Salary :
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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.
Primary Responsibilities
- Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based automation systems supporting manufacturing equipment
- Design, update, and improve HMI interfaces to enhance operator usability and system interaction
- Diagnose and resolve issues related to instrumentation, industrial controls, automation hardware, and communication networks
- Lead or assist with initiatives focused on increasing equipment uptime, reliability, and production efficiency
- Analyze production and control system data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities
- Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for recurring system issues
- Assist with planning and execution of system upgrades, shutdown activities, and equipment modifications
- Improve alarm management strategies, reporting functionality, and overall control system performance
- Translate operational and production requirements into practical automation solutions
- Support automation systems used in heavy industrial and manufacturing processes
- Maintain system backups and help ensure long-term control system reliability
- Improve instrumentation functionality and optimize control system response
- Identify opportunities for equipment modernization and controls upgrades
- Contribute to long-term automation strategies and continuous improvement efforts
Technical Environment
PLC Platforms
- Siemens (S7 / TIA Portal)
- Allen-Bradley
- GE / RX3i
- Toshiba NV
HMI / SCADA Systems
- Ignition
- Cimplicity
- WinCC
- Rockwell platforms
Networking & Industrial Systems
- Profibus / Profinet
- Industrial communication protocols
- Data acquisition systems (IBA or PDA experience preferred)
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation or manufacturing environments
- Strong background in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and industrial controls
- Experience working with motors, drives, and AC/DC control systems
- Proficiency in ladder logic programming
- Ability to manage automation projects from concept through implementation
- Comfortable working in both office and plant-floor environments
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities
- Effective communication skills when working with operations, maintenance, and technical teams
Work Environment & Growth Opportunities
- Combination of hands-on field support and engineering-focused project work
- Team-oriented environment emphasizing safety, operational reliability, and continuous improvement
- Opportunities for training, technical development, and long-term career growth
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