Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

Location: Birmingham, AL (On-site + Travel)
Travel: Approximately 30% for project-based commissioning and customer support

A growing industrial automation and systems integration company is seeking a Lead Electrical Controls Engineer to drive the design, development, and implementation of advanced automation and control systems across a variety of industrial applications.

This role is ideal for a hands-on engineering leader who can oversee complex controls projects while mentoring engineers, establishing technical standards, and ensuring successful execution from concept through commissioning. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in PLC/HMI systems, industrial networking, electrical design, and project leadership within industrial manufacturing or systems integration environments.

• Lead the design and development of industrial automation and electrical control systems
• Develop PLC and HMI programs for custom equipment and manufacturing processes
• Create and review electrical schematics, panel layouts, and BOMs using AutoCAD Electrical
• Design and support integration of VFDs, motor controls, instrumentation, safety systems, and SCADA platforms
• Troubleshoot, test, and optimize automation systems during startup and commissioning
• Serve as the technical lead on complex automation and systems integration projects
• Manage controls engineering activities throughout the full project lifecycle
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and applications engineering teams to ensure successful integration
• Support project scheduling, technical reviews, commissioning activities, and customer communication
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Controls Engineers and Technicians
• Review engineering work for technical accuracy and adherence to standards
• Assist in developing engineering procedures, reusable code libraries, and design standards
• Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and continuous improvement-oriented environment

• Ensure compliance with NEC, OSHA, IEC, and applicable industrial safety standards
• Support machine safety reviews, interlocks, and safety PLC implementation
• Participate in risk assessments, commissioning validation, and system testing activities

• Strong background in industrial automation, controls engineering, or systems integration
• Experience leading controls projects in manufacturing, process, or industrial environments
• Proven ability to support commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer-facing project execution

• Advanced PLC/HMI programming experience with Rockwell, Siemens, or similar platforms
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, instrumentation, motor controls, and industrial networking
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical for schematic and panel design
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus

• Experience mentoring or leading engineering teams
• Knowledge of SCADA systems, IIoT technologies, and advanced diagnostics
• OSHA, NFPA 70E, CAP, PE, or related certifications are a plus
• Combination of office, manufacturing floor, and customer site environments
• Hands-on involvement in startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and system validation
• Travel required for project support and field activities

• Lead technically challenging automation and controls projects
• Work with advanced industrial technologies and custom automation systems
• Opportunity to influence engineering standards and technical direction
• Collaborative environment with strong growth potential