Controls Engineer - Electrical & Instrumentation

Controls Engineer - Electrical & Instrumentation Location: Petersburg, VA Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire Compensation: Starting at $70,000 annually (based on experience and technical background) Position Overview A manufacturing operation is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of automated production systems. This role combines hands-on troubleshooting with controls engineering and system optimization, working closely with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams. The ideal candidate will have strong PLC programming experience, a solid understanding of industrial control systems, and the ability to identify and implement automation improvements in a production environment. \n Primary Responsibilities Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based automation systems supporting manufacturing equipment Design, update, and improve HMI interfaces to enhance operator usability and system interaction Diagnose and resolve issues related to instrumentation, industrial controls, automation hardware, and communication networks Lead or assist with initiatives focused on increasing equipment uptime, reliability, and production efficiency Analyze production and control system data to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for recurring system issues Assist with planning and execution of system upgrades, shutdown activities, and equipment modifications Improve alarm management strategies, reporting functionality, and overall control system performance Translate operational and production requirements into practical automation solutions Support automation systems used in heavy industrial and manufacturing processes Maintain system backups and help ensure long-term control system reliability Improve instrumentation functionality and optimize control system response Identify opportunities for equipment modernization and controls upgrades Contribute to long-term automation strategies and continuous improvement efforts Technical Environment PLC Platforms Siemens (S7 / TIA Portal) Allen-Bradley GE / RX3i Toshiba NV HMI / SCADA Systems Ignition Cimplicity WinCC Rockwell platforms Networking & Industrial Systems Profibus / Profinet Industrial communication protocols Data acquisition systems (IBA or PDA experience preferred) Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial automation or manufacturing environments Strong background in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and industrial controls Experience working 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 environments Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities Effective communication skills when working with operations, maintenance, and technical teams Work Environment & Growth Opportunities Combination of hands-on field support and engineering-focused project work Team-oriented environment emphasizing safety, operational reliability, and continuous improvement Opportunities for training, technical development, and long-term career growth \n