Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer

Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer Location: Petersburg, VA Job Type: Contract-to-Hire Starting Salary: $70,000+ (Compensation may be higher based on experience.) Position Overview We are seeking an Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer to support and improve manufacturing operations through automation, electrical systems, and process optimization. This hands-on role combines office-based engineering with field support, giving you the opportunity to troubleshoot equipment, develop control solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across a high-volume industrial facility. Working closely with production, maintenance, and leadership teams, you will help maintain reliable operations while implementing automation enhancements that improve safety, efficiency, and equipment performance.

Primary Responsibilities Develop, modify, and support PLC programs used in manufacturing operations

Program and maintain HMI applications to improve operator interface and equipment performance

Troubleshoot automation, communication, instrumentation, electrical, and HMI-related issues

Lead projects that improve automation reliability, equipment uptime, and manufacturing efficiency

Partner with production and maintenance teams to identify opportunities for process improvements

Analyze equipment performance data and recommend corrective actions to improve reliability

Support equipment upgrades, installations, modifications, and modernization projects

Improve alarm management and operator interface functionality

Participate in failure analysis and root cause investigations involving automation systems

Assist with maintenance planning, outage scheduling, and annual improvement initiatives

Translate production and operator needs into practical automation solutions

Perform software backups, system testing, and documentation updates

PLC & Automation Experience Experience programming or supporting one or more of the following PLC platforms:

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens S7 / TIA Portal

GE Innovation Series Controllers

GE RX3i Controllers

Toshiba NV Controllers

GE Genius Block I/O Networks

HMI Experience Experience with one or more of the following HMI platforms:

Ignition

GE Cimplicity

WinCC

Rockwell Automation HMI software

Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline

Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing experience programming PLCs

Strong knowledge of AC/DC electrical controls, motors, and variable frequency drives

Experience developing PLC ladder logic using Rockwell and Siemens S7-1516

Understanding of industrial communication protocols, including Profibus and Profinet

Experience troubleshooting automation systems, PLCs, HMIs, communication networks, and industrial equipment

Ability to manage electrical and automation projects from planning through implementation

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

Experience with data acquisition software ( IBA/PDA preferred)

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills

Ability to communicate effectively with operators, maintenance personnel, engineers, and leadership

Willingness to work both in an office environment and on the manufacturing floor

Preferred Experience Industrial manufacturing, metals, steel, or heavy manufacturing experience

Experience with SCADA systems

Knowledge of instrumentation, hydraulics, and pneumatics

Experience supporting continuous improvement and equipment reliability initiatives

What We're Looking For Strong technical aptitude with a hands-on approach to solving equipment issues

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on safety, reliability, and operational excellence