Automation & Controls Engineer II

Phenix City, Alabama

Full Time

The Automation & Controls Engineer II plays a critical role in maintaining, improving, and modernizing electrical and control systems across the Phenix City plant. This position supports ongoing operations, drives automation initiatives, ensures compliance with safety standards, and partners with cross-functional teams to deliver a $15MM automation modernization project.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Support

• Maintain plant safety, product quality, and equipment reliability through real-time troubleshooting.
• Diagnose and solve complex electrical and control issues in both low- and high-voltage systems.
• Support 24/5 and 24/7 operations; provide technical support to maintenance and production teams.
  
  

Automation & Controls

• Design, develop, and implement automation systems (PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, and robotics).
• Program, test, and maintain Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMI systems; support network communications within enterprise and control systems.
• Document, standardize, and simplify plant automation systems.
• Manage lifecycle of legacy control systems; propose modernization strategies to prevent obsolescence.
  
  

Project Leadership

• Serve as Lead Electrical / Controls Engineer for projects >$1M in scope.
• Support the $15MM automation upgrade initiative.
• Collaborate with engineering, process, and IT teams to ensure timely and safe project execution.
  
  

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement efficiency gains through automation and data-driven analysis.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma principles to enhance product quality and process reliability.
• Foster collaboration and open communication across departments.
  
  

Compliance & Safety

• Apply NFPA 70E standards for electrical safety and arc flash hazard mitigation.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental and safety regulations.
• Promote a strong safety culture through leadership and example.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in control systems engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI programming, VFDs, servos, and industrial network communications.
• Knowledge of NFPA 70E standards.
• Experience with robotic systems (ABB, Fanuc).
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Fanuc Robotics, Cognex Vision Systems, Wonderware, Genetec.
• Lean / Six Sigma certification or project experience.
• AutoCAD or Visio experience for electrical schematics.
• Experience in ISO-certified or highly structured manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of SAP or other ERP systems.
  
  

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Must access all areas of the plant (climb ladders, catwalks, work at heights up to 50 ft).
• Must lift, twist, and turn up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to high noise levels, heat, humidity, and airborne particles; use of PPE required.
• Approximately 70% office / 30% plant floor presence.
  
  

Recruiter Submission Template -

Full Name:

Degree Major with University and Completion Year:

Professional Certifications (e.g., PE, Six Sigma, NFPA 70E):

Years of Experience in Electrical / Controls Engineering:

Experience in Manufacturing / Production Environment (Y/N, Details):

Experience with Allen-Bradley PLC Programming (Y/N, Details):

Experience with HMI Systems (FactoryTalk, Wonderware, etc.) (Y/N, Details):

Experience with Industrial Networks (EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, etc.) (Y/N, Details):

Experience with VFDs and Servo Drives (Y/N, Details):

Experience with Robotics (ABB, Fanuc, etc.) (Y/N, Details):

Experience with Cognex Vision Systems or Similar (Y/N, Details):

Experience with SCADA Systems (Wonderware / Ignition / Others) (Y/N, Details):

Experience with AutoCAD / Electrical Design Tools (Y/N, Details):

Experience with SAP or ERP Systems (Y/N, Details):

Experience in Electrical Safety (NFPA 70E / Arc Flash Analysis) (Y/N, Details):

Experience in Project Leadership (>$1M projects) (Y/N, Details):

Experience with Lean / Six Sigma / Continuous Improvement (Y/N, Details):

Experience with ISO or Structured Quality Systems (Y/N, Details):

Experience with Environmental / OSHA Compliance (Y/N, Details):

Experience in Low and High Voltage Systems (Y/N, Details):

Experience Supporting Maintenance or Production Teams in a 24x7 Plant (Y/N, Details):

Experience with IT/OT Integration or Industrial Networking (Y/N, Details):

Experience with Camera / Security Access Systems (Y/N, Details):

Experience in Documentation, Standardization, or Legacy System Migration (Y/N, Details):

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) (Y/N):

Experience Leading or Supervising Technicians/Teams (Y/N, Details):

Analytical & Problem-Solving Capability (Y/N, Examples):

Communication & Collaboration Skills (Y/N, Examples):

Motivation / Reason for Interest in this Position:

Contact Number:

Email ID:

LinkedIn ID:

Full Address (Street, City, State, ZIP Code):

Notice Period (in weeks):

Current Work Authorization Status (e.g., US Citizen, Green Card, H1B, etc.):

Expected Salary:

Are you willing to relocate on your own expenses and work onsite at Phenix City, Alabama (Y/N):