Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Details:

Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

Location: Roanoke, VA Area
Work Arrangement: On-Site
Department: Engineering
Status: Exempt

About the Opportunity

A growing industrial automation and systems integration firm is seeking a Lead Electrical Controls Engineer to provide technical leadership for complex controls, automation, and SCADA projects across industrial, municipal, utility, and manufacturing environments.

This role is ideal for a senior engineer who thrives in a hands-on leadership position, overseeing project execution from concept through commissioning while mentoring junior engineers and serving as a technical resource for customers and project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of PLC, HMI, and SCADA-based control systems.
• Serve as the technical lead for multiple automation projects, ensuring quality, schedule, and budget objectives are achieved.
• Develop control system architectures, electrical designs, control narratives, and technical specifications.
• Program and troubleshoot PLC platforms including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, and related systems.
• Design and configure SCADA and HMI applications utilizing platforms such as Ignition, FactoryTalk, Wonderware, VTScada, or similar technologies.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to controls engineers, programmers, and technicians.
• Review engineering deliverables, electrical drawings, and control system documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate with project managers, customers, field technicians, and panel fabrication teams throughout project lifecycles.
• Lead commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and system optimization activities at customer sites.
• Assist with project estimating, proposal development, and technical sales support.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, customer specifications, and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of controls engineering, automation, or systems integration experience.
• Proven experience leading automation projects and providing technical direction to engineering teams.
• Strong PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, or similar platforms.
• Extensive experience developing SCADA and HMI systems.
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, and related communication systems.
• Experience with instrumentation, process control systems, and industrial automation architectures.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Excellent communication and client-facing abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver's license required.

Preferred Experience

• Water/Wastewater automation and SCADA systems.
• Manufacturing and process automation.
• Power generation, utilities, or energy infrastructure projects.
• UL 508A control panel design and electrical power distribution systems.
• Project management and engineering team leadership experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus potential.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Professional development and continuing education assistance.
• Advancement opportunities within a growing engineering organization.

Travel

• Approximately 20% travel required.
• Occasional overnight travel for project meetings, commissioning, and startup support.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior controls professional seeking a leadership role with a company delivering innovative automation and SCADA solutions for critical industrial and infrastructure projects.

To apply, send your resume to [email protected] , Patrick DelGaone.

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