Industrial Automation Controls Architect (PLC/HMI)

Job Description

Job Description

Shape how machines think — Day-in-the-life as our Industrial Automation Controls Architect

Express Employment Professionals in Lynchburg is partnering with a well-established client in the Lynchburg area to hire an Electrical Controls expert who thrives on bringing industrial equipment to life. Picture your day:

• Morning : Translate project goals into safe, UL 508A–compliant electrical control panel designs. Draft motor and control circuits and sketch equipment/field-component layouts for motors, solenoids, photoelectric sensors, and limit switches.
• Midday : Select the right programmable controller for each build — from Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix to SLC 500 — balancing I/O, memory, and customer specs. Configure motion controls and servos, and map out Rockwell HMI screens.
• Afternoon : Build detailed bills of materials and production documentation for panels, consoles, wiring, and field devices. Prepare design info for drafting, then review drawings and BOMs for accuracy in AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical (2018+). Coordinate interfaces with vendors and support control‑panel assembly and wiring on the floor.
• End of day : Provide telephone support for field installation and troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth startup for customers. When project deadlines loom, you don’t mind stepping up with overtime.

What you’ll do

• Engineer electrical control panels, motor circuits, and control circuits to meet project requirements and UL 508A.
• Lay out equipment and field components (motors, solenoids, photoelectric sensors, limit switches).
• Choose PLCs based on I/O, memory, and customer needs; integrate Rockwell HMI and motion/servo controls.
• Create BOMs and production packets for panels, consoles, wiring, and field components.
• Provide design inputs for drafting; review drawings and BOMs for precision and completeness.
• Support panel assembly and wiring; coordinate interfaces and project milestones with vendors.
• Deliver phone-based installation support, troubleshooting, and customer service.
• Work overtime as project schedules require.

What you’ll bring

• Associate’s or bachelor’s in electrical engineering (industrial controls focus) or 5+ years related industry experience.
• Hands-on work with Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and SLC 500 PLCs.
• Experience with motion controls, servos, and Rockwell HMI systems.
• Familiarity with IFM, Siemens, and SICK controls/components.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical (2018 or newer).
• Knowledge of UL standards (including UL 508A) and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
• Ability to read/interpret mechanical and electrical schematics.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel; basic understanding of OSHA standards.
• Clear written and verbal communication; ease collaborating with coworkers, customers, and vendors.
• NR12 experience is a plus.

Role details

• Employer: Express Employment Professionals – Lynchburg (on behalf of a well‑established client in the Lynchburg area)
• Compensation: $62,400–$93,600 annually, depending on skills and experience.
• Schedule: First shift, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

If you’re energized by building robust, safe, and elegant control systems that make industrial equipment smarter and more reliable, we’d love to meet you.