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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Birmingham, AL

Systems Specialist III - HVAC Controls

Hoover, AL · On-site

$26.75 - $35.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Install, maintain, and repair building automation and HVAC systems, including HVAC controls, energy ... Strong Experience with programming and commissioning of building automation systems * Ability to ...

Systems Specialist III - HVAC Controls

Hoover, AL · On-site

$26.75 - $35.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Install, maintain, and repair building automation and HVAC systems, including HVAC controls, energy ... Strong Experience with programming and commissioning of building automation systems * Ability to ...

BC Electrical Controls Technician

Berry, AL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical engineering, with a focus on controls systems and automation. Responsibilities: * Install, maintain, and repair electrical control ...

New

... and controls field. Key ResponsibilitiesProtection & Control Testing * Perform commissioning ... Automation and communication devices * Assist with functional testing and validation of substation ...

Data Quality Engineer

Birmingham, AL · Remote

$107K - $128K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Test Automation and Reconciliation Design automated reconciliation processes between source and ... controls into ETL/ELT pipelines and CI/CD deployment processes across Snowflake, Oracle, and AWS ...

Showing results 41-60

Automation Controls Engineer information

See Birmingham, AL salary details

$43.1K

$92K

$131.7K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Birmingham, AL is $92,019.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation controls engineer?

Automation Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems that automate manufacturing and industrial processes. They typically work with hardware and software such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and robotic systems to ensure efficient and reliable operation of automated equipment. Their responsibilities include programming control systems, troubleshooting electrical and control issues, and collaborating with other engineers to optimize production processes. Automation Controls Engineers play a crucial role in improving productivity, safety, and quality in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy.

What does an automation controls engineer do?

Automation controls engineers help create the layout of electrical and mechanical control systems. In this role, you may help program an automation process, modify existing programming when necessary, and help ensure the company is using the safest and most productive system possible for its needs. You may also be responsible for creating training documentation to show employees how to control and adjust their operations. Most automation control engineers work in manufacturing plants and similar companies where physical automation is used to speed up production tasks. This job should not be confused with automation programming outside of the manufacturing sector, such as software programming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and automation, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure reliable system integration, efficient troubleshooting, and successful collaboration in complex industrial environments.

What are some common challenges automation controls engineers face when working on new system integrations?

Automation Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as compatibility issues between legacy equipment and new control systems, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, and software), and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Troubleshooting unforeseen problems during testing phases and maintaining clear documentation are also frequent hurdles. Proactive communication and thorough planning help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth integration projects.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectAutomation Controls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering; certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) may be preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in manufacturing, automation, and control system settingsWorks in various sectors including power, construction, and manufacturing, often focusing on electrical systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in automation, process control, and manufacturing industriesUsed across power generation, construction, and industrial sectors

Automation Controls Engineers focus on designing, programming, and maintaining control systems for automation processes, while Electrical Engineers have a broader scope involving electrical system design and analysis. Both roles require strong technical skills and often overlap in industrial settings, but their primary responsibilities and certifications differ.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Birmingham, AL?

For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Birmingham, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Birmingham, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Birmingham, AL are:

Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in Birmingham, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 49% In-person, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,019 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Senior Control Systems Engineer - Birmingham

Logical Systems LLC

Pelham, AL • On-site

$153K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Senior Control Systems Engineers analyze user requirements and the design of process and/or mechanical equipment to design automation systems that control the process or machine in the desired manner.
The engineer uses knowledge and experience in instrumentation, control valves, Motors/VFDs, control system electrical design, and PLC/DCS programming to deliver an automation system that meets the user's needs utilizing the minimum essential design.
Senior Control Systems Engineers demonstrate:
  • high integrity,
  • a willingness to go beyond the ordinary to meet and exceed client expectations,
  • a desire for continual challenge and development,
  • excellent written and verbal communication skills, and
  • able to lead a controls engineering team.

Reports to: Operations Director
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS
Responsibilities for this job may include but are not limited to:
  • Interface with customers to develop User Requirements documentation
  • Lead project teams to execute the controls hardware and/or software scope
  • Develop control specification (control narratives) documentation based on User Requirements
  • Perform initial feasibility studies for proposed projects, resulting in a feasibility-level cost estimate and supporting documentation for the project
  • Mark-up Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) for instrumentation and controls related changes and review drawings from the drafting team
  • Design low-voltage (up to 480V) electrical controls drawings, panel drawings, loop sheets, I/O drawings, and network drawings and review drawings from the drafting team
  • Develop programs for Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and/or oversee the program development done by others
  • Human-Machine Interface (HMI) development and SCADA configuration
  • Historian configuration
  • Develop testing plans for DCS and PLC programs to effectively test all aspects of a new program or program changes
  • Simulate the DCS/PLC program and test the system using the testing plan
  • Oversee electrical controls construction at the client's site and verify that the system is being installed as designed - provide technical support to the construction effort
  • Perform I/O checkout on the installed control system and document the checkout results
  • Provide post-commissioning support to the client's operations, engineering, and maintenance personnel
  • Travel to the client's site as required

Required Experience / Abilities
  • Degreed in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or similar), Computer Science, or similar scientific/technical field

Ideal Experience
  • 10 years of experience in a similar engineering role
  • At least 5 years' experience with one or more of the following platforms:
    • Allen Bradley PLC5, SLC500, MicroLogix, ControlLogix
    • Siemens S7, PCS7
    • Emerson DeltaV, Ovation, Provox
    • Novatech D/3
    • Honeywell Experion
    • Foxboro I/A
  • HMI/SCADA configuration experience with one or more of the following platforms:
    • Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation
    • Inductive Automation
    • Wonderware
    • Siemens
    • iFix
    • Iconics
  • Historian and/or data analytics experience with one or more of the following platforms:
    • OSIsoft PI
    • PTC Thingworx
    • Inductive Automation Ignition
    • Aspentech
    • Rockwell Automation
    • Siemens
    • Wonderware
  • Experience in the selection, specification, and installation design of instrumentation, control valves, motors, VFDs and coordinated drive systems
  • Current working knowledge of the National Electric Code (NEC) with the ability to locate solutions to code questions
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.)
  • Experience in electrical design of Electrical Panels, I/O systems, Motor/VFD/Motion/Robotic Controls, and Ethernet-based networks
  • Field experience troubleshooting electrical controls problems in an industrial environment
  • Industry experience in Food and Beverage, Chemical, Pharma, Semiconductor, Water & Wastewater, Refining, Pulp and Paper, Oil/Gas Pipeline, Power Generation, Electrical Transmission & Distribution, Material Handling, or Packaging
  • Team Leadership and Client Relations Experience

Our Work-Life Balance Benefits were created to attract and reward our employees, which includes healthcare, life, supplemental insurance, and wellbeing benefits. Features of our benefits are listed below, which may be based upon position, location, and other eligibility criteria.Job Title: Senior Control Systems Engineer
Annual Salary Range:
Salary to be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Healthcare and Insurance Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
  • Company-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD)
  • Short-Term Disability (Supplemental Option)
  • Voluntary Life Insurance (Supplemental Option)
  • Health Savings Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts

Wellbeing Benefits
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation
  • Retirement - 401K and Roth 401K w/Company Match/Profit Sharing
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Dependent Care (FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Fitness Membership Reimbursement
  • Paid Time-off for Charitable Involvement