Demo

Automation Controls Engineer

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.
Birmingham, AL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/30/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/30/2026
Job Details:

Automation Controls Engineer

Location: Decatur, AL

Travel: ~30% (primarily in 1–2 week increments)

Industry: Industrial Automation / Custom Machine Building

Overview

A growing industrial automation company is seeking an experienced Automation Controls Engineer to support the design, development, and commissioning of custom automated systems. This is a hands-on, full lifecycle role where you will take ownership of projects from concept through installation and startup.

This position offers the opportunity to work on complex automation projects involving robotics, conveyor systems, and custom equipment while serving as a key technical interface with customers.

What You’ll Do

  • Design electrical control systems using AutoCAD Electrical, including power distribution, safety circuits, I/O, communications, and panel layouts
  • Perform panel calculations including SCCR, FLA, and overall power requirements
  • Develop PLC, HMI, and robot programs from scratch for custom automation systems
  • Configure, debug, and test equipment on the shop floor prior to customer acceptance
  • Lead customer runoffs and demonstrate system performance
  • Oversee electrical installation and lead on-site system startup at customer facilities
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during build and commissioning phases
  • Serve as the primary customer-facing technical lead during project execution
  • Manage project scope, timelines, and budgets to ensure successful delivery

What You Bring

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience (2 years)
  • 2 years of controls engineering experience in a machine building or OEM environment preferred
  • Strong understanding of industrial automation systems, controls, and robotics

Technical Skills

  • PLC programming (Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, or similar)
  • Robot programming experience (Fanuc strongly preferred)
  • HMI development (Allen-Bradley, GE, or similar platforms)
  • Experience with machine vision systems (Cognex and/or Fanuc iRVision preferred)
  • Industrial networking: Ethernet/IP, ProfiNet, Profibus, DeviceNet
  • Ability to design and troubleshoot complete control systems

Additional Requirements

  • Willingness to travel up to 30% for installations and commissioning
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work directly with customers
  • Ability to independently lead projects and drive results
  • Knowledge of applicable safety standards (RIA, OSHA, NFPA 79)

Why This Opportunity

  • High-impact role with full project ownership
  • Exposure to advanced automation and robotics technologies
  • Stable pipeline of custom engineering projects
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
  • Long-term growth potential within a growing organization

To apply, send your resume to PD@Libertyjobs.com

Patrick DelGaone

PD@Libertyjobs.com

#Controls

#Midsenior

Salary.com Estimation for Automation Controls Engineer in Birmingham, AL
$74,784 to $93,977
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Automation Controls Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Automation Controls Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$71,493 - $96,419
Income Estimation: 
$92,369 - $122,605
Income Estimation: 
$96,240 - $123,168
Income Estimation: 
$120,579 - $154,482
Income Estimation: 
$115,522 - $153,258
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.

  • Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. Providence, RI
  • Job Details: Director Talent Acquisition- Healthcare- Hybrid Join a dynamic and forward-thinking health system as the Director of Talent Acquisition, where... more
  • Just Posted

  • Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. Providence, RI
  • Job Details: Director Total Rewards- Compensation/Benefits 2000 Employees- Hybrid Unlock the potential of a career that's driven by innovation and purpose.... more
  • Just Posted

  • Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. Charleston, SC
  • Job Details: Join a team dedicated to delivering excellence in HVAC solutions and customer service. We offer a role that not only challenges and rewards bu... more
  • Just Posted

  • Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. Charleston, SC
  • Job Details: Are you a tech-savvy professional excited about transforming and shaping cutting-edge building systems? Join a dynamic team where your skills ... more
  • Just Posted


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Automation Controls Engineer jobs in the Birmingham, AL area that may be a better fit.

  • Hargrove Controls & Automation Birmingham, AL
  • Who We Are Hargrove supplies unparalleled services in engineering, procurement, construction management, and technical services in the industrial, commerci... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Hargrove Engineers & Constructors Birmingham, AL
  • What You'll Be Doing Job Summary: Generally responsible for performing all aspects for complete design of Controls & Automation engineering assignments. Th... more
  • 2 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!