Industrial Automation Engineer – Crane Systems

Location: Ashland, VA
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Employment Type: 6-Month Contract-to-Hire
Compensation: Starting at $39.00 per hour, with higher pay available based on experience
Overtime: Not available
Work Arrangement: Fully onsite

We are seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Engineer to support the design, integration, and improvement of control systems used in overhead cranes and material handling equipment. This role is responsible for developing automation solutions, supporting system commissioning, troubleshooting controls-related issues, and helping improve the reliability and performance of crane systems.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLC programming, industrial controls, motor control systems, and equipment commissioning within a manufacturing or heavy industrial environment.

• Design and develop control systems for overhead cranes and material handling equipment.
• Create, modify, and maintain PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and control logic.
• Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel documentation.
• Select and integrate components including VFDs, relays, sensors, safety devices, and control hardware.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable standards including CMAA, NFPA 70 (NEC), and ASME B30 requirements.

• Lead or support installation, startup, and commissioning of new crane control systems.
• Configure PLCs, VFDs, communication networks, and operator interfaces.
• Perform system validation, testing, and performance optimization.
• Verify equipment operation meets project and safety requirements.

• Diagnose and resolve electrical, automation, and controls-related issues.
• Provide technical support to maintenance teams, field service personnel, and project teams.
• Assist with equipment upgrades, modernization projects, and retrofit initiatives.
• Analyze recurring problems and recommend long-term corrective actions.

• Work closely with engineers, project managers, technicians, and operations personnel.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less-experienced team members.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts focused on reliability, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Support project execution from design through final implementation.

The ideal candidate will successfully deliver automation solutions that improve equipment reliability, maintain regulatory compliance, and support safe operation of material-handling systems. This role is best suited for an engineer who enjoys combining controls design, system integration, troubleshooting, and project collaboration in a dynamic industrial environment.