Senior Controls Engineer

IperionX is seeking a highly skilled Senior Controls Engineer to lead critical initiatives in machine electrical configuration, controls integration, PLC programming, and data infrastructure for innovative process technologies. In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with our Production and Research & Technology teams to design, commission, validate, and integrate advanced systems into our facility’s digital and controls architecture. Reporting directly to the Head of Process Development, this position offers a unique opportunity to drive cutting-edge advancements at our Titanium Production Facility and Advanced Manufacturing Center.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in engineering technology, industrial automation, instrumentation, or comparable technical certification
• 10 years of relevant experience in controls, industrial automation, electrical systems, or machine integration
• Strong experience with PLC programming, ladder logic, and industrial control systems
• Experience with machine electrical setup, instrumentation, automation networks, and sensor integration
• Familiarity with SCADA, HMI development, and data historian systems (preferred)
• Ability to coordinate digital infrastructure needs for data centers and facility-wide monitoring platforms
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills
• Management or team leadership experience (preferred)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and industrial automation software tools
• Ability to work onsite in Halifax County, VA, with company travel up to 10%

Employment responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Lead the design, configuration, programming, and commissioning of PLCs, control systems, automation networks, and machine electrical setups for new and evolving process technologies
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to incorporate controls and data requirements into equipment specifications, installation plans, commissioning protocols, and project timelines
• Collaborate with operations leadership to support operator training, troubleshooting activities, and smooth transition of new control systems into daily operations
• Oversee setup and maintenance of facility data centers, data acquisition systems, and digital infrastructure supporting process monitoring and analytics
• Develop and maintain PLC logic, HMI interfaces, alarm systems, and automated control strategies consistent with process safety and quality standards
• Lead and mentor other Controls Engineers by providing direction, technical guidance, and performance oversight
• Ensure all automation and data systems adhere to company safety protocols, cybersecurity standards, IP protection policies, and regulatory requirements
• Troubleshoot control systems, instrumentation issues, electrical faults, and automation failures during development trials, commissioning, and early production runs
• Support integration of sensors, analytics tools, and digital monitoring systems to enable robust process tracking and performance reporting
• Maintain accurate documentation, including control narratives, wiring diagrams, program backups, and change logs
• Coordinate with external vendors, integrators, and service providers involved in automation, controls, or data systems
• Work with EHS and Quality teams to ensure control strategies align with process hazard analyses, safety interlocks, and quality control requirements
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, data accuracy, operational efficiency, and system standardization

Benefits: Benefits include industry-leading medical, dental and vision insurance; 401(k) plan and company match; paid time off, competitive pay and strong opportunity for career growth.

About IperionX

Titanium metal is prized for its strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. These properties are ideal for applications in the aerospace, defense, medical, automotive and consumer electronics industries. Titanium’s problem is its high cost. The standard way to produce titanium metal, the Kroll process, was invented over 70 years ago, is complex, energy intensive, and expensive. IperionX has revolutionary technology to produce titanium metal at significantly lower energy, cost and carbon emissions. Our goal is to fundamentally transform the titanium industry. We are currently scaling production at our Virginia Titanium Manufacturing Campus, comprising the Titanium Production Facility and the Advanced Manufacturing Center. Additional information about IperionX can be found on our corporate website (www.iperionx.com).

IperionX is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We strive to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $87,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment?
• Do you have an Associate’s degree or higher in engineering technology, industrial automation, instrumentation, or a related field?
• Are you familiar with safety protocols, cybersecurity standards, and regulatory compliance for automation systems?
• Are you comfortable with up to 10% travel for this role?
• Have you worked on machine electrical setup, instrumentation, and automation networks? Please provide examples.
• Are you familiar with SCADA systems, HMI development, and data historian tools? If yes, which ones?

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• control engineering : 10 years (Preferred)
• industrial automation or machine integration: 10 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• South Boston, VA 24592 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $87,000 - $105,000