About the role
Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Location: Petersburg, VA
Starting Salary: $70,000/year (Compensation may be higher based on experience.)
Position Overview
We are seeking an Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer to support automation, electrical control systems, and continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment. This position combines hands-on troubleshooting with engineering design and programming to improve equipment reliability, production efficiency, and process performance.
The ideal candidate enjoys working both in the office and on the production floor while collaborating with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to solve complex automation challenges.
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