Sr Controls & Automation Engineer

Sr Controls & Automation Engineer

Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

Location Columbus, Georgia .

Compensation Base Salary : $100,000 to $140,000 USD (with up to 10% bonus potential) + Paid Relocation

The Senior Controls & Automation Engineer is a critical technical leader focused on the electrical systems, controls infrastructure, and advanced automation within a high-volume manufacturing facility. This role is a key driver for the plant’s modernization strategy, including a significant multi-million dollar capital expenditure project aimed at upgrading and replacing obsolete controls (e.g., an ABB system divorce and new production equipment).

As one of the plant's dedicated controls resources, you will serve as the primary subject matter expert, taking ownership of both low and high-voltage electrical / controls infrastructure. This position requires deep technical expertise in PLCs, HMIs, and drives, coupled with the ability to lead complex projects, troubleshoot sophisticated issues, and ensure sustained operational success across a 24 / 7 manufacturing environment.

Automation, Modernization & Project Leadership

Capital Project Lead : Serve as the Lead Electrical / Controls Engineer on major or complex capital projects, often exceeding $1M in scope, responsible for planning, execution, and timely milestone achievement.

System Migration : Proactively develop and execute plans for the migration away from obsolete or stranded equipment and control systems , ensuring high reliability and continuous production capacity.

Standardization : Drive the standardization and simplification of common electrical parts, control systems, and programming logic across the plant to improve maintainability.

Efficiency : Identify and implement innovative automation solutions to increase manufacturing efficiency, throughput, and product quality.

Robotics & Drives : Manage, program, and troubleshoot robotic platforms (e.g., ABB, Fanuc) and complex Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and servo applications .

Controls & Infrastructure Ownership

Core Engineering : Maintain, program, and troubleshoot all plant electrical and controls systems, demonstrating high proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI applications (including network communications).

Electrical Infrastructure : Act as the plant expert and owner for both low and high-voltage electrical infrastructure , ensuring safe and reliable operation.

Documentation : Ensure all legacy control systems are documented , and meticulously create and maintain documentation for all new or modified systems and processes.

Quality & Safety : Drive continuous improvement in product quality by linking process capability to controls performance, and support safety and environmental compliance efforts.

Operational Support & Compliance

Advanced Troubleshooting : Provide high-level daily support for manufacturing operations, diagnosing and resolving complex electrical and control system failures to maintain safety and production effectiveness.

Safety Compliance : Ensure strict application of the NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace related to arc flash energy and shock hazards.

Cross-Functional Support : Work with the Process Engineering team and provide support to other departments, including assisting IT with basic plant infrastructure and HR / Safety with security access and camera systems.

Required Qualifications

Technical & Educational Requirements

Education : Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology .

Experience : A minimum of 3 years of experience in control systems engineering in a continuous and / or discrete manufacturing environment.

Controls Proficiency : Expert-level proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI programming (including ladder logic, structured text, and communication protocols) and system design.

Safety Compliance : Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply the NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety .

Systems Knowledge : Strong working knowledge and understanding of Mechanical Systems as they relate to control implementation.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Fanuc Robotics or Cognex Vision Systems .

Experience with Wonderware control software platforms.

Experience with AutoCAD or Visio software for drafting control schematics.

Knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma principles or experience with ISO / structured business operating models.

Experience with an ERP system (e.g., SAP).

Working Conditions

This role is primarily based on traditional workdays (Monday-Friday, 6 : 30 AM to 4 : 30 PM), but requires flexibility to work occasional alternate schedules as necessary to manage high-priority projects, process startups, and critical maintenance windows.

Work Environment : The job is located in an industrial, manufacturing plant. Approximately 30% of time is spent on the plant floor working around heavy machinery, high noise levels, and mobile equipment.

Physical Demands : Requires ability to access all work areas (e.g., climbing ladders, negotiating catwalks up to 50 feet), lift up to 50 lbs., and work in environments that are not climate controlled (may be extremely hot / humid or cold).

PPE : Required to wear standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety-toed shoes, hearing protection, and eye protection, with occasional requirements for dust masks or respirators.