Industrial Automation Engineer & Digital Transformation Specialist

Location: Onsite at Robins Air Force Base (Warner Robins, GA)

Illumination Works is looking for an Industrial Automation Engineer & Digital Transformation Specialist who will be responsible for leading automation upgrades and digital modernization initiatives within government-operated industrial and/or manufacturing facilities. This role supports national modernization strategies by upgrading legacy control systems, implementing secure digital technologies, enhancing operational transparency, improving efficiency and resilience of infrastructure, and ensuring regulatory and cybersecurity compliance. This position bridges the gap between Operational Technology (OT), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and process improvement with strategic digital transformation leadership.

The key responsibilities include:

• Manage automation and digital modernization projects
• Lead implementation of government-compliant MES systems
• Integrate operational systems with government ERP and reporting platforms
• Design, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems
• Upgrade legacy systems to modern, secure platforms
• Implement and troubleshoot SCADA systems
• Standardize automation architecture across government facilities
• Support preventative and predictive maintenance systems
• Implement secure industrial network architecture (IT/OT segregation)
• Deploy Industrial IoT (IIoT) for real-time monitoring of assets and production
• Ensure compliance with government safety and regulatory standards
• Coordinate with multiple government departments
• Train staff on new systems and technologies
• Maintain proper documentation for all processes, risk assessments, and systems

Do you have what it takes? Are you driven to implement creative solutions that unravel complex and ever-changing challenges? We value passion, curiosity, and perseverance with an ability to communicate ideas and results to diverse audiences. We look for people who thrive in collaborative and independent assignments, have the aptitude to learn new data quickly, and who are willing to mentor junior team members.

Key skills include:

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrial, or automation engineering roles
• Proven experience leading modernization or digital transformation projects
• Experience working within regulated or government environments preferred
• PLC programming experience (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, etc.)
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols (MQTT, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP)
• Experience with MES implementation and integration
• Knowledge of ERP systems integration
• Hands-on experience with data analysis, data visualization, and database management tools (e.g. Python, Power BI/Tableau, Excel, SQL)
• Understanding of IT/OT convergence principles
• Industrial cybersecurity fundamentals
• Knowledge of industrial modernization programs
• Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or project management are a plus
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Industrial, Electrical, or Automation / Control Systems Engineering or comparable academic discipline
• Must have or be willing to obtain Secret Clearance (this requires US citizenship)
• Acceptable candidates must successfully pass a drug test and background screen

About Illumination Works

At Illumination Works, we know data, and we should, we’ve been doing it since we started in 2006! We specialize in everything data from big data to data science, data engineering, software engineering, and cloud design. We are a trusted technology partner in user-centered digital transformation—delivering impactful business results to clients. We partner with customers to solve their unique technology and data challenges and stay on top of modern technologies and advancements leveraging our Innovation Lab. Check out our website to learn more at www.ilwllc.com.

Why choose us? We invest in our employees in all aspects of their life and we value family. We offer market competitive salary, a generous PTO package, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans. We also offer 401K, short/long-term disability insurance, a fun and engaging culture, and training opportunities to keep you up to speed on the latest technologies.

Illumination Works is committed to hiring and retaining the best workforce. We hire the best talent for our customers’ needs. We make our hiring decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. Acceptable candidates must successfully pass a drug test and background screen.