Controls & Automation Engineer III

Mobile, AL

Birmingham, AL

Atlanta, GA

Houston, TX

Full time

2026-001246

What You'll Be Doing

Job Summary: Generally responsible for performing all aspects for complete design of Controls & Automation engineering assignments. This position can operate as the technical lead or team member on any given project. This work will be performed under general supervision.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Familiarity with and utilize department standards and policies.

• Familiarity with project scope, specifications, and design criteria upon assignment to a project task team.

• Recognizing and communicating scope and design changes promptly.

• Providing on-site assistance during startup.

• Providing technical guidance to less experienced engineering personnel in the department.

• Coordinating work activities with other staff members and C&A Office Leaders.

• Producing estimate level automation system architecture designs and bill of material generation suitable for the level of the estimate being performed on a project.

• Producing control system installation specifications.

• Developing conceptual layouts and cost studies as necessary to determine the most simple, efficient approach to solving engineering tasks at hand.

• Producing estimate level preliminary designs and equipment lists suitable for the level of the estimate being performed on a project.

• Designing control systems with an overall emphasis on ease of maintenance and completed product meeting the expectations of the client.

• Consulting with design leaders from other disciplines to ensure the smooth flow of vital information necessary for the scheduled completion of the project.

• Advising the senior engineer concerning design or scope changes which have been identified.

• Reviewing and checking vendor drawings and other discipline drawings for Controls & Automation input.

• Reviewing fabrication drawings and other construction submittals for conformance to engineering drawings and specifications.

• Performing fieldwork necessary to gather field data and retrieve existing control system configuration.

• Applying knowledge of the discipline specific methods, practices, and techniques required to engineer, design, and construct process and manufacturing projects.

• Applying advanced engineering techniques and analysis to complex designs.

• Estimating and scheduling professional service hours and assess the progress and quality of control system and HMI programming.

• Understanding of the skills and experience required to perform engineering and design functions.

• Developing small work sharing packages for interoffice execution support.

This position offers a highly competitive compensation package, including paid time off, health insurance benefits, and matching retirement contributions.

Ideal Background

Education: Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering from an accredited university is required.

Registration: Professional Engineer (PE) registration is highly preferred.

Experience: This position requires a minimum 3 years of relevant industrial experience in controls and automation engineering.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience in the design, implementation, testing/FAT/SAT, deployment/installation, and startup/commissioning for automation projects.

• Ability to understand and implement the current version of ISA S88 programming standards.

• Ability to understand and implement the current version of IEC 61131 programming languages and standards.

• Ability to understand and implement the current version of OSHA 1910.119 Management of Change.

• Familiarity with specifications and installation details of equipment.

• Ability to create accurate controls hardware installation documents from the information found on vendor equipment drawings.

• Ability to develop equipment specifications for medium-sized projects involving PLC’s, HMI’s, DCS’s, SIS’s, plant information management systems (PIMS), manufacturing execution systems (MES), industrial networks, etc.

• Experience with two or more of the following systems (DCS, PLC, HMI, or SIS) OR Extensive knowledge of at least one of the following systems: - DCS - Honeywell TDC2000/TDC3000 - Honeywell Experion - Emerson DeltaV - Yokogawa Centum 3000 - Yokogawa Centum VP - ABB 800xA - Siemens PCS 7 - Foxboro - PLC - Allen Bradley Control Logix - Allen Bradley PLC 5 - Allen Bradley SLC 500 - Allen Bradley Micro Logix - Allen Bradley Compact Logix - Siemens S7-400 - Siemens S7-300 - Siemens S7-1200 - Siemens S7-1500 - Modicon PLC’s - GE PLC’s - HMI - Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View SE - Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View ME - Wonderware - GE iFix - SIS - Triconex - Yokogawa ProSafe - Honeywell FSC and Safety Manager - DeltaV SIS - Rockwell AAdvance - Allen Bradley GuardLogix - HIMA - Triplex - Quadlog

• Knowledge and understanding of schedule constraints and information requirements for the production of all project deliverables.

• Ability to develop control system installation specifications.

• Ability to accurately estimate completion of assigned tasks.

• Ability to develop a construction cost estimate, a detailed engineering schedule, and a man-hour budget for a small Controls & Automation project or an area for a larger project.

• Ability to understand and apply company engineering design standards.

• Ability to read and interpret PFD’s, P&ID’s, and instrument loop sheets.

• Knowledge and application of TCP/IP networking protocols, media (twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic, wireless, etc.), and equipment, including managed switches and routers.

• Knowledge and application of instrument field busses including sizing, installation, and operation.

• Familiarity with asset management concepts and systems.

• Ability to troubleshoot I/O problems in the field using a multimeter.

• Ability to troubleshoot software problems in the field.

• Ability to troubleshoot networking problems in the field using common isolation techniques and more advanced techniques such as equipment logs, cable testers, network sniffers/packet analyzers, etc.

• Knowledge and application of at least one of the following in support of control system installation: - Microsoft Windows Client - Microsoft Server Operating Systems - UNIX - Linux - VMS

• Ability to install and configure control system vendor software on various platforms.

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Broad knowledge of industrial networking.

• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Ability to lead a small team to deliver on commitments.

• Ability to deliver good presentations of Hargrove Controls & Automation services.

• Excellent virtual team skills and cross divisional relationships Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with command line computer interfaces.

• Experience with Windows Domains.

• Experience with Windows Active Directory.

• Experience with creating, using, and deploying Virtual Machines.

• Experience with Network Security.

• Knowledge of Modbus protocols (Serial and TCP).

• Knowledge of Ethernet and LAN/WAN systems such as Cisco switches and routers.

• Working knowledge of CAD software, either AutoCAD or Microstation.

Hargrove Culture

We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.

Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.

As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

Hargrove is passionate about serving our clients within our industry and the local economy, and we recognize that our impact goes beyond building great projects. Our extraordinary teammates serve the community with their time, talent, and generosity. The Hargrove team is a family whose volunteerism makes a huge impact on our communities, and The Hargrove Foundation is the vehicle for making a true difference in the lives of others.

We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. Hargrove has consistently been ranked one of the “Best Firms to Work For” by organizations such as ZweigWhite and Business Alabama.

We pair expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe. Our teammates strive to expand their knowledge and contribute to the success of the organization.

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