Industrial Controls Engineer – Material Handling Systems

Industrial Controls Engineer – Material Handling Systems

Location: Ashland, VA
Shift: First Shift
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (Full-Time, Onsite)
Compensation: Starting at $39/hour+, depending on experience

Position Summary

An industrial automation environment is seeking a Controls Engineer to support the design, integration, and enhancement of automated systems used in overhead lifting and material handling operations. This role involves both new system development and upgrades to existing equipment, with a focus on performance, safety, and regulatory compliance.

This is a hands-on role requiring strong PLC programming, system integration, and troubleshooting experience within heavy industrial or manufacturing settings.

Primary Responsibilities

System Design & Development

• Develop electrical control systems for overhead cranes and related equipment
• Create and modify PLC programs, operator interfaces (HMI), and control logic
• Produce electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts
• Select and integrate system components including VFDs, sensors, relays, and safety devices
• Ensure all designs meet applicable industry standards such as CMAA, NEC (NFPA 70), and ASME B30

Installation & Startup Support

• Assist with system installation, commissioning, and startup activities
• Configure PLCs, drives, and communication networks
• Perform testing, system validation, and performance tuning

Troubleshooting & Field Support

• Diagnose and resolve complex control system and electrical issues
• Provide technical assistance to maintenance and field service teams
• Support system upgrades, retrofits, and modernization projects

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work cross-functionally with engineering, project, and technical teams
• Share knowledge and provide guidance to less experienced team members
• Contribute to process improvements aimed at increasing system reliability and efficiency

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
• At least 5 years of experience in controls engineering, preferably in crane systems or heavy industrial environments
• Strong expertise in:
  • PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable platforms)
  • HMI/SCADA systems
  • Variable frequency drives (VFDs) and motor control systems
  • Ability to read and create electrical schematics and control system designs
  • Experience with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP or Modbus
  • Understanding of crane motion systems including hoist, trolley, and bridge operations
  • Familiarity with CMAA, NEC, and ASME standards

Preferred Background

• Experience with advanced crane automation features (e.g., anti-sway, load monitoring)
• Involvement in system commissioning and industrial integration projects
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving abilities
• Comfortable working in industrial settings, including elevated work areas when required
• Effective communication and teamwork skills

Work Environment

• Fully onsite role within an industrial/manufacturing facility
• Occasional travel may be required to support projects or customer sites

Why This Opportunity

This role provides the opportunity to work directly with complex automation systems supporting heavy-duty equipment. It is ideal for engineers who enjoy hands-on design, troubleshooting, and improving system performance in a real-world industrial setting.