Industrial Automation Engineer – Electrical & Controls

Industrial Automation Engineer – Electrical & Controls
Location: Petersburg, VA
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
Salary: Starting at $70,000+ (based on experience)

Role Overview

We are seeking an Industrial Automation Engineer to support electrical and instrumentation systems in a heavy manufacturing setting. This position plays a critical role in maintaining automated operations, improving system reliability, and driving performance across production processes.

This is a hybrid-style role combining hands-on troubleshooting in the field with engineering analysis and project ownership.

Core Responsibilities:
• Maintain and improve automation systems supporting production equipment

• Program, update, and troubleshoot PLCs and ladder logic

• Identify and resolve issues involving automation systems, HMIs, and industrial networks

• Conduct testing, root cause analysis, and implement corrective solutions

• Manage control system backups and ensure system integrity

• Partner with operations and maintenance teams to sustain production uptime

• Translate operational challenges into control system improvements

• Lead initiatives to enhance system performance, throughput, and reliability

• Analyze equipment and process data to recommend improvements

• Optimize alarm management, reporting tools, and operator interfaces

• Support maintenance outages, upgrades, and system installations

• Contribute to long-term engineering projects and continuous improvement efforts

Technical Environment:
Controls & PLC Platforms (experience with one or more):

• Siemens (S7, TIA Portal, S7-1516)

• Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation

• GE / Emerson RX3i systems

• Toshiba controls

HMI / Visualization Tools:

• Ignition

• WinCC

• GE Cimplicity

• Rockwell HMI platforms

Industrial Networks & Data Systems:

• Communication protocols such as Profibus and Profinet

• Data acquisition tools (IBA, PDA, or similar)

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

• At least 5 years of experience in industrial or manufacturing environments

• Strong knowledge of AC/DC systems, motors, and drive technologies

• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and automation systems

• Proven ability to manage controls or electrical projects from start to finish

• Advanced troubleshooting skills across automation and instrumentation systems

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering-related software

• Comfortable working both in-office and in a production environment

• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Detail-oriented with a strong analytical mindset

Project & System Focus Areas:
• Automation systems supporting heavy equipment and production lines

• Process optimization and system reliability improvements

• Instrumentation upgrades and control system enhancements

• Continuous improvement initiatives targeting efficiency and output

• Equipment upgrades, installations, and modernization efforts

Compensation & Benefits:
• Competitive salary based on experience

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and parental leave

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

• Life and AD&D insurance

• Tuition assistance and ongoing training opportunities

• Employee assistance and wellness programs

• Performance-based bonus opportunities