CONFIDENTIAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Controls Engineer (Electrical & Instrumentation)
Location: Virginia – September 2025
Industry: High-Performance Battery Separators
Employment: Full-time, Direct Hire

POSITION SUMMARY

Our client, a global leader in high-performance battery separators, is seeking a Controls Engineer (Electrical & Instrumentation) to support critical manufacturing systems and automation processes at their Virginia facility. This role is responsible for maintaining and improving electrical controls, Siemens PLCs, instrumentation, and automation systems that are mission-critical to production. The engineer will lead troubleshooting, continuous improvement initiatives, and capital projects to ensure uptime, reliability, and compliance.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and MS Office.
• Experience with instrumentation and industrial automation in high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques and structured quality systems.
• Strong experience with Siemens PLCs (programming, troubleshooting, tuning AC/DC/VFD servo motor drives, single/multi-loop controllers).
• Proficiency in ladder logic, P&ID diagrams, and automation systems for motors, pumps, load cells, temperature, pressure, and level controllers.
• Hands-on experience in extrusion, injection molding, or web-handling/transport systems.
• Ability to read and interpret loop drawings, P&IDs, schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical prints.
• HMI programming skills: WinCC, Wonderware, or similar systems.
• PLC experience: Siemens (required), Automation Direct, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi.
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols (ProfiNet, Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, TCP/IP).
• Strong documentation skills for maintenance and calibration procedures.
• Ability to work in a flexible environment with on-call responsibilities.

• Maintain and improve performance of mission-critical equipment (E-Beam/LFE systems, tension control systems, winder/rewinders, slurry mixing, coating, weighing systems).
• Develop and propose continuous improvement (CI) initiatives to increase uptime, MTBF, and equipment reliability.
• Lead CAPEX projects, including planning and execution of equipment upgrades and installations.
• Troubleshoot electrical controls, instrumentation, and automation issues in real-time manufacturing environments.
• Train, mentor, and support maintenance supervisors and technicians, including PM/TPM scheduling and troubleshooting guidance.
• Support spare parts management, including sourcing, stocking, and control of critical components.
• Write and document preventive maintenance, calibration procedures, and training materials, particularly for commissioning activities.
• Serve as liaison between IT and plant operations for network and automation connectivity issues.
• Provide flexible support, including occasional weekends and on-call coverage.