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Electrical Controls Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Engineer

Amherst, VA

$99K - $129K/yr

In this role, you will: Electrical Systems Ownership * Lead the design, maintenance ... Controls & Automation * Serve as the subjectmatter expert for PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, VFDs ...

Showing results 41-60

Electrical Controls information

See Virginia salary details

$16

$31

$45

How much do electrical controls jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for electrical controls in Virginia is $31.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $35.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Electrical Controls vs Electrical Wiring?

AspectElectrical ControlsElectrical Wiring
CertificationsTypically requires certifications in control systems, PLC programming, and electrical safetyRequires electrical licensing and wiring certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, control panels, automation systemsConstruction sites, residential, commercial buildings
Job FocusDesign, installation, and maintenance of control systems and panelsInstallation and repair of electrical wiring and circuits
Tools & SkillsPLC programming, control panel assembly, troubleshooting control systemsWire strippers, conduit benders, circuit testing

Electrical Controls specialists focus on designing, installing, and maintaining control systems and panels used in automation and industrial processes. Electrical Wiring professionals handle the installation and repair of electrical circuits and wiring in buildings. While both roles require electrical knowledge and safety certifications, Electrical Controls work emphasizes control systems and automation, whereas Electrical Wiring centers on circuit installation and maintenance.

Do you need a degree to be an electrical controls technician?

An electrical controls technician typically does not need a college degree but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer candidates with technical training, certifications, or an associate degree in electrical technology or a related field. Hands-on experience and knowledge of control systems, PLCs, and electrical wiring are also important for this role.

What is electrical controls?

Electrical controls refer to systems and devices used to manage, regulate, and automate the operation of electrical equipment and machinery. These controls can include components such as relays, sensors, switches, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and control panels. Electrical controls are commonly found in manufacturing plants, HVAC systems, and other industrial or commercial settings, ensuring safe and efficient operation. Professionals working in electrical controls are responsible for designing, installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining these systems.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in electrical controls roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Electrical Controls often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex automated systems, staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Addressing these challenges typically involves continuous learning, effective cross-functional communication with engineers and technicians, and meticulous documentation of control system changes. Collaborating closely with team members and participating in ongoing training sessions can greatly enhance problem-solving capabilities and minimize downtime in production environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electrical Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, control system design, and troubleshooting, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, AutoCAD, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or ISA CAP is highly valuable. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and address complex system issues. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated processes in industrial environments.
Infographic showing various Electrical Controls job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,932 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Field Electrical & Controls Technician

AMF Bakery

Richmond, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

WE RISE TOGETHER!

At AMF, we are dedicated to working alongside our customers to produce better food for families around the world while creating better lives for our teammates, families, customers, and communities. AMF Bakery Systems is the world's largest manufacturer of high-speed bakery equipment. We provide complete automated bakery solutions for numerous categories, including Soft Bread and roll, Artisan Bread, Cake and Pie, Pizza and Flatbread and Pastry and Croissant. AMF is part of the Markel Food Groups, the leading equipment supplier to food manufactures around the world. Our culture and shared values are spelled out in "The Markel Style" as we encourage and recognize teammates that bring these values to life each day. With the style as our guide, our teams pursue excellence while keeping a sense of humor. Seeking to know our customers' needs, we aim to build financial value for our shareholders while sharing success with others and winning together. We are inspired to work hard and encouraged to challenge management to find better ways of doing things. At AMF, we believe in fostering the professional development and personal potential of our diverse workforce. If you're searching for the next company to call home, AMF Bakery Systems provides a teammate-centered culture with exciting career growth opportunities. We strive to build extraordinary teams by seeking out a wide range of talent, experiences, and diverse backgrounds. Diversity of thought and the collaboration of various life experiences are what drive growth and innovation at AMF.

Position Summary

The Field Electrical & Controls Technician is a key technical resource responsible for the electrical installation, controls integration, and commissioning of AMF automated equipment at customer sites. This role focuses on PLC-based control systems, drives, sensors, and operator interfaces, ensuring equipment is installed, programmed, and commissioned to meet performance and safety standards. The technician also supports troubleshooting, optimization, and lifecycle service of existing automation systems, working closely with engineering, project management, and customer teams to deliver reliable, high-performing production solutions.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Perform mechanical and electrical installation and commissioning of AMF equipment
  • Conduct inspections, repairs, and maintenance of existing equipment
  • Participate in installation planning and execution, including pre-installation meetings, daily briefings, post-installation reviews, and detailed visit/inspection reporting
  • Provide action updates on project task lists using assigned tools and templates
  • Submit accurate time and expense reports through company systems
  • Collaborate with project managers, engineers, technical specialists and installation leads before, during, and after projects to ensure clear communication and continuous improvement
  • Provide basic operational and maintenance training to customer personnel
  • Deliver constructive feedback to project teams to resolve technical or quality issues and identify improvement opportunities
  • Support First Line Support Engineers in resolving customer issues remotely or on-site as needed
  • Advise customers on parts, upgrades, and service offerings, and introduce them to Customer Care resources

Essential Requirements

  • Minimum of three (3) years of field service experience in the food, bakery, or packaging industry
  • Five (5) years of electrical and mechanical experience in high-speed bakery or other automated process equipment environments
  • Ability to travel approximately 75% (North America and international)
  • Working knowledge of Variable Speed Drives, sensors, conveyors, PLCs, operator interface terminals (OITs), and related automation systems
  • Experience with Rockwell product lines including SLC-500, Logix 5000, PanelView, and PanelView Plus; Siemens PLC experience is a plus
  • Programming capability with the ability to understand PLC processes and implement directed changes
  • Strong troubleshooting skills in:
    • Power transmission components (bearings, motors, reducers, belts, pulleys)
    • Pneumatics (air cylinders, valves)
    • Hydraulics
    • Electrical circuits
  • Basic machine shop and fabrication skills, including modifying parts in the field, cutting and drilling materials, dismantling, repairing, and reassembling mechanical systems
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with customers and teammates

Working Conditions

  • Extensive weekly travel required
  • Typical trips average 5–6 days; some installations may require 2–3 consecutive weeks on-site
  • Efforts are made to allow technicians to return home for short breaks during extended projects, depending on travel distance and logistics
  • Workdays at customer sites typically range from 8–12 hours, with occasional 24-hour or rotating day/night shift schedules
  • Commercial wholesale bakeries may be loud, hot, and high-pressure environments
  • The role requires significant physical activity, including bending, crawling, lifting, and maneuvering equipment
  • Technicians are responsible for supplying and maintaining their own personal tools, tool bag, and diagnostic equipment