Senior Controls Engineer – Gainesville, GA

Who: An accomplished Controls Engineer with 10+ years of automation and controls experience who can lead complex projects, mentor technical teams, and solve advanced manufacturing challenges.

What: Lead the design, programming, integration, and optimization of advanced automation and controls systems across multiple manufacturing production lines.

When: This is a full-time, first-shift position working approximately 40 hours per week with occasional off-hours support for critical projects or system issues.

Where: This position is based in Gainesville, Georgia, within a hands-on manufacturing and production environment.

Why: This is an opportunity to take technical ownership of high-impact automation initiatives while introducing new technologies and shaping the future of manufacturing operations.

Office Environment: This is a collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing environment combining engineering work with hands-on involvement on the production floor.

Salary: Competitive compensation plus comprehensive benefits, retirement plan matching, performance bonuses, paid time off, paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the development and implementation of advanced automated systems supporting manufacturing and maintenance operations. This high-impact position provides expert-level technical leadership in the design, integration, troubleshooting, and optimization of mechatronic and control systems across multiple production lines.

This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who wants to do more than design systems—you’ll help bring them to life on the factory floor. You’ll work across engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, IT, and other technical functions to solve complex automation challenges, introduce emerging technologies, and improve safety, reliability, and scalability.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Controls Engineering

• Architect, develop, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC programs, primarily using Allen-Bradley and Mitsubishi platforms.

• Develop innovative manufacturing controls solutions with an emphasis on operator safety, reliability, and scalability.

• Develop and maintain controls standards and engineering best practices.

• Collaborate with IT and MES teams to integrate automation systems with enterprise platforms.

• Ensure controls systems comply with applicable NEC, NFPA, IEC, and other relevant codes and standards.

• Oversee technical documentation, including schematics, risk assessments, and operating procedures.

Project & Program Management

• Lead large-scale automation projects from initial scope through implementation, including budgets, schedules, procurement, installation, and commissioning.

• Evaluate emerging technologies and vendors to advance manufacturing automation capabilities.

• Develop strategic relationships with controls and automation equipment suppliers.

• Present technical findings, system performance information, and improvement recommendations to leadership.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Lead root cause analysis for recurring automation and controls issues.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance equipment performance and manufacturing operations.

• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for automation and controls equipment.

• Provide off-hours technical support when required for critical system issues or project deadlines.

Leadership & Capability Development

• Mentor Controls Engineers and maintenance technicians in advanced troubleshooting and controls-related problem solving.

• Train manufacturing and maintenance teams on new automation systems, technologies, and processes.

• Provide technical leadership while collaborating with other engineering functions.

• Stay current with emerging automation technologies, controls platforms, and industry trends through ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or a related discipline.

• Proven experience leading complex automation projects.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and technical personnel.

• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting expertise.

• Experience with Allen-Bradley products preferred.

• Mitsubishi PLC experience is highly valuable.

• Advanced diagnostic, analytical, and root cause analysis skills.

• Strong project management and leadership capabilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant engineering software.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Self-driven approach to technical problem solving, continuous improvement, and innovation.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.

Equivalent job-related experience, military service, professional certifications, and demonstrated technical skills may be considered in lieu of a degree based on the essential functions of the position.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• 401(k) matching.

• Annual performance bonuses.

• Earned paid time off.

• 10 paid company holidays.

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Long-term stability and professional growth opportunities.