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