Controls Engineer
Location: Huntsville, AL
Job Type: Full-Time
Company: Invariant Corporation
Category: Corporate Office
Job Description Apply Now
The Controls Engineer plays a pivotal role in supporting the design, integration, testing, and automation of both customer and internal research and development programs. As a Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for leading electrical controls activities, panel design, instrumentation integration, and comprehensive troubleshooting on prototype and production equipment. This full-time opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about advancing their career in a dynamic engineering environment, leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and reliability across diverse automation projects. Working as a Controls Engineer offers the chance to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to the development and optimization of cutting-edge technology solutions.
In this role, the Controls Engineer will work on a variety of tasks, including designing and updating electrical schematics and wiring diagrams in line with UL508A and internal standards, building and inspecting control panels, and programming PLC-based control systems such as Siemens platforms. The Controls Engineer will also integrate sensors, instrumentation, and automation hardware into both prototype and production systems, playing a crucial part in system commissioning, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and customer evaluations.
The Controls Engineer position requires proficiency with software tools such as AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks or Fusion 360, and experience with PLC ladder logic programming. Candidates should possess a solid understanding of sensors, instrumentation, motor controls, and panel wiring. The ability to interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control narratives is essential, as is hands-on experience in building and testing electromechanical systems. The ideal candidate will also have experience with automation scripting using Python, SQL database design, and be familiar with integration of modern technologies such as OPC UA, Raspberry Pi, or Arduino.
As a Controls Engineer, you will be expected to develop control logic flow diagrams, P&ID-based control narratives, and system block diagrams. Responsibilities also include documentation preparation, such as work instructions, troubleshooting notes, test reports, and as-built drawings. Networking tasks, including Layer 2/Layer 3 diagramming and system interface planning, are also part of the role. The work environment spans office, laboratory, and field settings, offering a diverse and engaging experience. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as occasional support outside normal working hours may be required to ensure smooth operations.
Invariant Corporation is committed to fostering an inclusive and equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. The company maintains a drug-free workplace and upholds the highest standards of safety and integrity in all operations.
Controls Engineer - Summary- Key technical role focused on electrical controls design, automation, and instrumentation integration.
- Supports R&D and production environments by developing, testing, and commissioning advanced control systems.
- Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions and ensure system reliability.
- Opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a fast-paced engineering setting.
- Design and update electrical schematics and wiring diagrams per UL508A and company standards.
- Build control panels, including component selection, layout, wiring, and quality inspection.
- Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems (Siemens preferred).
- Integrate sensors, instrumentation, and automation hardware for prototype and production systems.
- Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), system commissioning, and customer evaluations.
- Develop control logic flow diagrams, P&ID-based control narratives, and system block diagrams.
- Implement automation for data parsing, validation, and management using Python and SQL.
- Assist in networking tasks such as Layer 2/Layer 3 diagramming and system interface planning.
- Prepare documentation, work instructions, troubleshooting notes, test reports, and as-built drawings.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive benefits package tailored to support employee well-being and professional development.
- Inclusive, drug-free, and equal opportunity workplace environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Electromechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
- 1–2 years of experience in controls engineering, instrumentation, or electrical systems design.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks/Fusion 360, and PLC ladder logic (Siemens 1500 preferred).
- Strong working knowledge of sensors, instrumentation, motor controls, and panel wiring.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control narratives.
- Hands-on experience building and testing electromechanical systems.
- Experience with automation scripting (Python), SQL database design, OPC UA, Raspberry Pi/Arduino.
- Exposure to or experience supporting DoD/DoE, CUI, or controlled facility environments.
- Background in planning and executing FAT and integration test events.
- Excellent communication, innovation, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
- Adaptable, proactive, and detail-oriented approach to engineering challenges.
- Position involves work in office, laboratory, and field environments.
- Normal workdays are Monday through Friday, with flexible schedule options possible.
- Support may be required outside traditional hours to meet project demands.
- Invariant Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
- Invariant maintains a drug-free workplace.
- Located in a vibrant area, offering excellent opportunities for professional networking and career growth.
If you are passionate about electrical controls engineering and automation, and are seeking a career that offers professional challenge and growth, we encourage you to apply for the Controls Engineer position today by clicking the job application button.