Lead Automation Controls Engineer

Lead technical delivery for automated crane control systems across electrical design, controls programming, testing, and customer commissioning in Birmingham, AL.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design for full automation systems using AutoCAD Electrical, including power distribution, safety circuits, I/O controls, communications, and panel layouts
• Compute short-circuit current ratings (SCCR), power requirements, and full-load amperage (FLA) for electrical panels
• Provide technical direction during electrical assembly, equipment integration, and system build activities
• Develop and implement PLC, SCADA, HMI, and VFD programs from scratch through final commissioning
• Oversee equipment configuration, debugging, and shop-floor testing to prepare for customer reviews
• Lead factory acceptance testing and customer equipment runoffs
• Direct electrical integration and troubleshooting during customer installations
• Lead onsite startup, commissioning, and project closeout as the primary technical point of contact for customers
• Coordinate engineering, assembly, and field activities to meet project milestones
• Manage project schedules, costs, and resources to support budget and delivery commitments
• Troubleshoot complex controls issues and provide technical guidance to team members
• Maintain compliance with applicable industrial electrical and machinery safety standards

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, or 5+ years of relevant professional experience
• 5+ years of industrial controls experience preferred, especially in machine-building or OEM environments
• Proven ability to lead automation projects from electrical design through installation and commissioning
• Ability to travel approximately 30% of the time, typically in two-week assignments
• Strong understanding of industrial controls, including PLCs, VFDs, and automated equipment
• Experience commissioning VFDs from Magnetek, Yaskawa, Siemens, or Rockwell
• PLC programming experience using ladder logic, including Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 and Siemens TIA Portal
• Experience configuring remote I/O and industrial communications networks, including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, and Modbus
• Experience developing, configuring, troubleshooting, and deploying SCADA systems
• Experience configuring Allen-Bradley HMIs
• Leadership, communication, and customer-facing project management skills
• Ability to direct onsite installations, resolve technical issues, and lead projects to successful completion
• Familiarity with RIA robot safety standards, OSHA safety standards, and NFPA 79

Technologies

• AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD
• PLC, SCADA, HMI, VFD
• Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal
• EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Modbus
• Allen-Bradley HMIs
• Magnetek, Yaskawa, Siemens, Rockwell
• Ladder logic

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Company-paid short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability coverage available
• Company-paid basic life insurance
• Additional life insurance options
• Employee assistance program
• Nine paid holidays
• Paid time off program
• Tool purchase program
• Weekly pay with direct deposit
• Competitive compensation

Location: Birmingham, AL (onsite)

Salary: USD 80,000 - 150,000 per yearly

Summary: Provide technical leadership for automated crane control systems from initial design through programming, commissioning, and final customer acceptance, including electrical design, PLC/SCADA/HMI/VFD development, testing, and customer-facing project execution.