ShopFloorJobs
IM

Controls Engineer Lead Senior

International Motors · Huntsville, AL

Level
Manager
Team
Controls
Degree
Required
Experience asked
5+ years
Industry
Automotive
Posted
3 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A management controls role at International Motors (automotive) in Huntsville, AL. Design, program, and standardize Siemens‑based control systems (PLC, HMI, SCADA) for new launches, line upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.

They ask for
5+ years · degree required
Tools it names
PLC, Robotics, Automation, Assembly lines, MES

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in Alabama: typical posted base $89k–$119k.

Median of the low and high ends of 3 live postings that list pay, out of 21 controls engineer openings in Alabama, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Alabama plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 20 other live controls postings in Alabama.

Experience asked
Less than usual (5+ vs 6+)

Similar roles usually ask 6+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Automation 81%
  • ✓ PLC 71%
  • ✓ Robotics 52%
  • Root cause 38%
  • Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 33%
  • ✓ New product launch 29%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Assembly lines, MES, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 5+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at International Motors

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: International Motors in Huntsville

7 other open roles at this site.

All 8 roles at International Motors →
Full description from International MotorsAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

Lead controls strategies and solutions that maximize uptime, throughput, and first‑time‑through quality across automated engine and transmission assembly lines. Serve as the primary controls escalation point for powertrain operations, delivering cross‑functional troubleshooting for issues impacting safety, torque accuracy, traceability, and line performance. Design, program, and standardize Siemens‑based control systems (PLC, HMI, SCADA) for new launches, line upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives. Diagnose and resolve complex automation issues involving motion, safety systems, and industrial networks (Profinet/Profibus), applying root‑cause analysis to prevent recurrence and reduce downtime. Oversee controls integration activities, including equipment installation, commissioning, upgrades, and long‑term system support within high‑volume automotive environments. Evaluate and select automation and electrical equipment to meet automotive performance, reliability, lifecycle cost, and manufacturing standards. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers, technicians, maintenance, and process teams while maintaining robust controls documentation and OEM technical compliance. Minimum

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of product manufacturing experience At least 1 years of lead experience OR Master's degree and at least 3 years of product manufacturing experience At least 1 years of lead experience OR At least 8 years of product manufacturing experience At least 1 years of lead experience Additional

Requirements

Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status) Desired Skills • Hands-on experience with Siemens PLC programming • Experience working with HMI and/or SCADA platforms • Strong troubleshooting mindset with the ability to work independently • Solid communication skills and ability to work across teams • Experience with vision systems (Fanuc IRVision, Keyence, and Cognex etc) • Experience with setting up and modifying SQL databases • MES (manufacturing execution systems) controls is a plus • Experience with AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) • Experience designing and installing medium and low voltage power distribution systems • Willing to travel internationally Benefits and Compensation This position offers competitive market-based compensation, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing. You can learn more about the benefits offered for this position by visiting https://careers.international.com/#benefits. The expected salary offered for this position will fall within the stated range, with the final offer based on the candidates' applicable skills, knowledge, and experience. Company Overview About TRATON With its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, TRATON SE is the parent and holding company of the TRATON GROUP and one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The Group’s product portfolio comprises trucks, buses, and light-duty commercial vehicles. “Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world.”: this intention underlines the Company’s ambition to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and on the Group’s commercial growth. About International From a one-man company built on the world-changing invention of the McCormick reaper in 1831, to the 15,000-person-strong company we are today, few companies can lay claim to a history like International. Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International® trucks and engines and IC Bus® school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite® aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit International.com. *International Motors, LLC is d/b/a International Motors USA in Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Utah. EEO Statement We are an Equal Opportunity Emp

Show full description ↓

Position Overview International Motors is seeking a highly skilled Senior Lead Controls Engineer to play a critical role in supporting and advancing our T14 Transmission operations. This role serves as a technical leader and key liaison between engineering, maintenance, and production teams, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing performance. The Senior Lead Controls Engineer will provide hands-on day-to-day production support while driving continuous improvement initiatives across controls, automation, and electrical systems. This includes the design, implementation, optimization, and troubleshooting of PLC- and HMI-based control systems, as well as oversight of industrial networks and power distribution supporting current and future assembly lines. In this role, you will lead controls-related projects from concept through commissioning, influence equipment standards, and mentor junior engineers and technicians. You will partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders to resolve complex technical issues, reduce downtime, improve throughput, and enhance system robustness in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This position requires a balance of strategic thinking, hands-on technical expertise, and strong communication skills to support production targets and long-term operational excellence. Schedule: Monday through Thursday 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM

More Controls roles nearby