Controls Engineer Lead Senior

International Motors•Huntsville, AL

18h

About The Position

International Motors is seeking a Senior Lead Controls Engineer to support and advance T14 Transmission operations. The role provides technical leadership and day-to-day production support, serving as a liaison among engineering, maintenance, and production teams to help ensure safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing. The engineer will drive continuous improvement across controls, automation, and electrical systems, including the design, implementation, optimization, and troubleshooting of PLC- and HMI-based control systems and oversight of industrial networks and power distribution for current and future assembly lines. The position leads controls-related projects from concept through commissioning, helps shape equipment standards, and mentors junior engineers and technicians. Working with cross-functional stakeholders, the engineer resolves complex technical issues, reduces downtime, improves throughput, and strengthens system reliability in a high-volume manufacturing environment. The role combines strategic thinking, hands-on technical expertise, and communication skills in support of production goals and long-term operational performance. The stated schedule is Monday through Thursday, 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Requirements

One of the following experience and education combinations: a bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of product manufacturing experience; a master's degree and at least 3 years of product manufacturing experience; or at least 8 years of product manufacturing experience.
At least 1 year of lead experience.
For candidates other than current employees, legal authorization to work in the United States on an unrestricted basis as a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. Employment-related work sponsorship is not anticipated.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with Siemens PLC programming.
Experience working with HMI and/or SCADA platforms.
Strong troubleshooting mindset and ability to work independently.
Solid communication skills and ability to work across teams.
Experience with vision systems such as Fanuc IRVision, Keyence, or Cognex.
Experience setting up and modifying SQL databases.
Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES) controls.
Experience with automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
Experience designing and installing medium- and low-voltage power distribution systems.
Willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

Lead controls strategies and solutions that maximize uptime, throughput, and first-time-through quality across automated engine and transmission assembly lines.
Serve as the primary controls escalation point for powertrain operations and troubleshoot issues affecting safety, torque accuracy, traceability, and line performance.
Design, program, and standardize Siemens-based PLC, HMI, and SCADA control systems for launches, line upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Diagnose complex automation issues involving motion, safety systems, and Profinet/Profibus industrial networks; use root-cause analysis to prevent recurrence and reduce downtime.
Oversee controls integration, equipment installation, commissioning, upgrades, and long-term system support in high-volume automotive environments.
Evaluate and select automation and electrical equipment according to automotive performance, reliability, lifecycle-cost, and manufacturing standards.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers, technicians, maintenance, and process teams.
Maintain robust controls documentation and OEM technical compliance.