Director of Automation & Controls Engineering

📍 Waynesboro, VA

Are you a seasoned engineering leader ready to take on cutting-edge automation challenges? We’re looking for a Director of Automation & Controls Engineering to lead a skilled team of controls engineers and drive the development of complex industrial systems that keep critical infrastructure running smoothly.

In this role, you’ll oversee the design, programming, and implementation of high-performance automation solutions. You’ll work closely with executive leadership, guide strategic initiatives, and help shape the future of our automation department. If you're a driven technical leader who thrives on ownership, innovation, and making an impact, we want to talk.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead and mentor a team of controls engineers
  • Deliver projects on time, on budget, and to a high standard
  • Collaborate across departments to align engineering with company goals
  • Build long-term client relationships and identify new business opportunities
  • Provide hands-on support for complex electrical and programming issues
  • Guide design, programming, and equipment selection
  • Share regular updates and performance insights with company leadership

What You Bring

  • 7 or more years of experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and industrial automation
  • Leadership experience in engineering or technical environments
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, or Electronics Engineering
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work with clients and cross-functional teams
  • Background in construction or manufacturing environments

Nice to Have

  • PE license
  • Experience with industrial refrigeration or HVAC
  • Knowledge of sustainable energy systems and natural refrigerants
  • Certifications in automation or project management

About Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.

For more than 30 years, Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. has successfully designed, fabricated, and installed customized turn-key industrial refrigeration systems. We specialize in designing safe, reliable, and energy-efficient products! Our engineering staff is highly experienced in Ammonia, Ammonia/CO2 Cascade Systems, Transcritical CO2, Processing Applications, Blast Freezing applications, and more. We utilize the latest technology throughout our design-build process and are confident that the quality and performance of our systems are unrivaled in the industry. Our Lyndhurst, VA facility is home to our talented mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering teams who are responsible for designing all of our industrial refrigeration systems. Our office also includes knowledgeable Service and Process Safety Management departments. Lyndhurst is also home to our manufacturing facility where our team of welders, electricians, and insulators take pride in the products that we manufacture for our customers. Our field employees conduct many trades such as rigging, welding, pipefitting, insulation, and electrical. Innovative has become the leader in the industrial refrigeration industry with our PSM/RMP services and multiple refrigeration-related web-based software programs. In addition to offering third party audits as well as designing and maintaining software, Innovative’s sister company, Industrial Refrigeration Technical College, offers hands-on training at their state-of-the-art, 4000 square foot facility for ammonia and CO2 operators.

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