Controls Engineer – Electrical & Instrumentation

Controls Engineer – Electrical & Instrumentation
Petersburg, VA
Contract to Hire

Are you looking for a hands-on opportunity to make a real impact in a manufacturing environment? This role offers the chance to work on a wide range of automation projects involving software, hardware, and process improvements. If you enjoy solving complex problems, working with advanced control systems, and collaborating across teams, this could be a great fit for you.

Position Overview

The Controls Engineer will be responsible for supporting automation systems, troubleshooting equipment issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role works closely with production, maintenance, and leadership teams to ensure efficient and reliable operations.

Modify PLCs to help support the operations process, with PLC experience on one or more of the following:

GE innovation series controllers

Toshiba NV controllers

RX3i controllers

GE Genius Block I/O networks

Siemens S7/TIA

Allen Bradley PLC

Modify HMI to help support the operations process, with HMI programming experience on one or more of the following:

GE Cimplicity

Ignition

WIN CC

Rockwell Automation

Electrical and network experience on one or more of the following:

Lead initiatives to improve HMI based on operational needs

Lead initiatives to improve automation stability

Lead action plan items to help eliminate delays due to automation and automated processes

Be engaged in the process to find and address opportunities for increased throughput, improved instrumentation, improved reliability of existing instrumentation, and improved system response to instrument feedback.

Continue to improve the alarm reporting and functionality for the operator and maintenance.

Collect, analyze, and report asset performance and work with teams to implement methods to improve performance and sustain existing efficiencies.

Develop solutions and provide recommendations for major equipment modifications, renovations, installations, additions, and replacements to facilitate continuous improvement.

Support planning and scheduling standard processes to effectively execute all down-days and outages.

Participate in Failure Analysis on maintenance and operational issues.

Assist with Annual Action Planning process.

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering with 5 years manufacturing experience programming PLC's.

Strong knowledge of AC/DC controls and motors and drives.

Ability to oversee electrical projects equipment, systems, etc. including elements of design, implementation, maintenance, and operational and safety standards.

Prior experience with programming PLCs and developing ladder logic on Rockwell and Siemens S7-1516. 

Solid understanding of PLC communication protocols (Profibus and Profinet preferred).

Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems resulting from automation, communication, or HMI issues and implement strong corrective measures.

Must be comfortable using MS Office, data acquisition software (IBA/PDA preferred).

Must be willing to work in both an office setting and hands on in the field.

Must be able to translate operator requests into actionable automation items.

Detailed oriented, creative thinker, 

Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and perform complex system tests.

Ability to communicate well with operators, maintenance, and members of the leadership team.