Industrial Controls Engineer Material Handling Systems

Industrial Controls Engineer -

Material Handling Systems Location:

Ashland, VA (Onsite)

Shift:

Day Shift \u007C Full-Time \u007C Contract-to-Hire Pay rate: Starting at $39+/hour (DOE) Position Overview An industrial engineering team is seeking an experienced Controls & Electrical Engineer to support the design, integration, and startup of automated lifting and material handling systems used in industrial environments. This role combines electrical system design with hands-on commissioning and troubleshooting support. The ideal candidate will have prior experience with motion control systems, industrial automation, and heavy equipment applications. This is a fully onsite opportunity with direct involvement in engineering projects, field implementation, and operational support. Key Responsibilities Electrical & Controls Engineering Design electrical systems for industrial lifting and transport equipment Develop wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, and control panel layouts using CAD platforms Select and specify electrical components including drives, motor controls, conductor systems, safety devices, and communication hardware Perform calculations related to power distribution, motion control, and equipment operation Ensure designs comply with applicable electrical and safety standards Commissioning & Startup Support Assist with installation, commissioning, and system startup activities Configure and test VFDs, HMIs, soft starters, and related control devices Conduct functional testing and verify proper equipment operation Support modernization and retrofit projects for existing systems Troubleshooting & Technical Support Diagnose electrical and controls-related issues involving motors, panels, drives, and communication systems Provide technical assistance during equipment failures and operational interruptions Work alongside maintenance and operations teams to implement corrective actions Support ongoing system reliability improvements Safety & Documentation Maintain compliance with industrial safety standards and engineering best practices Participate in inspections, system reviews, and risk assessments Document system modifications, updates, and engineering changes accurately Cross-Functional Collaboration Coordinate with engineering teams, field technicians, and project personnel Provide technical guidance and training support when needed Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment performance and uptime Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical field (or equivalent hands-on experience) 3-7 years of experience in industrial electrical systems, motion controls, or lifting equipment applications Experience with: Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) Motor control systems Industrial automation and control circuitry Electrical schematics and technical drawings Familiarity with industrial communication systems and safety components Ability to troubleshoot electrical and control system issues in an industrial setting Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting retrofit or modernization projects Knowledge of automated material handling equipment or heavy industrial machinery Understanding of advanced motion control or load-monitoring systems Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Comfortable working in manufacturing or industrial environments, including elevated areas when required Why This Opportunity This role offers the opportunity to work on complex industrial systems that combine electrical engineering, automation, and hands-on field support. It's ideal for professionals who enjoy solving technical challenges while contributing to high-impact engineering projects in a fast-paced environment. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.