Automation & Controls Engineer (Electrical Systems)

Job Title: Automation & Controls Engineer (Electrical Systems)
Location: Petersburg, Virginia
Job Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $70,000 – $105,000

Overview

We are looking for a hands-on Automation & Controls Engineer to support a fast-paced manufacturing operation. This role focuses on improving equipment reliability, optimizing automated systems, and supporting production through both technical troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives.

If you enjoy working with industrial automation, solving complex system issues, and contributing to process enhancements, this opportunity offers strong career growth and technical exposure.

What You’ll Find:
• Large-scale manufacturing environment supporting multiple industries including construction, automotive, and industrial equipment

• Team-oriented culture that values safety, collaboration, and innovation

• Ongoing investment in people, technology, and operational improvements

• Structured training and career development opportunities

Compensation & Benefits:
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one

• Flexible spending accounts (health and dependent care)

• 401(k) with company match (up to 6%)

• Life and disability insurance (short-term and long-term)

• Annual performance bonus

• Paid parental leave

• Employee assistance programs

• Tuition reimbursement and continued training support

Position Summary:
This role is responsible for supporting and improving automation systems within a heavy manufacturing environment. The engineer will work closely with maintenance, production, and leadership teams to ensure equipment reliability, minimize downtime, and enhance system performance.

Responsibilities include troubleshooting major system failures, maintaining automation backups, and contributing to system upgrades, testing, and long-term improvements.

Key Responsibilities:
• Modify and maintain PLC programs to support operational needs

• Develop and update HMI interfaces for improved usability and performance

• Troubleshoot automation, communication, and instrumentation issues

• Lead and support initiatives to improve system stability and reduce downtime

• Analyze equipment performance data and recommend improvements

• Enhance alarm systems and operator interface functionality

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on process improvements and reliability efforts

• Support planning and execution of maintenance outages and shutdowns

• Participate in root cause analysis and failure investigations

• Contribute to annual planning and continuous improvement initiatives

• Recommend upgrades, replacements, and system modifications

Technical Environment:
PLC Systems (experience with one or more preferred):

• GE (RX3i, Innovation Series, Genius I/O)

• Siemens (S7 / TIA Portal, S7-1516)

• Allen-Bradley

• Toshiba NV

HMI Platforms:

• GE Cimplicity

• Ignition

• WinCC

• Rockwell Automation

Additional Experience:

• Industrial networks and communication protocols (Profibus, Profinet preferred)

• Motors, drives, and AC/DC control systems

• Data acquisition tools (IBA/PDA is a plus)

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing automation

• Strong PLC programming and ladder logic development experience

• Ability to troubleshoot complex electrical and automation systems

• Comfortable working both in-office and on the production floor

• Strong communication skills across operations, maintenance, and leadership teams

• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities