Company

Material Handling

IndustrialControlsEngineerMaterialHandlingSystems

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

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid candidates.

The Brief

“Industrial Controls Engineer – Material Handling Systems. Skills: PLC programming, System integration, Troubleshooting, Industrial automation, Crane systems. Develop electrical control systems for overhead cranes and related equipment. Create and modify PLC programs, operator interfaces (HMI), and control logic”

What You'll Achieve.

Ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant performance in an industrial environment; Increasing system reliability and efficiency

Industry & Context.

Material Handling
Problems you'll solve

Diagnose and resolve complex control system and electrical issues; Problem-solving abilities

Eligibility Requirements

Hands-on position, Comfortable working in industrial settings, including elevated work areas when required, Occasional travel may be required to support projects or customer sites

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable platforms), HMI/SCADA systems, Variable frequency drives (VFDs) and motor control systems, Ability to read and create electrical schematics and control system designs, Experience with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP or Modbus, Understanding of crane motion systems including hoist, trolley, and bridge operations, Familiarity with CMAA, NEC, and ASME standards

Nice to Have

Advanced crane automation features (e. g. , anti-sway, load monitoring), System commissioning and industrial integration projects, Diagnostic and problem-solving abilities, Comfortable working in industrial settings, including elevated work areas when required, Effective communication and teamwork skills

What You'll Do.

Develop electrical control systems for overhead cranes and related equipment

Create and modify PLC programs

operator interfaces (HMI)

Produce electrical schematics

and control panel layouts

Select and integrate system components including VFDs

Assist with system installation

and startup activities

and communication networks

and performance tuning

Diagnose and resolve complex control system and electrical issues

Provide technical assistance to maintenance and field service teams

Support system upgrades

and modernization projects

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Work cross-functionally with engineering, project, and technical teams; Share knowledge and provide guidance to less experienced team members

Communication Scope

Effective communication

Full Job Description

## Description Automation & Controls Engineer – Crane Systems Location: Ashland, VA Schedule: 1st Shift Job Type: Contract-to-Hire (Full-Time, Onsite) Pay: Starting at $39+/hour, based on experience Position Overview We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support the development, integration, and optimization of automation systems used in overhead crane and material handling operations. This role focuses on both new system design and modernization of existing equipment, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant performance in an industrial environment. This is a hands-on position requiring strong expertise in PLC programming, system integration, and troubleshooting within heavy equipment or industrial automation settings. ## Primary Responsibilities System Design & Development Develop electrical control systems for overhead cranes and related equipment Create and modify PLC programs, operator interfaces (HMI), and control logic Produce electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts Select and integrate system components including VFDs, sensors, relays, and safety devices Ensure all designs meet applicable industry standards such as CMAA, NEC (NFPA 70), and ASME B30 Installation & Startup Support Assist with system installation, commissioning, and startup activities Configure PLCs, drives, and communication networks Perform testing, system validation, and performance tuning Troubleshooting & Field Support Diagnose and resolve complex control system and electrical issues Provide technical assistance to maintenance and field service teams Support system upgrades, retrofits, and modernization projects Collaboration & Continuous Improvement Work cross-functionally with engineering, project, and technical teams Share knowledge and provide guidance to less experienced team members Contribute to process improvements aimed at increasing system reliability and efficiency ## Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineerin

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