Junior Controls Engineer (Industrial Automation)
On-site · Petersburg, Virginia, United States
Job Summary
Entry-level Controls Engineer role focused on rolling mill automation and troubleshooting, with responsibility for modifying PLCs and HMIs across GE, Toshiba NV, RX3i, Siemens S7/TIA, and Allen Bradley platforms, leading automation-improvement initiatives, and supporting planning for outages. The position requires a Bachelor's in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering and experience programming PLCs, plus strong knowledge of AC/DC controls and PLC communication protocols. Collaboration with production, maintenance, and management is essential to ensure continuous operation and improvement of equipment and processes. The role also involves alarm reporting enhancements, asset-performance analysis, and developing solutions for major equipment modifications and installations. The candidate should be comfortable working both in an office setting and in the field and possess communication skills to interact effectively with operators, maintenance, and leadership.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering with 5 years manufacturing experience programming PLC's
- Strong knowledge of AC/DC controls and motors and drives
- Prior experience with programming PLCs and developing ladder logic on Rockwell and Siemens S7-1516
- Solid understanding of PLC communication protocols (Profibus and Profinet preferred)
- Must be comfortable using MS Office, data acquisition software (IBA/PDA preferred)
- Must be willing to work in both an office setting and hands on in the field
- Must be able to translate operator requests into actionable automation items
- Detailed oriented, creative thinker
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and perform complex system tests
- Ability to communicate well with operators, maintenance, and members of the leadership team
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