Industrial Automation Controls Engineer — Commissioning & Integration

Join Automation Solutions to build, program, and launch custom automation and robotic systems from the ground up. If you thrive on turning requirements into reliable code and machinery—and you enjoy seeing systems run in the real world—this role is for you.

Why This Role

• Own the full lifecycle: from concept and design through programming, testing, installation, and post-startup support.
• Blend software and hardware daily—PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servos, robots, and vision systems.
• Work in Birmingham and at customer sites; expect approximately 25% travel when projects hit the floor.

What You’ll Do

Project Collaboration

• Sync daily with the Controls Engineering Manager on priorities and technical direction.
• Partner with sales, PM, controls, mechanical, fabrication, and install teams to deliver complete solutions.
• Engage customers to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and provide excellent service.
• Guide control-panel fabrication, wiring, assembly, and installation quality.
• Report progress, risks, schedule impacts, and support needs clearly and proactively.

Controls Engineering

• Architect, code, and troubleshoot automated electromechanical systems.
• Create and refine PLC and HMI applications (including ladder logic) and related control software.
• Commission PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motion (servo), robots, and machine vision; diagnose issues rapidly.
• Interpret and update electrical drawings, specifications, and sequences of operation.
• Execute hands-on integration, modifications, repairs, and system bring-up.
• Run test plans and customer runoffs to confirm performance against requirements.
• Audit for safety and code conformance; drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

Commissioning & Service

• Assemble, test, commission, and install equipment in-house and on-site.
• Travel roughly 25% for installs, startups, troubleshooting, training, and post-delivery service; some overnights required.
• Operate electrical test equipment, hand tools, and power tools safely and effectively.
• Support production ramp-up and resolve controls issues during commissioning.
• Maintain thorough records: code revisions, troubleshooting actions, work performed, and configurations.
• Inspect control panels, field wiring, and equipment installations for quality.
• Represent Automation Solutions professionally at all customer sites.

Shop & Safety

• Keep work areas clean, safe, and organized; assist with general shop housekeeping.
• Follow company safety procedures and wear required PPE.
• Work safely around energized electrical systems, industrial machinery, robotics, and automated equipment.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation (or similar) preferred.
• Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics (or related) preferred.
• Relevant industrial controls experience may substitute for a degree.

Experience

• 2–4 years in controls programming or comparable industrial controls roles.
• PLC programming proficiency (ladder logic) — creation, modification, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with one or more: PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo/motion, industrial robots, machine vision, and industrial networks.
• Fluent in reading comprehensive electrical drawing packages.
• Hands-on system integration, modification, troubleshooting, and repair.
• Preferred: Custom machinery, automated manufacturing, or robotics support.
• Preferred: Electrical drawing development or revision.
• Preferred: Commissioning, installation, startup, or field service exposure.

Skills & Attributes

• Advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving in industrial controls.
• Strong computer/technical software capability; excellent written and verbal communication.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Omron, Siemens, GE, or similar PLC platforms.
• Ability to diagnose electrical, mechanical, software, networking, and integration issues.
• Clear communicator with customers, engineers, technicians, and stakeholders.
• Organized, self-motivated, dependable; able to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective independently and in multidisciplinary teams; strong documentation skills.
• Hands-on mindset for both shop and field work.

Travel & Field

• Approximately 25% travel, varying by project schedules and customer needs.
• Ability to work at industrial/manufacturing sites under customer safety/access rules.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.

Physical Demands

• Lift/carry up to 50 lbs; stand for extended periods.
• Bend, reach, climb, kneel; perform hands-on work near industrial equipment.
• Use electrical test equipment, hand tools, and power tools.
• Work safely around automated machinery, robotics, electrical equipment, and industrial processes.
• Wear required PPE.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Grow With Us

• Engage with a wide variety of custom automation and robotics projects.
• Be part of every stage—concept to commissioning to sustained support.
• Deepen your skill set across PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motion, robotics, vision, and industrial networks.
• Collaborate with experienced engineers, technicians, and fabricators.
• Contribute to real-world manufacturing problem solving and see systems you build run in production.
• Stable, full-time role with professional development and growth opportunities.

Compliance

• Ability to pass applicable background checks.
• Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.
• Ability to comply with company and customer safety requirements.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.

Automation Solutions and Livingston & Haven consider all qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Preferred Proficiencies

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Bachelor's Degree
• Electrical Schematics
• Troubleshooting Skills
• Machine Building/Assembling
• Single and Three Phase Power
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• CAD Software
• Industrial Robot Programming
• Electrical Installation
• Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
• PLC Programming Experience
• SCADA Experience
• Programming Machine Vision Systems
• Electrical / Electronic Systems
• Pneumatics Troubleshooting
• Field Service Readiness
• Industrial Electrical Systems
• Electrical Schematic Reading
• Equipment Installation & Wiring

Machines & Technologies

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• CAD Software (AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor)
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Fanuc, Allen Bradley, Omron, Siemens)
• Vision System (Keyence, Cognex, Omron, Banner)
• Servo Motors
• Industrial Robot (Fanuc, Kuka, ABB, Yaskawa Motoman, Universal Robotics, Nachi, Epson, Kawasaki)