Automation Engineer

Position Summary — Automation & Controls Engineer (Project Focus)

Our client is seeking a highly motivated Automation and Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of industrial control systems while managing the full lifecycle of automation and electrical projects in a heavy manufacturing environment.

This role combines deep technical ownership of automation infrastructure with hands‑on project execution responsibilities. The successful candidate will independently drive projects from concept through commissioning, including controls architecture development, system integration, installation oversight, and performance optimization.

The position requires a self‑directed professional with strong controls engineering expertise, practical field experience, and the ability to manage scope, schedule, and technical execution across multiple concurrent initiatives.

Safety is fundamental to all operations. Candidates must demonstrate consistent leadership in promoting and enforcing safety standards, procedures, and housekeeping practices throughout all project and engineering activities.

• Design, develop, and implement PLC-based and PC-based control systems for industrial processes
• Configure and support HMI and SCADA platforms for monitoring, visualization, and operator interaction
• Develop and tune PID control strategies to optimize system performance and process stability
• Lead control system upgrades, migrations, and modernization initiatives
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and instrumentation issues
• Establish and maintain controls standards, documentation, and programming conventions
• Lead automation and electrical projects from concept, scope development, and design through installation, commissioning, and closeout
• Develop project scope, cost estimates, schedules, and execution strategies
• Coordinate with engineering, operations, maintenance, and construction teams to ensure alignment and execution success
• Manage integrators, subcontractors, and vendors supporting controls and electrical work
• Oversee installation, system integration, testing, and commissioning activities
• Identify technical and execution risks early and implement mitigation strategies
• Provide clear project status reporting and technical communication to stakeholders

• Support power distribution system integration as it relates to automation infrastructure
• Review and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical specifications
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical and control system standards (NEC, NFPA, IEEE, and company standards)
• Support new construction, major retrofits, and expansion of automated production systems

• Demonstrated experience implementing and supporting industrial automation and control systems
• Proven ability to lead technical projects with minimal supervision
• Strong working knowledge of:
• PLC programming and control architectures
• HMI / SCADA platforms
• PID control theory and application
• Industrial electrical systems and schematics
• Experience coordinating cross-functional technical teams and external vendors
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, compliant, and high-performance work environment

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in industrial automation, controls, or electrical systems
• Experience with control system design, upgrades, and modernization projects
• Ability to create or modify electrical and controls documentation
• Background in heavy industrial manufacturing (steel, metals, mining, or similar process industries)
• Formal project management training or certification (PMP or equivalent)

• Industry leader with a strong safety-first culture
• High level of technical ownership and project autonomy
• Opportunity to drive automation innovation and modernization initiatives
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Long-term career growth within a stable, performance-driven organization