Industrial Controls Engineer - Crane & Material Handling Systems

Industrial Controls Engineer – Crane & Material Handling Systems Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite) Shift: 1st Shift Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (6 months) Pay: Starting at $39+/hour (based on experience) Position Overview We are seeking a Controls Engineer with experience in industrial automation to support the design, integration, and improvement of control systems used in overhead cranes and lifting equipment. This role involves both new system development and upgrades to existing equipment, with a focus on performance, safety, and compliance. \n Primary Responsibilities System Design & Programming Develop electrical control solutions for crane and material handling applications Create and modify PLC programs and HMI interfaces to support motion control functions Produce electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts Select and integrate components such as variable frequency drives (VFDs), relays, sensors, and safety devices Ensure systems meet applicable industry standards and codes Installation & Commissioning Support and lead system installation, startup, and commissioning activities Configure PLCs, drives, and communication networks Conduct system testing, validation, and performance tuning Troubleshooting & Technical Support Diagnose and resolve complex issues related to electrical and control systems Provide technical assistance to field service and maintenance teams Support retrofit and system upgrade projects Collaboration & Process Improvement Work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and project teams Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members Contribute to initiatives aimed at improving system reliability and efficiency Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience) Minimum of 5 years of experience in controls engineering within an industrial environment Strong background in: PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms) HMI and/or SCADA systems VFDs and motor control applications Ability to design and interpret electrical schematics and control systems Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus) Working knowledge of crane motion systems (hoist, trolley, bridge) Familiarity with applicable standards such as CMAA, NEC (NFPA 70), and ASME Preferred Experience Exposure to advanced crane technologies such as automation, anti-sway controls, or load monitoring Experience with system integration and commissioning in heavy industrial settings Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills Comfortable working in industrial environments, including elevated work areas when required Effective communication and teamwork abilities \n Why Consider This Opportunity This position offers the chance to work on complex automation systems in a specialized industry, contributing to both new designs and modernization efforts. It’s a strong fit for engineers who enjoy hands-on problem solving and system optimization in a real-world industrial setting.