Controls Engineer - Electrical & Instrumentation
Location: Petersburg, VA
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
Compensation: Starting at $70,000 annually (based on experience and technical background)
Position Overview
A manufacturing operation is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of automated production systems. This role combines hands-on troubleshooting with controls engineering and system optimization, working closely with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams.
The ideal candidate will have strong PLC programming experience, a solid understanding of industrial control systems, and the ability to identify and implement automation improvements in a production environment.
Primary Responsibilities
- Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based automation systems supporting manufacturing equipment
- Design, update, and improve HMI interfaces to enhance operator usability and system interaction
- Diagnose and resolve issues related to instrumentation, industrial controls, automation hardware, and communication networks
- Lead or assist with initiatives focused on increasing equipment uptime, reliability, and production efficiency
- Analyze production and control system data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities
- Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for recurring system issues
- Assist with planning and execution of system upgrades, shutdown activities, and equipment modifications
- Improve alarm management strategies, reporting functionality, and overall control system performance
- Translate operational and production requirements into practical automation solutions
- Support automation systems used in heavy industrial and manufacturing processes
- Maintain system backups and help ensure long-term control system reliability
- Improve instrumentation functionality and optimize control system response
- Identify opportunities for equipment modernization and controls upgrades
- Contribute to long-term automation strategies and continuous improvement efforts
Technical Environment
- Siemens (S7 / TIA Portal)
- Allen-Bradley
- GE / RX3i
- Toshiba NV HMI / SCADA Systems
- Ignition
- Cimplicity
- WinCC
- Rockwell platforms Networking & Industrial Systems
- Profibus / Profinet
- Industrial communication protocols
- Data acquisition systems (IBA or PDA experience preferred)
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation or manufacturing environments
- Strong background in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and industrial controls
- Experience working with motors, drives, and AC/DC control systems
- Proficiency in ladder logic programming
- Ability to manage automation projects from concept through implementation
- Comfortable working in both office and plant-floor environments
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities
- Effective communication skills when working with operations, maintenance, and technical teams
Work Environment & Growth Opportunities
- Combination of hands-on field support and engineering-focused project work
- Team-oriented environment emphasizing safety, operational reliability, and continuous improvement
- Opportunities for training, technical development, and long-term career growth
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation or manufacturing environments
- Strong background in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and industrial controls
- Experience working with motors, drives, and AC/DC control systems
- Proficiency in ladder logic programming
- Ability to manage automation projects from concept through implementation
- Comfortable working in both office and plant-floor environments
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities
- Effective communication skills when working with operations, maintenance, and technical teams
What We Do
Qualdoc is a global organization providing industrial staffing, contract manufacturing, and supply chain management services. They specialize in engineering support, metrology, and quality assurance for sectors including aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and power. The company focuses on building partnerships to ensure speed-to-market and low-risk manufacturing, offering services ranging from prototype development to high-volume production and in-country procurement support for clients worldwide.
