Industrial Automation Engineer – Material Handling Systems

Industrial Automation Engineer – Material Handling Systems

Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite)
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (6-Month Evaluation Period)
Compensation: Starts at $39.00 per hour, based on experience and technical qualifications

Position Summary

We are seeking a skilled Industrial Automation Engineer to support the design, implementation, and optimization of control systems used in overhead lifting and material-handling equipment. This role is responsible for developing reliable automation solutions, supporting equipment modernization efforts, and ensuring safe and efficient system performance in industrial environments.

The successful candidate will contribute to both new equipment projects and upgrades to existing systems, working closely with engineering, operations, and field personnel throughout the project lifecycle.

### Primary Responsibilities

Automation & Control System Engineering

• Develop electrical and automation solutions for overhead lifting equipment and industrial material-handling systems
• Design control architectures incorporating PLCs, HMIs, motor-control devices, sensors, relays, and safety components
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and supporting engineering documentation
• Configure motion-control systems to support safe and efficient equipment operation
• Ensure engineering designs comply with applicable industry standards and safety requirements

Integration, Startup & Validation

• Support system installation, commissioning, and startup activities
• Configure PLC hardware, variable frequency drives, communication networks, and operator interfaces
• Conduct functional testing, troubleshooting, and performance verification
• Optimize system performance to improve reliability, productivity, and operational consistency

Technical Support & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, and automation issues affecting equipment operation
• Provide engineering support to service technicians, maintenance teams, and project personnel
• Participate in retrofit, modernization, and equipment enhancement initiatives
• Develop solutions that improve system performance and reduce downtime

Team Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work alongside mechanical engineers, project managers, technicians, and operations personnel to support project success
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering and technical staff when appropriate
• Contribute to process improvement efforts focused on automation reliability, safety, and efficiency
• Assist in developing best practices and standardized engineering solutions

### Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent industry experience may be considered

Five or more years of controls engineering experience, preferably supporting crane systems, heavy industrial equipment, or material-handling applications

Strong experience with:

• PLC programming platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent systems
• HMI and SCADA development
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and motor-control technologies
• Ability to create, review, and troubleshoot electrical control system designs
• Experience working with industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, and similar networks
• Knowledge of motion-control systems involving hoist, bridge, and trolley functions
• Familiarity with CMAA, NFPA 70 (NEC), and ASME B30 standards
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### Preferred Qualifications

Experience with automated crane technologies, anti-sway controls, or load-monitoring systems

Background supporting system integration and field commissioning activities

Strong analytical thinking and troubleshooting capabilities

Ability to work safely in industrial facilities and at elevated work locations when required

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills

### Working Conditions

Full-time onsite position in an industrial manufacturing setting

Occasional travel may be required to support project sites, customer facilities, installations, or commissioning activities

Hands-on involvement with automation systems, equipment testing, and field support as needed