Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite)
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Job Type: 6-Month Contract-to-Hire
Starting Pay: From $39.00 per hour (Higher starting pay available based on experience)
Overtime: Not Available
We are seeking an experienced Electrical Automation Engineer to design, implement, and support electrical control systems used in overhead cranes and material handling equipment. This onsite role is responsible for developing automation solutions, improving existing control systems, and providing technical support throughout installation, startup, commissioning, and ongoing system performance.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in industrial automation, PLC programming, electrical controls, and manufacturing environments.
Primary Responsibilities
- Automation & Control System Design
- Design electrical control systems for overhead cranes and material handling equipment.
- Develop and modify PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and control logic.
- Create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts.
- Select and integrate electrical components including VFDs, relays, sensors, and safety devices.
- Ensure all designs comply with applicable CMAA, NFPA 70 (NEC), and ASME B30 standards. Installation & Startup Support
- Assist with installation, startup, testing, and commissioning of electrical control systems.
- Configure and troubleshoot PLCs, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and industrial communication networks.
- Validate system operation and optimize equipment performance before production use. Troubleshooting & Technical Support
- Diagnose electrical and automation issues affecting overhead crane performance.
- Support maintenance and field service personnel with advanced troubleshooting.
- Assist with equipment upgrades, modernization projects, and control system retrofits. Project Collaboration
- Work closely with engineers, technicians, and project managers throughout project execution.
- Provide technical guidance to less experienced team members when needed.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance equipment reliability, productivity, and system performance.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
- Minimum 5 years of controls engineering experience, preferably involving overhead cranes or other heavy industrial equipment.
- Hands-on experience with:
- PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms)
- HMI and SCADA systems
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Motor control systems
- Ability to develop, review, and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control system documentation.
- Experience with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, or similar networks.
- Strong understanding of crane motion control systems, including hoist, trolley, and bridge operations.
- Working knowledge of CMAA, NFPA 70 (NEC), and ASME B30 standards.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with crane automation technologies, anti-sway systems, or load monitoring controls.
- Background in industrial system integration, startup, and equipment commissioning.
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable working in industrial manufacturing environments, including elevated work areas when required.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Work Environment
- Full-time onsite position in an industrial manufacturing setting.
- Occasional travel to customer or project locations may be required.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or equivalent industry experience
- Minimum 5 years of controls engineering experience (preferably with overhead cranes or heavy industrial equipment)
- Hands-on PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms)
- Experience with HMI and SCADA systems
- Experience with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Knowledge of motor control systems
- Ability to develop, review, and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control documentation
- Experience with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, or similar)
- Strong understanding of crane motion control systems (hoist, trolley, bridge operations)
- Working knowledge of CMAA, NFPA 70 (NEC), and ASME B30 standards
- Experience with crane automation technologies, anti-sway systems, or load monitoring controls
- Background in industrial system integration, startup, and equipment commissioning
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Comfortable working in industrial manufacturing environments, including elevated work areas
- Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional 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.
