Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer
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Job description
Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer Location: Petersburg, VA Job Type: Contract-to-Hire Starting Salary: $70,000+ (Compensation may be higher based on experience.) Position
Overview
We are seeking an Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer to support and improve manufacturing operations through automation, electrical systems, and process optimization. This hands-on role combines office-based engineering with field support, giving you the opportunity to troubleshoot equipment, develop control solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across a high-volume industrial facility. Working closely with production, maintenance, and leadership teams, you will help maintain reliable operations while implementing automation enhancements that improve safety, efficiency, and equipment performance.
Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer Location: Petersburg, VA Job Type: Contract-to-Hire Starting Salary: $70,000+ (Compensation may be higher based on experience.) Position
Overview
We are seeking an Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer to support and improve manufacturing operations through automation, electrical systems, and process optimization. This hands-on role combines office-based engineering with field support, giving you the opportunity to troubleshoot equipment, develop control solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across a high-volume industrial facility. Working closely with production, maintenance, and leadership teams, you will help maintain reliable operations while implementing automation enhancements that improve safety, efficiency, and equipment performance.
Primary
Responsibilities
- Develop, modify, and support PLC programs used in manufacturing operations
- Program and maintain HMI applications to improve operator interface and equipment performance
- Troubleshoot automation, communication, instrumentation, electrical, and HMI-related issues
- Lead projects that improve automation reliability, equipment uptime, and manufacturing efficiency
- Partner with production and maintenance teams to identify opportunities for process improvements
- Analyze equipment performance data and recommend corrective actions to improve reliability
- Support equipment upgrades, installations, modifications, and modernization projects
- Improve alarm management and operator interface functionality
- Participate in failure analysis and root cause investigations involving automation systems
- Assist with maintenance planning, outage scheduling, and annual improvement initiatives
- Translate production and operator needs into practical automation solutions
- Perform software backups, system testing, and documentation updates PLC & Automation Experience Experience programming or supporting one or more of the following PLC platforms:
- Allen-Bradley PLC
- Siemens S7 / TIA Portal
- GE Innovation Series Controllers
- GE RX3i Controllers
- Toshiba NV Controllers
- GE Genius Block I/O Networks HMI Experience Experience with one or more of the following HMI platforms:
- Ignition
- GE Cimplicity
- WinCC
- Rockwell Automation HMI software
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing experience programming PLCs
- Strong knowledge of AC/DC electrical controls, motors, and variable frequency drives
- Experience developing PLC ladder logic using Rockwell and Siemens S7-1516
- Understanding of industrial communication protocols, including Profibus and Profinet
- Experience troubleshooting automation systems, PLCs, HMIs, communication networks, and industrial equipment
- Ability to manage electrical and automation projects from planning through implementation
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Experience with data acquisition software ( IBA/PDA preferred)
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with operators, maintenance personnel, engineers, and leadership
- Willingness to work both in an office environment and on the manufacturing floor Preferred Experience
- Industrial manufacturing, metals, steel, or heavy manufacturing experience
- Experience with SCADA systems
- Knowledge of instrumentation, hydraulics, and pneumatics
- Experience supporting continuous improvement and equipment reliability initiatives What We're Looking For
- Strong technical aptitude with a hands-on approach to solving equipment issues
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on safety, reliability, and operational excellence