Industrial Controls & Automation Engineer
Electrical Automation Engineer – Industrial Systems 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 Position Summary 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.
Key Responsibilities Controls Engineering
Design electrical control systems for overhead cranes and other material handling equipment.
Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and control logic.
Prepare electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts.
Select and integrate electrical components, including Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) , relays, sensors, motor controls, and safety devices.
Ensure control system designs comply with CMAA , NFPA 70 (NEC) , and ASME B30 standards.
Startup & Commissioning
Support equipment installation, startup, testing, and commissioning activities.
Configure and troubleshoot PLCs, VFDs, and industrial communication networks.
Verify system performance and optimize control systems before production use.
Technical Support
Diagnose electrical and automation issues affecting equipment performance.
Assist maintenance and field service teams with advanced troubleshooting.
Support equipment upgrades, modernization efforts, and control system retrofit projects.
Project Collaboration
Work closely with engineers, technicians, and project managers throughout project execution.
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to team members as needed.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing equipment reliability, productivity, and overall system performance.
Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
Minimum of five 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 create, review, and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control documentation.
Experience with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP , Modbus , or similar networks.
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, including anti-sway systems or load monitoring controls.
Background in industrial system integration, equipment startup, and commissioning.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work safely in industrial manufacturing environments, including elevated work areas when necessary.
Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, production, and service teams.
Work Environment Full-time onsite position in an industrial manufacturing facility.
Occasional travel to customer locations or project sites may be required.