Company

Industrial Lifting Systems

Automation&ControlsEngineerCraneSystems

$0k+ Ashland, Virginia, United States CONTRACT
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid candidates.

The Brief

“Automation & Controls Engineer – Crane Systems. Skills: Automation & Controls Engineering, Crane Systems, PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, VFDs, Industrial communication protocols. Support the development, integration, and optimization of electrical control systems. Design electrical control systems for overhead cranes and lifting equipment”

What You'll Achieve.

Enhance reliability and performance

Industry & Context.

Industrial Lifting Systems
Problems you'll solve

Troubleshooting & Technical Support; Diagnose and resolve complex electrical and control system issues; Analytical skills

Eligibility Requirements

Ability to work in industrial environments, including elevated areas when required, Occasional travel to support project or customer site needs

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience), 5+ years of controls engineering experience, PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar), HMI/SCADA systems, VFDs and motor control systems, Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and control system designs, Experience with industrial communication protocols (e. g. , Ethernet/IP, Modbus), Understanding of crane motion systems (hoist, trolley, bridge), Familiarity with CMAA, NEC, and ASME standards

Nice to Have

Experience with crane automation features such as anti-sway or load monitoring systems, Background in system commissioning and industrial integration projects, troubleshooting and analytical skills, Ability to work in industrial environments, including elevated areas when required, Effective communication and teamwork abilities

What You'll Do.

Support the development

and optimization of electrical control systems

Design electrical control systems for overhead cranes and lifting equipment

Develop and review PLC programs

Create electrical schematics

Select and integrate components

and commissioning of control systems

Configure and troubleshoot PLCs

and communication networks

and system optimization

Diagnose and resolve complex electrical and control system issues

Provide support to field service and maintenance teams

Assist with retrofits

and modernization efforts

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Work closely with engineering, project management, and technical teams; Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff; Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

Communication Scope

Effective communication

Full Job Description

## Description Automation & Motion Control Engineer – Industrial Lifting Systems Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite) Shift: 1st Shift Job Type: Contract-to-Hire (6-Month Conversion Opportunity) Pay rate: Starting at $39+/hour depending on experience Position Summary An industrial engineering team is seeking an experienced Automation & Controls Engineer to support the development, integration, and optimization of electrical control systems used in heavy material handling equipment and overhead lifting applications. This role combines system design, PLC/HMI programming, commissioning support, and troubleshooting responsibilities for both new installations and modernization projects. The position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on industrial automation work in a fast-paced engineering environment. ## Core Responsibilities Control Systems Design Design electrical control systems for overhead cranes and lifting equipment Develop and review PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and control logic Create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts Select and integrate components such as VFDs, sensors, relays, and safety devices Ensure compliance with applicable standards (CMAA, NFPA 70/NEC, ASME B30) Integration & Commissioning Support installation, startup, and commissioning of control systems Configure and troubleshoot PLCs, VFDs, and communication networks Perform testing, validation, and system optimization Troubleshooting & Technical Support Diagnose and resolve complex electrical and control system issues Provide support to field service and maintenance teams Assist with retrofits, upgrades, and modernization efforts Collaboration & Improvement Work closely with engineering, project management, and technical teams Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff when needed Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability and performance ## Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or relate

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