Company

Manufacturing

Automation&ControlsEngineerManufacturingSystems

$70k+ Petersburg, Virginia, United States CONTRACT
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid candidates.

The Brief

“Automation & Controls Engineer – Manufacturing Systems. Skills: PLC programming, troubleshooting, automation systems, industrial networks, HMI interfaces. Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based control systems across production equipment. Design and enhance HMI interfaces to improve usability and operator interaction”

What You'll Achieve.

improve automation systems; improve electrical infrastructure; improve production performance; increasing equipment uptime; process efficiency; system reliability; production efficiency

Industry & Context.

Manufacturing
Problems you'll solve

analytical and problem-solving skills; Diagnose issues; Analyze system and production data; Conduct root cause analysis; Implement corrective solutions

Eligibility Requirements

Comfortable working in both office and plant floor settings

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

5+ years of experience in industrial or manufacturing environments, background in PLC programming and troubleshooting, Experience with motors, drives, and AC/DC control systems, Proficiency in ladder logic programming, Ability to manage automation projects from concept through implementation, Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field

Nice to Have

Data acquisition systems (IBA or PDA experience preferred)

What You'll Do.

and optimize PLC-based control systems across production equipment

Design and enhance HMI interfaces to improve usability and operator interaction

Diagnose issues related to automation systems

and industrial networks

Lead or support initiatives focused on increasing equipment uptime and process efficiency

Analyze system and production data to identify trends and recommend improvements

Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective solutions

Assist with planning system upgrades

and equipment modifications

Improve alarm management

and overall control system functionality

Translate operational requirements into effective automation solutions

Support automation systems used in heavy industrial processes

Maintain system backups and ensure control system reliability

Improve instrumentation performance and system response

Identify and implement upgrades to existing equipment and controls

Contribute to long-term automation and continuous improvement strategies

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

work closely with operations and maintenance teams; Effective communication across technical and operations teams; Team-oriented environment

Communication Scope

Effective communication across technical and operations teams

Process & Methodology

Ability to manage automation projects from concept through implementation

Full Job Description

## Description Controls & Automation Engineer – Industrial Systems Location: Petersburg, VA Job Type: Contract-to-Hire Compensation: Starts at $70,000 annually (higher based on experience) Role Overview We are seeking a skilled Controls & Automation Engineer to support and improve automation systems, electrical infrastructure, and production performance within a manufacturing environment. This position combines hands-on troubleshooting with engineering design and continuous improvement initiatives. You’ll work closely with operations and maintenance teams to identify system issues, implement enhancements, and support ongoing automation projects across the facility. ## Key Responsibilities Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based control systems across production equipment Design and enhance HMI interfaces to improve usability and operator interaction Diagnose issues related to automation systems, instrumentation, and industrial networks Lead or support initiatives focused on increasing equipment uptime and process efficiency Analyze system and production data to identify trends and recommend improvements Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective solutions Assist with planning system upgrades, shutdowns, and equipment modifications Improve alarm management, reporting tools, and overall control system functionality Translate operational requirements into effective automation solutions ## Technical Environment PLC Platforms Siemens (S7 / TIA Portal) Allen-Bradley GE / RX3i Toshiba NV HMI / SCADA Systems Ignition Cimplicity WinCC Rockwell platforms Networking & Systems Profibus / Profinet Industrial communication protocols Data acquisition systems (IBA or PDA experience preferred) ## Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field 5+ years of experience in industrial or manufacturing environments Strong background in PLC programming and troubleshooting Experience with motors, drives, and AC/DC control systems

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