Industrial Controls & Automation Engineer
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/hour, with higher pay available based on experience. No overtime offered.
Position Overview
We are looking for an experienced Industrial Controls & Automation Engineer to develop, integrate, and support electrical control systems used in overhead cranes and material handling equipment. This onsite position focuses on designing new automation solutions, improving existing systems, and providing technical expertise throughout installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in industrial automation, PLC programming, and electrical controls within heavy industrial or 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.