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Automation Controls Programmer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

SSAB Group

Controls Engineer (L2)

Mobile, AL · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

Position Summary The Controls Engineer designs, supports, and maintains automation and control systems across the Primary End, including the EAF, LMF, Degasser, Caster, Baghouse, and Refractory areas.

SSAB

Controls Engineer (L2)

Mobile, AL · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

Position Summary The Controls Engineer designs, supports, and maintains automation and control systems across the Primary End, including the EAF, LMF, Degasser, Caster, Baghouse, and Refractory areas.

Cushman & Wakefield

Senior Automation Engineer

Bessemer, AL · On-site

$92K - $121K/yr

We are seeking a proactive automation controls and technical support engineer for fulfillment center operations, focusing on maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance of equipment ...

PBV

Controls and Automation Technician -8PM-6AM

Salem, AL

$24.75 - $32.50/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Controls & Automation Technician is responsible for supporting the reliability ... The technician works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and external ...

SPOC Automation

Senior Controls Engineer

Trussville, AL · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

This individual will serve in leadership and contribution in controls and automation, driving ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of engineering standards, templates, and ...

The Manthei Group

Controls Engineer - Alabama

Centreville, AL · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

Controls Engineer Centreville, Alabama Join a Team That Builds the Future of Manufacturing Manthei ... Maintain and improve industrial automation equipment and control networks. * Diagnose and resolve ...

Lear Corporation

Controls & Automation Engineer II

Vance, AL · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

CONTROLS ENGINEER (7pm-4am) TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA As a member of the Engineering team, the Controls ... Experience with automation equipment (Fanuc / ABB Robots and Vision Systems). * Experience with ...

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Automation Controls Programmer information

What is an automation controls programmer?

Automation Controls Programmers are professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems that automate machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities. They typically work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and various sensors and actuators to ensure systems run efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting, testing, and optimizing automated systems to improve productivity and reduce downtime. These specialists play a crucial role in modernizing production lines and ensuring operational excellence.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an automation controls programmer?

To thrive as an Automation Controls Programmer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, PLC programming, and control systems, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Proficiency with PLC platforms (such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens), HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networking protocols is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for addressing complex automation challenges and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing reliable automated systems that maximize productivity, efficiency, and safety in manufacturing or industrial environments.

What are common challenges faced by automation controls programmers during project implementation?

Automation Controls Programmers often encounter challenges such as integrating new control systems with legacy equipment, troubleshooting unexpected communication issues between devices, and managing tight project deadlines. They also need to ensure that safety standards are met while optimizing system efficiency. Strong collaboration with mechanical engineers, electricians, and project managers is crucial to address these challenges and deliver successful automation solutions.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Programmer vs PLC Programmer?

AspectAutomation Controls ProgrammerPLC Programmer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering; certifications in control systems are commonOften requires similar technical degrees or certifications in PLC programming and automation
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, automation facilitiesManufacturing environments, automation projects, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, automation service providers, industrial plantsFactories, automation system integrators, industrial automation companies
Common Search & ComparisonAutomation Controls Programmer vs PLC Programmer

The main difference is that Automation Controls Programmers design and develop entire control systems, including hardware and software, while PLC Programmers focus specifically on programming PLCs used within those systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but Automation Controls Programmers typically have broader responsibilities in system integration and design.

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Automation Controls Programmer jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Automation Controls Programmer job openings:

