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
