What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Automation Engineer position at Judge Direct Placement?
Judge Direct Placement is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer in Russellville, AR area!
Responsibilities:
- Provide technical support for automation systems, manufacturing operations, and facility infrastructure to ensure reliable production performance.
- Lead and execute automation and controls projects from concept development through implementation and startup.
- Establish, prioritize, and manage automation, electrical, and instrumentation improvement initiatives in partnership with production, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams.
- Develop and deliver training programs to enhance technical capabilities and support workforce development.
- Maintain and improve industrial control systems, automation platforms, and related technologies to support operational excellence.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement, equipment reliability, and process optimization initiatives.
- Support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to maximize equipment uptime and performance.
- Identify and address equipment lifecycle and obsolescence challenges by developing long-term replacement and modernization plans.
- Ensure compliance with applicable electrical, process safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Promote a strong safety culture by modeling and reinforcing safe work practices.
- Maintain accurate documentation, project records, and technical standards.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders across operations, maintenance, engineering, and management teams.
- Participate in troubleshooting efforts to resolve complex equipment and process issues.
- Provide occasional after-hours support for critical manufacturing operations, system upgrades, or emergency situations.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required
- 5-8 years PLC experience
- Experience supporting highly regulated manufacturing environments, including industries governed by stringent quality, safety, and compliance requirements.
- Background in manufacturing, automation, process engineering, or related industrial operations.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively engage cross-functional teams and leadership stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to apply engineering and technical principles to troubleshoot complex equipment, process, and system challenges.
- Ability to interpret and work from technical documentation, including electrical schematics, control drawings, equipment manuals, process flow diagrams, and instrumentation documentation.
- Solid understanding of electrical, electronic, and industrial control system fundamentals.
- Hands-on experience with industrial automation technologies, including human-machine interfaces (HMIs), servo systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, instrumentation, and process control equipment.
- Experience with PLC-based control systems and manufacturing automation platforms is preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement and operational reliability.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and standard business software tools.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Salary : $110,000 - $120,000