Automation Controls Programmer jobs near you

Automation Engineer - Quench & Temper

Fairfield, AL • On-site

U. S. Steel Seamless Tubular Operations, LLC
See more jobs at U. S. Steel Seamless Tubular Operations, LLCexternal

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description


U. S. Steel Tubular Products delivers high quality seamless pipe that powers America's energy market and supports multiple industries across the USA. Backed by more than a century of steelmaking and a culture of innovation, U. S. Steel Tubular Products builds premium connections and partners with customers to tackle their toughest challenges, keeping energy and industry moving forward.
Position Summary:
  • The Automation Engineer - Quench & Temper will provide hands-on automation, controls, and technical support for capital project execution within Quench & Temper (Q&T) operations at Fairfield Works - Tubular. This role will help design, program, integrate, test, commission, and optimize automated systems that support safe, reliable, and efficient Q&T operations.
  • The Automation Engineer will work closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, vendors, contractors, and plant leadership to ensure automation systems are ready for startup and sustainable long-term operation. This role will support PLC/HMI programming, controls troubleshooting, sensor and instrumentation integration, process data visibility, operating procedure development, and training for management and hourly employees impacted by new or modified Q&T equipment.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, test, deploy, and optimize automation and controls solutions for Quench & Temper capital projects and related operational improvements.
  • Program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, industrial control systems, drives, sensors, instrumentation, and equipment interfaces used in Q&T operations.
  • Partner with Engineering and vendors to review automation design, control narratives, electrical drawings, equipment specifications, network architecture, process parameters, and integration requirements.
  • Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), commissioning, startup, punch-list resolution, and turnover of automation systems to Operations and Maintenance.
  • Collaborate with Q&T Operations and Quality teams to ensure automated systems support process control, inspection requirements, product consistency, equipment performance, and customer specification needs.
  • Lead Finishing Floor #3, IPS (Internal Processing Storage), and Quench & Temper automation initiatives, including integration of new technologies with existing operational and control systems.
  • Integrate process data, dashboards, alarms, trends, recipes, and reporting tools to improve visibility to Q&T performance, downtime drivers, quality trends, and process variation.
  • Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for automation, controls, instrumentation, and equipment interface issues that impact safety, uptime, throughput, or product quality.
  • Provide hands-on support to production and maintenance teams in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment, including off-shift support when required by project or operational needs.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, including control logic descriptions, operating instructions, troubleshooting guides, training materials, change documentation, and commissioning records.
  • Support development and execution of training plans for operators, maintenance employees, and front-line leaders on new automation systems, HMIs, alarms, control sequences, and standard work expectations.
  • Work with cross-functional project teams to support scope development, execution planning, equipment readiness, startup planning, process stabilization, and sustained performance after implementation.
  • Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities related to automation reliability, controls standardization, equipment capability, data integrity, process control, and operational efficiency.
  • Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring automation and controls work is executed in alignment with safety, environmental, quality, cybersecurity, and operating standards.
  • Communicate project risks, automation readiness gaps, controls issues, and implementation status clearly to project stakeholders and plant leadership.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent relevant automation, controls, or manufacturing experience may be considered.
  • Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing automation, controls engineering, industrial maintenance, process automation, or related experience is preferred.
  • Hands-on experience with PLC/HMI programming, industrial control systems, troubleshooting, and equipment startup support.
  • Experience supporting automation in a heavy manufacturing, steel, heat treat, thermal processing, or industrial production environment is preferred.
  • Strong analytical, technical troubleshooting, problem-solving, planning, and execution skills.
  • Effective communication and documentation skills with the ability to work across Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, vendors, contractors, and plant leadership.
  • Ability to support commissioning, startup, outages, project installations, and a 24/7 manufacturing environment, including weekend, holiday, off-shift, or extended-hour support as business needs require.
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety, environmental compliance, quality, cybersecurity, and operational discipline.
Preferred but Not Required Experience:
  • Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar PLC/HMI platforms.
  • Experience integrating sensors, instrumentation, drives, control panels, industrial networks, data historians, dashboards, alarms, and process monitoring systems.
  • Exposure to Quench & Temper operations, heat treatment, seamless pipe, OCTG, finishing operations, steel manufacturing, or other thermal processing environments.
  • Knowledge of process control, SPC (Statistical Process Control), metrology, process capability, manufacturing analytics, Tableau, Minitab, or similar tools.
  • Experience supporting capital projects, vendor coordination, equipment installation, FAT/SAT, commissioning, startup, and transition-to-operations activities.
  • Experience developing training materials, standard work, troubleshooting guides, or competency sign-off documentation for operators, maintenance employees, or front-line leaders.
  • Lean Six Sigma training, continuous improvement experience, or structured root cause analysis capability.
  • Experience working effectively with union-represented employees, operations leaders, maintenance teams, contractors, and technical support functions.

Company Overview
Since 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.
Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.
We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:
  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies® 2022, '23, '24
  • Disability: IN's Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 2021, '22, '23, '24
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equality 100 Award 2020, '21, '22, '23-24, '25
  • Military Times' Best for Vets: Employers 2023, '24

Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel's success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company's success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit www.ussteel.com/CANotice regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.)
Competency Summary
At U. S. Steel all employees are expected to display the following core competencies every day to advance corporate, team and individual goals:
Think: Think Critically and Drive Change
Lead: Develop Talent and Collaborate
Do: Empower Performance and Deliver Results

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