing engineering team supporting advanced marine automation and control systems. This is a great opportunity for an experienced controls engineer to move into a highly specialized environment where you’ll work on complex PLC, HMI, SCADA, and automation systems.

What You’ll Do

Lead the design, programming, integration, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of controls and automation systems.

Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and distributed control systems.

Support complex automation systems involving sensors, actuators, VFDs, and other field devices.

Troubleshoot communication networks and protocols including Profibus, Modbus RTU/TCP, and Serial ASCII.

Review engineering designs, drawings, system specifications, and programming for technical accuracy.

Lead installation and commissioning efforts in the field.

Mentor and provide technical direction to other engineers, designers, and technicians.

Coordinate with engineering, production, customers, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers.

What We’re Looking For

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

8+ years of controls/automation engineering experience.

Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley experience required.

AVEVA experience required.

Experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, VFDs, sensors, actuators, and industrial networks.

Experience with installation, commissioning, startup, and field troubleshooting.

Strong technical communication and leadership skills.

Ability to work in field environments and travel as needed.

Preferred

Windows Server, Active Directory, DNS, and Group Policy experience.

Experience with maritime, propulsion, industrial automation, manufacturing, or other highly automated systems.

Knowledge of ABS, DNV, NAVSEA, USCG, IMO, or other regulatory standards.

Additional Requirements

Candidates must be able to provide proof of U.S. Person status. Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance may be required. Background check and drug screening required.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to take your controls expertise into a unique, highly technical environment supporting the programming and automation of next-generation vessels.