Controls Engineer IV

  • Location: Mobile, Alabama
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #1652
  • Salary: $150,000 - $155,000

REPORTS TO:  Program Engineer & Department Project Engineer
SUPERVISES:  Engineer III, Engineer II, Engineer I, Designers and Draftspersons
DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provides expert judgement and analysis for the in the design and integration of the automation and control systems based on the ships mechanical and electrical design
  • Able to troubleshoot and solve highly complex technical issues related to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributive Control Systems, and Automation Systems in a timely manner
  • Able to communicate expertly researched resolutions to management
  • Extensive engineering knowledge and is considered an expert in the controls and automation field
  • Responsible for complex system development, specification trace packages, detailed engineering reports and system drawings
  • Responsible for checking designs and drawings for accuracy and adherence to contract requirements
  • Facilitates training, mentoring, and developing other engineers
  • Able to establish relationships (liaise/coordinate) with other engineers, departments, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure projects are completed on time and to specifications
  • Complies with employee handbook general guidelines, company procedures and policies.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:
General:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree.
  • 8+ years of automation and controls experience
  • Configuration, programming, installation, and test experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADAs.
  • Experience with the Windows Server environment.
  • Configuration and commissioning experience with sensors, switches, valve actuators, variable speed drives, and other field devices.
  • Design, installation and troubleshooting experience with communication protocols such as Profibus, Modbus RTU/TCP, and Serial ASCII.
  • Ability to work in the field environment domestically and internationally.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills and experience.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Understanding of scheduling and an ability to adhere to strict deadlines
  • Experienced in interacting with Production, multiple design teams from several companies, customer representatives and equipment manufacturers.

Preferred:

  • Specific knowledge related to the following:
    • Siemens PCS7 or other integrated automation platform
    • Siemens SIMATIC variable speed drives
    • Windows Server Domain management including DNS, Active Directory, and Group Policy
  • Advanced knowledge of ship and propulsion systems
  • Strong working knowledge of Maritime Regulatory Authorities (i.e. ABS, DNV, GL, NAVSEA, MIL, USCG, IMO, etc.)
  • Experience in the construction of high speed aluminum vessels
  • Experience in design and construction of US Navy vessels

TRAVEL:

  • This position will require install and commissioning and repair efforts in various offsite locations and will be required to travel to customer sites to support work on vessels if deemed necessary in the scope of your position responsibilities. The potential for offsite travel can potentially upwards of 25%. This will include overseas travel although NO TRAVEL to declared warzones is anticipated.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:
All candidates must meet basic employment eligibility guidelines:

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance may be required if deemed necessary in the scope of your position responsibilities
  • 18 years of age or older at time of application
  • Able to provide proof of US Person Status
  • No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date
  • No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date
  • Willing to submit to a drug screen
  • Willing to submit to a background check

TOOLS:

  • Computer – MS Office, AutoCAD, PLC and HMI development environment software
  • Process multimeter and network analyzers

DIRECTION EXERCISED:

  • Will lead and direct the install and commissioning of controls systems on ships
  • Will lead and direct the work of Engineers I, II, Designers and Draftspersons
  • Will determine technical adequacy of drawings, calculations, automation system designs, hardware configuration, and system programming.

DISCRETION EXERCISED:

  • Will provide input to evaluations of Engineers I, II, Designers and Draftspersons
  • Has authority to direct, evaluate and correct the work of Engineers I, II, Designers and Draftspersons

LIAISES WITH:  Engineers, Production Personnel, Customer, Regulatory Bodies, Program Management and Equipment Suppliers
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat.  The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles at or below the PEL, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold.  The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud, + 90 dB.
SAFETY
Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks. 
 

Area Manager Process Technology – Galvanizing and Rolling

  • Location: Calvert, Alabama
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #1576

Position Overview
FirstFour Staffing is seeking a Process Technology Leader with a strong engineering background and proven experience in steel mill operations. This role is responsible for aligning asset performance with business objectives, leading process improvement initiatives, and providing technical guidance to drive safety, efficiency, and innovation across production operations.


Qualifications – The Basics

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Automation, Metallurgical & Materials, or related field)
  • 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
  • Strong background in steel mill processes and products, including cold rolling and hot dip galvanizing technologies (annealing, coating, strip transport and control, steel properties, and applications)
  • Demonstrated understanding of steel rolling properties and their applications
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Proven ability to develop and deliver technical presentations to senior management
  • Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Working knowledge of SAP applications
  • Experience leading or managing teams in a manufacturing setting
  • Exposure to automotive-exposed and AHSS (Advanced High Strength Steel) production, including process, product requirements, and related technologies

Key Competencies 

  • Collaborative, hands-on team player with strong leadership qualities
  • Solid understanding of control systems, instrumentation, and process modeling
  • Proven ability to lead and implement improvement initiatives that drive measurable business value
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
  • Skilled in building partnerships and achieving win-win outcomes across teams and departments

Responsibilities 

  • Align asset performance with short- and long-term business goals, focusing on safety, process efficiency, innovation, and team development
  • Develop and lead a high-performing technical leadership team focused on process technology and development
  • Provide hands-on technical support for all production units, including:
    1. Process and product development for production lines
    2. Troubleshooting technology and quality issues
    3. Coaching and training team members
    4. Leading major improvement projects to enhance product capability, throughput, yield, cost, and sustainability performance
  • Prepare and present process performance reports to senior management
  • Champion company commitments to Quality, Environmental, and Safety standards
  • Foster a team-oriented culture built on trust, respect, and accountability
  • Uphold the company’s core values of Safety, Teamwork, Accountability, Relationships, and Sustainability

Inspection Systems Engineer NOES

  • Location: Calvert, Alabama
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #1569
  • Salary: $75,000 - $110,000

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

The ideal candidate will ensure the startup and continual development for the new ArcelorMittal Electrical Steel Mill’s Automated Surface Inspection Systems “ASIS”.

