Okay, I've searched for Controls & Automation Engineer roles in the Mobile Metropolitan Area, full-time positions requiring 10+ years of experience, and skills including PLC programming and industrial networking. I have found 57 positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Controls & Automation Engineer V role at Hargrove is fundamentally designed to serve as a senior technical leader and expert responsible for the full lifecycle of controls and automation engineering projects. This includes design, programming, installation oversight, startup support, and mentoring junior engineers. The role demands deep hands-on expertise in industrial control systems across multiple platforms such as PLCs, DCSs, HMI, and SIS, reflecting the complex and diverse project environments Hargrove serves, ranging from energy generation to process industries. The emphasis on familiarity with ISA S88, IEC 61131 standards, and OSHA Management of Change illustrates the critical need for compliance and best practices adherence in safety-sensitive industrial settings. The candidate must be capable of independently advancing project scopes, estimating, scheduling, and delivering high-quality technical solutions while managing ambiguity from scope changes and cross-discipline coordination. Success in this position will mean not only technical excellence but also strong leadership—mentoring other engineers, managing client expectations, and effectively communicating across project teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. Essentially, this position blends advanced technical mastery with leadership and strategic foresight in a project-driven environment where reliability, safety, and client satisfaction are paramount.

Company Analysis:

Hargrove operates as a well-established, teammate-owned engineering and project services firm positioned firmly within the industrial, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Its long-term client partnerships and multi-modal delivery approach (on-site support, small consulting projects, and capital projects) indicate a company culture that values reliability, expertise, and flexibility. The emphasis on providing “Right People, in the Right Place, at the Right Time” speaks to a highly collaborative and service-oriented environment where individual contributions are vital to project success. The company’s focus on work-life balance and flexible working arrangements also suggests a progressive, people-first culture that supports employee well-being while demanding professionalism and accountability. Within this setting, the Controls & Automation Engineer V is likely to experience a blend of independence and teamwork, requiring strong cross-disciplinary coordination and client engagement skills. The role's visibility and impact are considerable given Hargrove’s commitment to safety, technical prowess, and quality, making it a pivotal function that directly supports the company’s strategic goals to maintain excellence across a breadth of complex industrial projects. A candidate well-aligned with Hargrove’s mission would be motivated by contributing to safe, efficient, and innovative solutions while thriving in an environment that values mentorship and continuous professional development.

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

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to lead a team through a challenging controls and automation project with shifting scope. How did you keep the team focused and ensure project success?
• Behavioral: Describe a situation where you identified a critical safety or compliance issue during startup. How did you handle it?
• Behavioral: Can you share an experience mentoring a junior engineer or specialist? What approach did you take to effectively transfer your knowledge?
• Behavioral: Explain a circumstance where you had to collaborate closely with multiple disciplines (e.g., mechanical, instrumentation) to resolve a complex integration issue.
• Technical: How do you approach designing a control system architecture that balances ease of maintenance and client expectations?
• Technical: Describe your experience implementing ISA S88 and IEC 61131 standards in automation projects. How do these standards influence your programming approach?
• Technical: What methods and tools do you use to troubleshoot complex field-level networking and I/O issues in industrial control systems?
• Technical: Can you discuss your experience with any of the major control platforms listed in the JD (e.g., Honeywell Experion, Allen Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens PCS 7)? How do you decide which platform is best suited for a project?
• Situational: Imagine you receive conflicting vendor drawings and design specifications for a critical automation component during the project. How would you reconcile these discrepancies?
• Situational: If a startup issue arises onsite that threatens to delay project delivery, what steps would you take to minimize downtime and keep the client informed?
• Situational: You must estimate hours and develop a schedule for a new controls sub-project with limited initial data. How do you ensure your estimates are accurate and realistic?
• Company Fit: Why are you interested in working at Hargrove, considering our teammate-owned culture and commitment to work-life balance?
• Company Fit: How do your personal values and work style align with Hargrove’s emphasis on trust, collaboration, and safety?
• Company Fit: How do you see yourself contributing to Hargrove’s long-term client relationships and reputation for technical excellence?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does Hargrove support ongoing professional development and certification for Controls & Automation engineers?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe the typical team structure and how Controls & Automation Engineers interact with other disciplines on major projects?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the biggest technical or project challenges Hargrove is currently facing in the Controls & Automation space, and how can this role help address them?