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

Position Overview

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.

### Primary Responsibilities

Controls Engineering

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.

System Integration & Startup

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.

Troubleshooting & Technical Support

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.

Project Collaboration

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.

### Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.

Five or more years of controls engineering experience, preferably involving overhead cranes, lifting equipment, or heavy industrial systems.

Experience with:

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

### Preferred Qualifications

Experience with crane automation technologies.

Knowledge of anti-sway systems, load monitoring systems, or advanced crane controls.

Experience supporting system integration and commissioning projects in industrial environments.

Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.

Ability to work in industrial settings and at elevated heights when necessary.

Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

### Work Environment

Full-time onsite role within a manufacturing and industrial environment.

Regular interaction with electrical equipment, control systems, and production operations.

Occasional travel to customer facilities and project locations.

Ability to work around industrial equipment and access elevated work areas when required.

### Opportunity

This position offers the chance to work on complex automation and motion-control systems that support critical material-handling operations. Successful candidates will play a key role in improving equipment performance, system reliability, and operational safety while contributing to both new installations and modernization projects.

Industrial Automation Engineer – Crane Systems