Automation & Controls Engineer
Direct HireJob Overview
Automation & Controls Engineer
Location: Henrico, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Compensation: Starts at $100,000 annually (higher based on experience)
Position Summary
An established manufacturing operation is seeking an experienced Automation & Controls Engineer to support and enhance plant automation systems. This position plays a key role in maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving process control technologies used throughout production operations.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and electrical controls. This individual will partner with cross-functional teams to deliver automation projects, improve system reliability, and ensure compliance within a regulated manufacturing environment.
Automation & Controls Engineer
Location: Henrico, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Compensation: Starts at $100,000 annually (higher based on experience)
Position Summary
An established manufacturing operation is seeking an experienced Automation & Controls Engineer to support and enhance plant automation systems. This position plays a key role in maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving process control technologies used throughout production operations.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and electrical controls. This individual will partner with cross-functional teams to deliver automation projects, improve system reliability, and ensure compliance within a regulated manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the planning, execution, and completion of automation and process control initiatives.
- Participate in project scheduling, vendor coordination, equipment selection, system commissioning, and project documentation.
- Configure, program, test, and support PLC-based control systems, operator interfaces, SCADA platforms, and drive systems.
- Contribute technical expertise to automation-related electrical installations and upgrades.
- Provide technical support for automated manufacturing equipment and process control systems.
- Investigate and resolve issues involving PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, industrial communications networks, and control panels.
- Recommend corrective actions and system improvements to enhance equipment performance and reliability.
- Support ongoing maintenance of automation systems to ensure operational readiness and compliance.
- Maintain system backups, recovery procedures, and documentation records.
- Coordinate with equipment suppliers and service providers during upgrades, repairs, and validation activities.
- Support engineering change control activities and technical documentation updates.
- Assist with verification, testing, and implementation of control system modifications.
- Participate in internal audits, reviews, and compliance-related activities.
- Follow all site safety procedures and quality standards.
- Complete required technical, operational, and compliance training programs.
- Promote safe work practices while supporting manufacturing operations.
Automation & Controls Projects
Equipment Support & Troubleshooting
System Reliability & Regulatory Compliance
Documentation & Change Management
Safety & Quality
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 5–10 years of experience working with industrial control systems and automation technologies.
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations required.
- Prior experience in regulated manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
- Strong experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
- Working knowledge of SCADA platforms and HMI development/support.
- Familiarity with VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, and industrial electrical equipment.
- Experience troubleshooting industrial communication networks.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control system documentation.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Education
Experience
Technical Expertise
Work Conditions
- Occasional after-hours or emergency support may be required to support continuous manufacturing operations.
- Regular interaction with production equipment and industrial electrical systems.
- Ability to stand, walk, and safely lift up to 50 pounds while utilizing appropriate PPE.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary starting at $100,000+ based on experience
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability coverage
- 401(k) plan with company matching and immediate vesting
- Paid vacation, holidays, and personal time
- Employee referral incentives
- Onsite employee amenities
- Professional development and advancement opportunities