Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

Lead Electrical Controls Engineer

Location: On-Site Industry: Power Generation, Power Distribution, Industrial Automation, Mission-Critical Infrastructure

Position Overview

A growing engineering and manufacturing organization specializing in power distribution, automation, and mission-critical infrastructure is seeking a Lead Electrical Controls Engineer to provide technical leadership for automation and controls projects supporting power generation, switchgear, electrical distribution, and industrial systems.

This role will lead the design, programming, testing, and commissioning of advanced control systems while serving as the primary technical resource for controls engineering projects. The ideal candidate will have strong PLC/HMI programming experience, power systems knowledge, and the ability to mentor engineers while driving projects from concept through startup.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of PLC, HMI, and SCADA control systems for power generation and electrical distribution applications.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to controls engineers and automation specialists.
• Develop control strategies, sequences of operation, and system architectures for complex automation projects.
• Configure hardware, I/O assignments, communication networks, and control system integration.
• Program PLCs using ladder logic, function block, and structured programming methodologies.
• Develop HMI and operator interface graphics for monitoring and control systems.
• Configure and integrate generator controllers, protective relays, switchgear controls, motor controls, and related equipment.
• Design and implement industrial communication networks utilizing Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus RTU, IEC protocols, and related technologies.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), customer witness testing, and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Support field commissioning, startup activities, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
• Review and approve automation documentation, control narratives, testing procedures, and technical deliverables.
• Collaborate with electrical engineering, manufacturing, project management, and field service teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, standardization efforts, and new technology implementation.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of controls engineering or industrial automation experience.
• Strong PLC programming experience using Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and Studio 5000.
• Experience developing HMI/SCADA systems using FactoryTalk View or similar platforms.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus RTU, and Modbus TCP.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Working knowledge of electrical power systems, switchgear, transformers, motors, drives, relays, and power distribution equipment.
• Experience supporting testing, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor junior engineers.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills.

Preferred

• Experience with power generation systems, generators, paralleling controls, and electrical distribution systems.
• Knowledge of protective relays and power system protection schemes.
• Experience with IEC-61850 and advanced communication architectures.
• Familiarity with Schneider Electric, Siemens, Emerson, or GE automation platforms.
• Experience with redundant control systems and high-availability applications.
• Previous leadership or project lead experience.

What We're Looking For

• Strong technical leadership abilities.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated professional with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Customer-focused approach with a commitment to quality and safety.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based engineering environment with regular visits to manufacturing and testing facilities.
• Occasional travel to customer sites for commissioning, troubleshooting, and project support.
• May require extended hours during critical project milestones, testing, and startup activities.