Industrial Controls & Automation Engineer

Location: Petersburg, VA
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
Compensation: Starting at $70,000 annually, with compensation adjusted based on experience and technical expertise

We are seeking an Industrial Controls & Automation Engineer to support and enhance automated manufacturing systems within a production environment. This position combines control system engineering, automation support, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve equipment performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.

The successful candidate will work closely with maintenance, production, and engineering teams to diagnose issues, implement automation solutions, and support long-term modernization efforts across plant operations.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Control System Support
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs supporting manufacturing and process equipment.
• Troubleshoot automation systems, control hardware, instrumentation, and communication networks to minimize downtime.
• Support the performance and reliability of production equipment through effective control system management.
• Maintain and verify system backups to ensure operational continuity and disaster recovery readiness.
• Improve control strategies and system functionality to optimize equipment performance.
HMI & Operator Interface Development
• Design, update, and maintain HMI applications that improve operator interaction and system visibility.
• Enhance alarm management, system reporting, and diagnostic tools to support operational decision-making.
• Improve usability and functionality of operator interfaces through continuous refinement and feedback.
System Optimization & Continuous Improvement
• Analyze automation and production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Perform root cause investigations on recurring equipment or control system issues.
• Implement corrective actions that improve reliability, productivity, and process stability.
• Recommend and support modernization initiatives, equipment upgrades, and automation enhancements.
• Translate operational needs into practical automation and controls solutions.
Engineering Projects & Technical Support
• Assist with planning and execution of capital projects, system upgrades, shutdown activities, and equipment modifications.
• Support implementation of new automation technologies and control strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing processes and equipment performance.
• Participate in long-term automation planning and plant improvement initiatives.

Technologies & Systems

PLC Platforms
• Siemens S7 / TIA Portal
• Allen-Bradley
• GE RX3i
• Toshiba NV
HMI & SCADA Applications
• Ignition
• Cimplicity
• WinCC
• Rockwell Automation platforms
Industrial Communications & Data Systems
• Profibus
• Profinet
• Industrial networking protocols
• Data acquisition and performance monitoring systems
• Experience with IBA or PDA systems is beneficial

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of five years of experience supporting automation systems in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong experience programming, troubleshooting, and optimizing PLC-based control systems.
• Working knowledge of motors, drives, and AC/DC electrical control systems.
• Proficiency with ladder logic programming and industrial automation architectures.
• Experience managing technical projects from design through implementation.
• Ability to work effectively in both engineering office and manufacturing floor environments.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting heavy industrial, process manufacturing, or automated production operations.
• Familiarity with control system upgrades, modernization projects, and equipment integration.
• Exposure to advanced reporting, data collection, and industrial networking technologies.
• Experience improving system reliability, equipment uptime, and production performance through automation initiatives.

Work Environment

This position offers a blend of hands-on plant support and engineering-focused project work. The role requires regular interaction with manufacturing equipment and production personnel while also supporting system design, analysis, and improvement projects.

The organization promotes a collaborative culture focused on safety, operational excellence, technical innovation, and continuous improvement. Employees are encouraged to expand their technical expertise through ongoing training, development opportunities, and career advancement pathways.