Controls Engineer I

Description

About the Role 

Automation Engineer (Level I–III) is a scalable engineering role designed to support a range of experience levels across our automation team. This position may report out of either Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport) or our Sanford, FL Headquarters, depending on project assignment and operational needs.  

This role is leveled I–III. Placement will be determined throughout the interview process based on résumé review, technical discussion, and skill assessment. Candidates may be aligned at Level I, II, or III depending on demonstrated experience, leadership capability, and technical depth. 

The posted salary range of $75,000 – $160,000 reflects the full range from Level I through Level III. At the senior end (Level III), this role serves as a technical leader on complex automation projects — owning system architecture, technical execution, and customer confidence from concept through commissioning.  

At Levels I and II, engineers support and progressively grow into greater ownership, complexity, and leadership responsibilities.

CLX Engineering also offers annual performance-based bonus opportunities for Engineers at all levels (I–III), recognizing contributions to project success, technical excellence, and company growth. Typical Experience Range:

• Level I: Early-career automation/controls experience
• Level II: 3–5+ years in automation, controls, or systems integration
• Level III: 8+ years with demonstrated technical leadership

This is a performance-driven role built on trust, experience, and accountability. What You’ll Do (Level of responsibility scales based on placement.):

• Support or lead technical aspects of automation projects from design through commissioning
• Design and develop control systems across electrical, mechanical, and IT disciplines
• Develop, review, and/or approve PLC/HMI code, drawings, and documentation
• Serve as a technical point of contact for customers and project managers (Level II–III)
• Coordinate workloads, priorities, and schedules with engineering and field teams
• Participate in or lead design reviews and troubleshooting efforts
• Mentor junior engineers (Level III)
• Drive structured troubleshooting and implement permanent solutions

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience with PLC and HMI platforms (depth expected to scale by level)
• System integration knowledge including SCADA, industrial networks, and data flow
• Ability to operate in fast-paced, high-accountability environments
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical capability
• Professional communication skills; customer-facing confidence (Level II–III)
• Technical ownership mindset and sound judgment

Impact of This Role At every level: Automation Engineers are critical to keeping airport operations running safely and efficiently. As responsibility scales, so does impact. By Level III, you are not just solving problems — you are preventing them, shaping standards, and developing the next generation of engineers. This role is built for engineers who want to grow — not just execute.  

Requirements

Required & Preferred Experience:

• Willingness to travel with short notice up to 30%-50%
• Experience in live, high-pressure industrial environments
• Strong electrical schematic and controls understanding
• Ability to follow TSA testing requirements and execute test plans
• Proficiency in IEC PLC languages
• HMI experience (FactoryTalk View preferred; Ignition or Wonderware acceptable)
• Working AutoCAD knowledge
• Strong written and verbal documentation skills
• Ability to supervise and coordinate with clients, vendors, and trades (Level II–III)
• 4+ years PLC programming experience preferred for Level III (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, etc.)
• Ability to pass TSA SIDA and background checks