Company
Manufacturing
IndustrialControls&AutomationEngineer
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid+ candidates.
“Industrial Controls & Automation Engineer. Skills: PLC programming, Automation systems, Troubleshooting, System optimization. Develop PLC programs. Modify PLC programs”
What You'll Achieve.
Minimize downtime; Ensure operational continuity; Improve equipment performance; Support operational decision-making; Improve reliability; Improve productivity; Improve process stability
Industry & Context.
Troubleshooting; Problem-solving skills; Root cause investigations
Manufacturing floor environments
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline, Minimum five years of experience supporting automation systems in a manufacturing or industrial environment, Experience programming, troubleshooting, and optimizing PLC-based control systems, Working knowledge of motors, drives, and AC/DC electrical control systems, Proficiency with ladder logic programming and industrial automation architectures, Experience managing technical projects from design through implementation, Ability to work effectively in both engineering office and manufacturing floor environments, Analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, Excellent communication skills, Ability to collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams
Nice to Have
Experience supporting heavy industrial, process manufacturing, or automated production operations, Familiarity with control system upgrades, modernization projects, and equipment integration, Exposure to advanced reporting, data collection, and industrial networking technologies, Experience improving system reliability, equipment uptime, and production performance through automation initiatives
What You'll Do.
Maintain PLC programs
Troubleshoot automation systems
Troubleshoot control hardware
Troubleshoot instrumentation
Troubleshoot communication networks
Support performance of production equipment
Support reliability of production equipment
Manage control systems
Maintain system backups
Verify system backups
Improve control strategies
Improve system functionality
Optimize equipment performance
Design HMI applications
Update HMI applications
Maintain HMI applications
Enhance alarm management
Enhance system reporting
Enhance diagnostic tools
Improve usability of operator interfaces
Improve functionality of operator interfaces
Analyze automation data
Analyze production data
Identify inefficiencies
Identify opportunities for improvement
Perform root cause investigations
Implement corrective actions
Recommend modernization initiatives
Support equipment upgrades
Support automation enhancements
Translate operational needs
Assist with planning capital projects
Assist with execution of capital projects
Assist with planning system upgrades
Assist with execution of system upgrades
Assist with planning shutdown activities
Assist with execution of shutdown activities
Assist with planning equipment modifications
Assist with execution of equipment modifications
Support implementation of new automation technologies
Support implementation of control strategies
Collaborate with cross-functional teams
Improve manufacturing processes
Improve equipment performance
Participate in long-term automation planning
Participate in plant improvement initiatives
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Maintenance teams; Operations teams; Engineering teams; Cross-functional teams
Communication Scope
Excellent communication skills
Process & Methodology
Manage technical projects, Planning capital projects, Execution of capital projects, System upgrades, Equipment modifications
Full Job Description
## Description Controls Engineer - Electrical & Instrumentation Location: Petersburg, VA Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire Compensation: Starting at $70,000 annually (based on experience and technical background) Position Overview A manufacturing operation is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of automated production systems. This role combines hands-on troubleshooting with controls engineering and system optimization, working closely with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams. The ideal candidate will have strong PLC programming experience, a solid understanding of industrial control systems, and the ability to identify and implement automation improvements in a production environment. ## Key Responsibilities Automation & Control System Support Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs supporting manufacturing and process equipment. Troubleshoot automation systems, control hardware, instrumentation, and communication networks to minimize downtime. Support the performance and reliability of production equipment through effective control system management. Maintain and verify system backups to ensure operational continuity and disaster recovery readiness. Improve control strategies and system functionality to optimize equipment performance. HMI & Operator Interface Development Design, update, and maintain HMI applications that improve operator interaction and system visibility. Enhance alarm management, system reporting, and diagnostic tools to support operational decision-making. Improve usability and functionality of operator interfaces through continuous refinement and feedback. System Optimization & Continuous Improvement Analyze automation and production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. Perform root cause investigations on recurring equipment or control system issues. Implement corrective actions that improve reliability, productivity, a
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