THE BASICS

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering – Metallurgy, Material Science, Electrical Engineer, or “IT” Information Systems focus required
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience with product quality management tools and/or measurement devices
  • Experience working with SQL Databases
  • Experience working with C++
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Excel, Teams, Word, PowerPoint), Power BI,
  • General understanding of hardware & software/Windows OS

THE EXTRAS

  • ASIS or automation administration experience
  • Solid understanding of in line automated measurement tools and related signals
  • Knowledge of steel process, steel defects, and defect origin             

 

 

TRAITS TO BE SUCCESSFUL

  • Demonstrates strong decision-making, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong Teamwork and a hands-on working approach
  • Makes sense of complex and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems
  • Ability to deal sensitively with confidential material
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment, strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and multitask
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal communications skills, written and verbal
  • Demonstrates strong work ethic and displays a high degree of professionalism

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING        

  • Training and developing Automated Surface Inspection Systems or “ASIS” for the NOES mill
  • Ensuring the successful startup of the ASIS to effectively detect and classify surface defects
  • Working within the application tools and/or developing code to enhance inspection accuracy
  • Troubleshoots and collaborates with site resources to resolve issues, replaces hardware, as needed
  • Performs daily system tuning & preventive maintenance
  • Works closely with Quality, R&D and Operations groups on defect/material changes and adjustments
  • Demonstrate the company values of Safety, Teamwork, Accountability, Relationships, and Sustainability
  • Fulfills the commitment to ensure a safe and healthy work environment
  • Fulfills the responsibilities required to achieve the Quality Commitment
  • Demonstrates commitment to teamwork by fostering an environment that embodies trust and respect
  • Ensures working knowledge of competencies as defined in ISO 14001 (current version), IATF 16949 (current version), and ISO 17025 (current version)

Refractory Engineer

  • Location: Mobile, Alabama
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #1555
  • Salary: $80,000 - $100,000

Engineer – Refractory Steelmaking

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Engineer to lead refractory operations within a steelmaking environment. This role involves overseeing refractory usage, coordinating repair and reline activities, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across steelmaking units such as EAF, LMF, RH, and Caster.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Monitor and evaluate refractory performance and degradation
  • Organize and supervise refractory repair and reline work
  • Collaborate with maintenance and technology teams to optimize refractory systems
  • Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions
  • Maintain inventory and coordinate with vendors for refractory materials

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Minimum 3 years of refractory experience in steelmaking (6+ years preferred)
  • Strong knowledge of refractory materials and gunning operations
  • Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

Work Environment:

  • Industrial and office settings within a steelmaking facility
  • Monday to Friday schedule, with extended hours during peak periods

Benefits Include:

  • Competitive compensation with bonus opportunities
  • Health, dental, vision, and financial protection plans
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and leave programs
  • Career development support and training opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements and relocation assistance

Mechanical Engineering Manager

  • Location: Mobile, Alabama
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #1358
  • Salary: $125,000 - $135,000

FirstFour Staffing is assisting a client in their search for a Mechanical Engineering Manager. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Overseeing Department Goals for a specific project as directed by the Program Engineer and Chief Department Engineer
  • Preparing, overseeing and assigning design calculations and drawing development to support Program Goals
  • Checking calculations
  • Progressing all department work
  • Leading and directing the work of Engineers I, II, III, Designers and Draftspersons
  • Determining technical adequacy of drawings and calculations
  • Providing input to evaluations of Engineers I, II, III, Designers and Draftspersons
     

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum 8 plus years of design and/or construction experience
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Understanding of scheduling and an ability to adhere to strict deadlines
  • Experienced in interacting with Production, multiple design teams from several companies, customer representatives and equipment manufacturers
  • Computer literate and familiar with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office products
  • Thorough knowledge of ship and propulsion systems
  • Strong working knowledge of Maritime Regulatory Authorities (i.e. ABS, DNV, GL, NAVSEA, MIL, USCG, IMO, etc.)
  • US Citizenship

Marine / Mechanical Engineer:

  • Successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent engineering degree or minimum 15 years of equivalent marine design experience
  • Thorough knowledge of ship and propulsion system design and operation
  • Thorough knowledge of engine alignment and shaft design and alignment
  • Thorough knowledge of HVAC design

TOOLS:
Computer – MS Office, AutoCAD
 

Civil Staff Engineer

  • Location: Baldwin County, Alabama
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #1342
  • Salary: $75,000 - $85,000

First Four is assisting a professional services civil engineering firm with their need for an EIT for a Civil / Site Engineer position with a growing firm in Baldwin County, AL

This role will perform a diverse variety of civil engineering functions to facilitate site design and development for private, municipal, state and federal clients of the firm.

Successful candidates will have a BS in Civil Engineering, be proficient in AutoCAD, Civil3D, ICPR, ALDOT, MS (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe Acrobat, and BlueBeam.

EIT is required along with a minimum of 2 years of experience in site development