Sr. Controls Engineer – Automation & Controls

FirstFour Staffing; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstFour Staffing seeks an experienced Controls Engineer to join a marine automation team in Mobile, Alabama. You will design, program, install and commission PLC/SCADA/HMI systems for complex vessels, leading field deployments and mentoring junior staff.

You will troubleshoot networks, systems, and instrumentation, ensuring regulatory compliance and smooth operation in a demanding, technical environment.

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 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 with sensors, actuators, VFDs, and field devices.
• Troubleshoot networks and protocols including Profibus, Modbus RTU/TCP, and Serial ASCII.
• Review designs, drawings, specs, and programming for technical accuracy.
• Lead installation and commissioning efforts in the field.
• Mentor and provide direction to other engineers, designers, and technicians.
• Coordinate with engineering, production, customers, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers.

Skills

8+ years of controls/automation

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

AVEVA

PLC/HMI/SCADA

VFDs and 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.