Industrial Automation Engineer – Electrical & Controls
Qualdoc · Petersburg, VA, United States
About The Role
Overview
We are seeking an Industrial Automation Engineer to support electrical and instrumentation systems in a heavy manufacturing setting. This position plays a critical role in maintaining automated operations, improving system reliability, and driving performance across production processes.
This is a hybrid-style role combining hands-on troubleshooting in the field with engineering analysis and project ownership.
Core Responsibilities
- Maintain and improve automation systems supporting production equipment
- Program, update, and troubleshoot PLCs and ladder logic
- Identify and resolve issues involving automation systems, HMIs, and industrial networks
- Conduct testing, root cause analysis, and implement corrective solutions
- Manage control system backups and ensure system integrity
- Partner with operations and maintenance teams to sustain production uptime
- Translate operational challenges into control system improvements
- Lead initiatives to enhance system performance, throughput, and reliability
- Analyze equipment and process data to recommend improvements
- Optimize alarm management, reporting tools, and operator interfaces
- Support maintenance outages, upgrades, and system installations
- Contribute to long-term engineering projects and continuous improvement efforts
Technical Environment
Controls & PLC Platforms (experience with one or more)
Siemens (S7, TIA Portal, S7-1516)
Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation
- GE / Emerson RX3i systems
- Toshiba controls
HMI / Visualization Tools
Ignition
WinCC
GE Cimplicity
Rockwell HMI platforms
Industrial Networks & Data Systems
- Communication protocols such as Profibus and Profinet
- Data acquisition tools (IBA, PDA, or similar)
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline
- At least 5 years of experience in industrial or manufacturing environments
- Strong knowledge of AC/DC systems, motors, and drive technologies
- Hands-on experience with PLC programming and automation systems
- Proven ability to manage controls or electrical projects from start to finish
- Advanced troubleshooting skills across automation and instrumentation systems
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering-related software
- Comfortable working both in-office and in a production environment
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Detail-oriented with a strong analytical mindset
Project & System Focus Areas
- Automation systems supporting heavy equipment and production lines
- Process optimization and system reliability improvements
- Instrumentation upgrades and control system enhancements
- Continuous improvement initiatives targeting efficiency and output
- Equipment upgrades, installations, and modernization efforts
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary based on experience
Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and parental leave
Short-term and long-term disability coverage
Life and AD&D insurance
Tuition assistance and ongoing training opportunities
Employee assistance and wellness programs
Performance-based bonus opportunities
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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