Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineer – Manufacturing Operations SupportThis role provides on-the-floor electrical engineering support to a manufacturing facility, serving as the primary subject matter expert for electrical systems, controls, and automation. The Electrical Engineer partners closely with production, maintenance, quality, and manufacturing engineering teams to troubleshoot equipment issues, optimize performance, and drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity.ResponsibilitiesServe as the primary electrical engineering subject matter expert supporting manufacturing operations within the facility.Partner closely with production supervisors, operators, maintenance personnel, quality teams, and manufacturing engineering to improve equipment performance, throughput, and overall plant productivity.Provide real-time electrical engineering support to manufacturing operations by troubleshooting production issues, identifying root causes, and supporting corrective actions.Analyze recurring electrical, controls, and automation-related issues that impact safety, quality, delivery, and operational efficiency.Collaborate directly with operators on the production floor to understand process challenges, identify inefficiencies, and implement practical engineering solutions that improve day-to-day output.Instruct and coach operators, technicians, and manufacturing personnel on equipment operation, floor-level troubleshooting techniques, and best practices that support improved uptime and consistent production performance.Conduct regular floor walks and actively engage with production personnel to identify opportunities to improve uptime, cycle time, equipment reliability, material flow, and process consistency.Support commissioning, startup, validation, and optimization of manufacturing equipment and production systems.Support continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis, root cause investigations, corrective actions, and process optimization activities.Evaluate and support electrical and controls improvements designed to increase equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and improve productivity.Provide engineering support for PLC-controlled equipment, electrical control systems, sensors, drives, motors, HMIs, and related manufacturing technologies.Review and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control documentation, and engineering records as required.Coordinate with maintenance teams to resolve complex equipment failures and develop sustainable corrective actions.Interface with vendors and suppliers regarding electrical components, equipment modifications, and technical support requirements.Support new equipment installations, line modifications, and capital improvement projects impacting manufacturing operations.Participate in safety investigations and support compliance with applicable company and regulatory standards.Assist with development and implementation of standard work, troubleshooting procedures, and preventive maintenance recommendations.Interpret electrical drawings and schematics for electrical control panels and guide production teams through wiring directions during panel assembly.Apply strong understanding of industrial controls, refrigeration, and HVAC systems to support reliable operation of manufacturing equipment.Essential SkillsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.5+ years of industrial electrical experience within refrigeration or HVAC environments.Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical, controls, and automation-related issues in a manufacturing setting.Hands-on experience with electrical design, electrical engineering, and schematic interpretation.Ability to provide engineering support for PLC-controlled equipment, electrical control systems, sensors, drives, motors, and HMIs.Demonstrated experience with control panel design and control panel wiring.Knowledge of refrigeration and HVAC systems and their associated electrical and control requirements.Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams.Solid understanding of industrial controls and their application in manufacturing operations.Ability to coach and train operators and technicians on equipment operation and floor-level troubleshooting techniques.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience with troubleshooting and supporting refrigeration systems in an industrial environment.Background in HVAC systems, including practical exposure to related electromechanical components.Familiarity with PCB design and hardware-related electrical engineering tasks.Experience in electromechanics and working with integrated electrical and mechanical systems.Knowledge of EPA Universal certification practices related to refrigeration and HVAC (if held, considered a plus).Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in refrigeration or HVAC is a plus.Experience working on true engineering products and projects, from concept through implementation.Ability to review, update, and maintain accurate electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control documentation.Comfort interfacing with vendors and suppliers to address component selection, equipment modifications, and technical support.Strong analytical skills for conducting root cause investigations and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.Work EnvironmentThis position is primarily based on the production floor and serves as the electrical engineering point of contact for all production teams. The facility includes core manufacturing cells focused on building electrical control panels, where you will interpret electrical drawings and walk production personnel through wiring directions as panels are assembled. The role involves constant interaction with operators, technicians, maintenance staff, and other engineering functions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will work directly with PLC-controlled equipment, electrical control systems, sensors, drives, motors, HMIs, and related industrial control technologies. The work is hands-on, with a strong focus on real-time troubleshooting, equipment support, and process optimization on the shop floor.Job Type & Location: This is a Contract position based out of Colonial Heights, VA.Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace Type: This is a fully onsite position in Colonial Heights, VA.Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.About Actalent: Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.