• Location: Calvert, Alabama
• Type: Direct Hire
• Job #1674
• Salary: $80,000 - $110,000

Automation Engineer – Calvert, AL

Join a highly automated heavy industrial manufacturing facility supporting process automation, electrical systems, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role provides hands-on automation engineering support in a fast-paced production environment.

Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation, Industrial Electricity, or related field
• 2+ years of automation experience in manufacturing, commissioning, or industrial service environments
• Experience with PLCs such as Siemens S7, TIA Portal, GE systems, or similar
• Knowledge of HMI systems, industrial networking (Profibus, Profinet, LAN), instrumentation, VFDs, OPC/OPC-UA, and motor controls
• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing automated systems in heavy industrial environments preferred

Responsibilities
• Support and optimize automated production systems
• Lead continuous improvement and automation projects
• Perform root cause analysis and troubleshoot electrical/automation issues
• Participate in commissioning new equipment
• Support maintenance and operations teams through training and technical leadership
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve efficiency, reliability, and safety

Environment & Benefits
• Heavy industrial/manufacturing environment
• Monday–Friday schedule with occasional extended hours
• Competitive salary, bonus potential, relocation assistance, strong benefits, 401(k) match, PTO, and career development opportunities

• 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. 
 

• 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

• 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
 

• 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