Senior Controls Engineer

Talon Hiring Solutions•Birmingham, AL

16d

About The Position

Talon Hiring Solutions has a client in the greater Birmingham, Alabama area seeking a Senior Controls Engineer. The role provides technical leadership in the design, programming, integration, and commissioning of complex automation and robotic systems, alongside project oversight, team leadership, and process improvement. The engineer will lead key projects from initial design through installation and deployment, guide engineers and technicians, improve engineering standards and workflows, and help deliver safe, high-quality automation solutions. Travel to customer facilities is required as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or a related field.
At least 5 years of controls programming or comparable industrial controls experience.
At least 3 years leading complex, multidisciplinary automation projects from design through commissioning.
Demonstrated success managing the technical and operational aspects of large-scale control system deployments.
Hands-on experience programming, integrating, and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servos, robots, and other industrial control systems.
Experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Omron, Siemens, GE, or similar systems.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, and print sets.
Knowledge of applicable electrical codes and industrial safety requirements, including NEC, IEC, OSHA, machine safeguarding, and functional safety concepts such as Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) and Performance Levels (PL).
Leadership skills, including mentoring engineers and technicians, reviewing technical work, and supporting professional development.
Strong project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively with customers, engineering teams, and company leadership.
Strong computer skills and ability to maintain accurate technical documentation.
Self-motivated, results-oriented approach, sound technical decision-making, and ability to work independently.
Willingness and ability to travel to customer facilities as required.
Valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.
Ability to successfully complete required background checks and pre-employment and random drug screenings.

Nice To Haves

Experience designing and developing electrical prints is preferred.
Experience with robotic systems, machine vision, and advanced automation technologies.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, programming, and integration of automation and control systems, including electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and PLC/HMI programming.
Develop automation solutions involving multi-system integration, safety interlocks, legacy system upgrades, and large-scale automation strategies.
Establish and maintain standards for control system hardware, software, system architecture, and programming practices.
Validate and optimize system functionality through simulation, testing, commissioning, and on-site troubleshooting.
Lead controls engineering on key projects from initial design through installation and deployment.
Define project scope, lead design reviews, make technical decisions, and resolve complex engineering challenges.
Manage project schedules, cost estimates, resource allocation, and milestones to support on-time, on-budget delivery.
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and applications engineering teams on system integration and project execution.
Supervise, mentor, and develop Controls Engineers and Technicians by assigning work, reviewing deliverables, and providing feedback.
Identify training needs and implement development opportunities such as workshops, job shadowing, and coaching.
Promote knowledge sharing, document best practices, and encourage accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
Develop and maintain engineering standards, reusable code libraries, design templates, and checklists.
Identify workflow inefficiencies, conduct root cause analysis, and implement process improvements to reduce rework and project cycle times.
Evaluate emerging technologies, including PLC platforms, industrial IoT solutions, diagnostic tools, and smart instrumentation.
Ensure control systems comply with applicable electrical codes, OSHA regulations, company safety standards, and machine-safety requirements.
Review safety-critical designs, including safety PLC logic, emergency stops, risk assessments, lockout/tagout procedures, and machine safeguarding.
Partner with Health and Safety teams to conduct hazard analyses, support pre-startup safety reviews, and maintain compliance.
Travel to customer facilities as needed for project execution, commissioning, troubleshooting, and system optimization.