Automation & Controls Engineer – Manufacturing Systems

Qualdoc•Petersburg, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Automation & Controls Engineer to support, maintain, and enhance industrial control systems within a manufacturing environment. This role blends hands-on troubleshooting with system design and continuous improvement, working closely with operations and maintenance teams to drive performance and reliability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
5+ years of experience in industrial or manufacturing environments
Strong background in PLC programming and troubleshooting
Experience 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 settings
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Effective communication across technical and operations teams

Nice To Haves

Industrial communication protocols
Data acquisition systems (IBA or PDA experience preferred)

Responsibilities

Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based control systems across production equipment
Design and enhance HMI interfaces to improve usability and operator interaction
Diagnose issues related to automation systems, instrumentation, and industrial networks
Lead or support initiatives focused on increasing equipment uptime and process efficiency
Analyze system and production data to identify trends and recommend improvements
Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective solutions
Assist with planning system upgrades, shutdowns, and equipment modifications
Improve alarm management, reporting tools, and overall control system functionality
Translate operational requirements into effective automation solutions
Support automation systems used in heavy industrial processes
Maintain system backups and ensure control system reliability
Improve instrumentation performance and system response
Identify and implement upgrades to existing equipment and controls
Contribute to long-term automation and continuous improvement strategies