Controls Engineer

ITAC•Richmond, VA

10d•$100,000 - $145,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a full-time Controls Engineer to support an industrial manufacturing client through the design, implementation, optimization, and maintenance of automated control systems and electrical infrastructure. This role will be responsible for troubleshooting and improving PLC-based control systems, supporting automation projects, developing engineering documentation, and driving operational reliability initiatives within active manufacturing environments. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience with industrial controls, automation technologies, electrical systems, and process improvement while collaborating with operations, maintenance, engineering teams, and project stakeholders to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing solutions. This is a seconded position, meaning the selected candidate will be employed by ITAC but work full-time on assignment with one of our clients. While day-to-day responsibilities will be managed on-site with the client, ITAC provides ongoing support, resources, and benefits as your employer. This position is full time contract work anticipated to last for twelve (12) months with possibility for extension and requires the employee to work onsite at the client’s Richmond, VA location.

Requirements

Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or electrical engineering within a manufacturing or process environment.
Hands-on experience programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining Rockwell Allen-Bradley PLC systems.
Experience developing and modifying PLC ladder logic and supporting industrial automation systems.
Working knowledge of HMI, SCADA, and industrial networking technologies.
Experience with AC/DC motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), instrumentation, and process control systems.
Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, schematics, control narratives, and industrial automation documentation.
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, or Profinet.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Ability to work safely and effectively in both office and industrial plant environments.

Nice To Haves

Rockwell PLC Maintenance Certification or equivalent Allen-Bradley certification.
Experience with Siemens S7 PLC platforms.
Experience with PanelView, Ignition, or other HMI platforms.
Background supporting liquid process manufacturing environments, including food & beverage or other continuous process industries.
Experience supporting control system upgrades, equipment installations, and automation modernization projects.
Strong knowledge of instrumentation, process controls, and reliability improvement methodologies.
Continuous improvement or manufacturing reliability experience.

Responsibilities

Program, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain Rockwell Allen-Bradley PLCs and associated control systems.
Develop, modify, and optimize PLC ladder logic, control strategies, and automation solutions.
Design, support, and troubleshoot HMI and SCADA applications for industrial processes.
Diagnose and resolve control system, instrumentation, communications, and automation issues to improve system performance and reliability.
Maintain automation software backups, configuration management systems, and engineering documentation.
Develop electrical and controls engineering documentation including I/O lists, loop diagrams, power distribution drawings, panel schedules, control panel layouts, and equipment specifications.
Interpret and work from P&IDs, process flow documentation, equipment lists, and electrical schematics.
Support the specification, installation, and modernization of motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), industrial control panels, and electrical distribution systems.
Perform root cause analysis on equipment and process failures and implement corrective actions.
Analyze operational and equipment performance data to improve reliability, productivity, and process efficiency.
Collaborate with operations, maintenance, contractors, vendors, and multidisciplinary engineering teams to implement automation and process improvements.
Support project planning, execution, commissioning, testing, startup activities, and field verification efforts.
Monitor project progress and ensure technical deliverables meet quality, safety, and operational requirements.
Participate in continuous improvement, reliability, and maintenance initiatives, including planned outages and shutdown activities.