Okay, I've searched for Controls & Automation Engineer roles in Birmingham, AL, full-time positions, requiring a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 10+ years of experience in industrial automation. I have found 21 positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Controls & Automation Engineer V role at Hargrove is fundamentally designed to lead the engineering design and technical execution of complex industrial automation projects, often functioning as the technical lead. This advanced-level position requires a blend of deep technical expertise in controls system architecture, programming, and commissioning, alongside mentorship and leadership capabilities to guide less experienced engineers. Key responsibilities focus on interpreting project scopes, adhering to rigorous industry standards such as ISA S88 and IEC 61131, and delivering practical, maintainable control system designs that meet client expectations and project timelines. The role demands a strong command over diverse automation platforms including DCS, PLC, SIS, and various HMI systems, reinforcing the necessity to troubleshoot multifaceted system integration issues both in the office and on-site. Given the complexity of integrated industrial projects, the engineer must also navigate cross-disciplinary collaboration and manage scope adjustments proactively. Success in this role involves not only delivering accurate technical solutions and cost estimates but also ensuring seamless coordination with stakeholders and promoting quality and schedule adherence. The requirement for ten-plus years of relevant experience and a preference for PE registration underscores the high level of autonomy, advanced decision-making, and regulatory knowledge incumbent in the role. Moreover, familiarity with network protocols, security concerns, and virtualized environments shows the evolving nature of automation engineering beyond traditional field devices, emphasizing holistic systems knowledge. Ultimately, the ideal candidate must combine strategic technical insights with leadership, communication, and business acumen to drive project success in a demanding industrial services context.

Company Analysis:

Hargrove positions itself as a full-service, trusted engineering and technical services firm focused on industrial and energy sectors, maintaining a balance between long-term client relationships and flexible project delivery modes ranging from small support roles to large capital endeavors. As a 100% teammate-owned company, Hargrove’s culture emphasizes integrity, trust, teamwork, and safety, creating a supportive environment that values individual contributions while fostering collaboration. Their work-life balance focus and openness to flexible work arrangements suggest a progressive and employee-centric culture, likely appealing to experienced professionals seeking both challenge and autonomy. Strategically, Hargrove’s diversified service portfolio and wide geographical footprint provide the Controls & Automation Engineer V with ample opportunities to engage in impactful, varied projects that influence core client operations. The company’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance meshes well with the role’s expectations for thoroughness and precision. Organizationally, this engineer will likely work closely with other discipline leads and office leadership, offering high visibility and influence especially when leading technical teams. The role directly supports Hargrove’s strategic vision of delivering timely, reliable engineering solutions by blending technical leadership with practical execution—key to sustaining and growing their respected position in competitive industrial markets. Overall, the company offers a stable, mission-driven platform for seasoned engineers aiming to deepen their expertise and leadership footprint within a collaborative and technically demanding environment.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time you led a controls and automation project where you had to mentor junior engineers while managing tight deadlines. How did you balance technical leadership and team development?
• Behavioral: Describe a situation in which you identified a significant scope change mid-project. How did you communicate and manage this with your team and stakeholders?
• Behavioral: Can you share an experience where you resolved a complex field troubleshooting issue involving hardware, software, and networking components?
• Behavioral: How have you fostered effective cross-disciplinary collaboration on a challenging project to ensure smooth information flow and timely project completion?
• Technical: Explain your experience with ISA S88 and IEC 61131 standards and how you have applied them in designing or programming automation systems.
• Technical: How do you approach designing control system architecture to balance ease of maintenance, client expectations, and cost efficiency?
• Technical: Describe your familiarity and hands-on experience with at least three automation platforms or systems listed in our job description, including how you tailored them to project needs.
• Technical: What steps do you take to develop accurate installation specifications and vendor equipment documents to ensure alignment between engineering design and field construction?
• Situational: Imagine you’re assigned a medium-sized automation project with tight schedule constraints, and you discover vendor drawings conflicting with project specifications. How would you handle this?
• Situational: If a commissioning startup reveals inconsistent control logic behavior that risks delaying the project, walk me through your immediate actions and longer-term mitigation plans.
• Situational: Given a scenario where your team’s engineering estimates and schedules are falling behind due to unforeseen complexities, how would you communicate and realign expectations with project leadership?
• Company Fit: What about Hargrove’s culture and operating principles resonates most with your professional values and career goals?
• Company Fit: How do you see your extensive controls and automation experience advancing Hargrove’s mission of delivering the right people, in the right place, at the right time?
• Company Fit: Considering our focus on work-life balance and safety, how do you personally maintain productivity and ensure compliance under high-pressure project environments?
• Questions to Ask Interviewer: How does Hargrove support continuous technical development and certification for senior engineers, especially in automation standards and emerging technologies?
• Questions to Ask Interviewer: Can you describe the typical team structure and collaboration approach on large-scale industrial automation projects here at Hargrove?
• Questions to Ask Interviewer: What are the key challenges Hargrove currently faces in Controls & Automation engineering, and how would this role contribute towards addressing them?