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Industrial Automation Specialist - Direct Hire

Danville, VA | 100% onsite

Drive the Future of Manufacturing Automation

Are you passionate about industrial automation, controls systems, and advanced manufacturing technology? Do you enjoy troubleshooting complex equipment, optimizing production processes, and implementing innovative automation solutions that improve plant performance? We are seeking an experienced Automation Specialist to join our client's manufacturing team and play a key role in maintaining, improving, and advancing the automation infrastructure that supports our processing operations. This position offers the opportunity to work with modern PLC platforms, SCADA systems, industrial networks, drives, instrumentation, and continuous improvement initiatives while collaborating with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams. If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoy solving technical challenges that directly impact production reliability, safety, and efficiency, we want to hear from you.

• Industrial Automation & Controls
  • Design, program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems.
  • Develop and maintain HMI and SCADA applications to improve equipment monitoring and operator effectiveness.
  • Configure and support industrial communication networks, including Ethernet-based control systems.
  • Commission new equipment, support plant start‑ups, and lead automation system integration activities.
  • Program and optimize Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), soft starters, relays, sensors, transmitters, and instrumentation devices.
  • Troubleshoot electrical and automation-related failures to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.
  • Conduct system testing, validation, and technical documentation activities.
• Reliability & Maintenance Excellence
  • Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on automation and electrical systems.
  • Support electrical infrastructure inspections, equipment assessments, and thermographic analysis programs.
  • Maintain high equipment availability through proactive troubleshooting and continuous monitoring of system performance.
  • Ensure compliance with maintenance standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
  • Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing performance through automation, controls optimization, and process improvements.
  • Support implementation of new automation technologies, control strategies, and digital manufacturing initiatives.
  • Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action development to eliminate recurring equipment failures.
  • Analyze process variables and recommend improvements to measurement, control, and automation systems.
  • Contribute to projects focused on increasing productivity, reducing downtime, improving quality, and enhancing operational efficiency.
• Project & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Quality teams to execute automation projects and plant improvements.
  • Support project planning, equipment upgrades, and automation modernization initiatives.
  • Conduct technical and economic evaluations of proposed automation solutions.
  • Develop and share automation best practices across manufacturing teams.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Promote a strong safety culture by adhering to all plant safety policies, procedures, and risk mitigation practices.
  • Utilize appropriate PPE and follow established work permit and lockout/tagout procedures.
  • Support environmental, health, and safety initiatives while maintaining a clean and organized work environment.

• Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Technology, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience supporting industrial automation and electrical systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience programming, troubleshooting, and supporting PLC systems, including Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000.
• Experience with FactoryTalk View, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Strong knowledge of industrial electrical systems, motor controls, VFDs, instrumentation, sensors, and industrial networking.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and technical documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Experience with MES integration and manufacturing data systems.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, World Class Manufacturing (WCM), and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA), 5 Why, and structured problem-solving activities.
• Experience supporting high-speed manufacturing, processing, packaging, or industrial production environments.

• Annual Performance Bonus
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Company-Matched 401(k)
• Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Family Leave (20 Weeks)
• Tuition Assistance & Professional Development Programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Volunteer Opportunities

Join a team where innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and technical excellence drive everything we do.