Industrial Automation Engineer – Material Handling Systems

Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Job Type: 6-Month Contract
Starting Pay: $39.00 per hour (higher compensation may be available based on experience)
Overtime: Not offered

We are seeking an experienced Industrial Automation Engineer to support the design, implementation, and enhancement of electrical control systems used in overhead cranes and material handling equipment. This role focuses on automation, controls integration, troubleshooting, commissioning, and system performance improvements within an industrial environment.

The successful candidate will contribute to both new equipment projects and modernization efforts involving crane control systems, motion control applications, and industrial automation technologies.

• Design and develop electrical control solutions for overhead cranes and material handling equipment.
• Create and modify PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and motion control logic.
• Develop electrical schematics, wiring documentation, and control panel layouts.
• Select and integrate automation components including VFDs, sensors, relays, and safety devices.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable industry standards and safety requirements.

• Support and lead startup activities for new and upgraded control systems.
• Configure PLCs, VFDs, communication networks, and associated automation equipment.
• Conduct system testing, validation, troubleshooting, and performance verification.
• Optimize control system operation to improve reliability and efficiency.

• Investigate and resolve complex electrical and controls-related issues.
• Provide technical assistance to maintenance teams, field service personnel, and project teams.
• Support modernization projects, system upgrades, and retrofit initiatives.
• Analyze recurring equipment issues and recommend long-term corrective actions.

• Work closely with engineers, technicians, project managers, and operations personnel throughout project execution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members when needed.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment performance and system reliability.

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.

Minimum of 5 years of controls engineering experience in industrial or heavy equipment environments.

Hands-on experience with:

• PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms)
• HMI and SCADA systems
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Motor control systems
• Ability to develop and interpret electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, or similar networks.
• Understanding of crane motion systems, including hoist, trolley, and bridge functions.
• Familiarity with CMAA, NFPA 70 (NEC), and ASME B30 standards.

Experience with crane automation technologies, anti-sway controls, or load monitoring systems.

Background supporting system integration and commissioning projects.

Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work in manufacturing and industrial environments, including elevated work areas when required.

Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines.

Full-time onsite position in an industrial manufacturing setting.

Occasional travel to customer locations, project sites, or field installations may be required.

Exposure to active production environments and industrial equipment.

What Success Looks Like 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.