Controls Engineer - Electrical & Instrumentation

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

• Siemens (S7 / TIA Portal)
• Allen-Bradley
• GE / RX3i
• Toshiba NV
• Ignition
• Cimplicity
• WinCC
• Rockwell platforms
• 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