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Electrical Instrumentation Engineering Jobs in Virginia

Ensuring proper operation of, and troubleshooting of, electrical & instrumentation system components including transmitters, actuators, controllers, motor and drive systems, programmable logic ...

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Electrical Instrumentation Engineering information

What is electrical instrumentation engineering?

Electrical Instrumentation Engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the design, development, installation, and maintenance of instruments and devices used to measure and control electrical systems and processes. Professionals in this field ensure the accuracy and reliability of equipment that monitors variables such as voltage, current, pressure, temperature, and flow in industrial and manufacturing settings. They play a crucial role in automating processes, improving efficiency, and maintaining safety standards in industries like power generation, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

What are some typical challenges electrical instrumentation engineers face when working on large-scale industrial projects?

Electrical Instrumentation Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new instrumentation systems with existing legacy equipment, ensuring compliance with strict industry safety and regulatory standards, and managing tight project timelines. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including process engineers, electricians, and project managers—is key to overcoming these obstacles. Effective troubleshooting skills and adaptability are crucial, as unexpected technical issues or supply chain delays can arise during installation and commissioning phases.

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

To thrive as an Electrical Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, process control, and instrumentation, often supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical or instrumentation engineering. Familiarity with PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, and relevant certifications such as ISA CAP or EIT are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and complex environments. These skills ensure safe, reliable, and optimized operation of automated and industrial systems.

What is the difference between Electrical Instrumentation Engineering vs Electrical Engineering?

AspectElectrical Instrumentation EngineeringElectrical Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical or Instrumentation Engineering, certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license (optional)
Work EnvironmentFactories, process plants, automation systemsPower plants, electrical design firms, manufacturing
Industry UsageIndustrial automation, control systems, instrumentationPower systems, electronics, telecommunications

Electrical Instrumentation Engineering focuses on designing, installing, and maintaining control and instrumentation systems used in industrial processes. Electrical Engineering covers a broader range of electrical systems, including power distribution, electronics, and telecommunications. Both roles often share certifications and work environments but differ in specialization and scope.

Are electrical instrumentation engineers in demand?

Electrical instrumentation engineers are in demand in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and oil and gas, where they design, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentation. The demand is driven by ongoing infrastructure development, automation, and the need for specialized skills in PLCs, SCADA systems, and calibration. Job prospects are generally strong for those with relevant certifications and experience in industrial environments.

What does an electrical instrumentation engineer do?

An electrical instrumentation engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes. They work with sensors, controllers, and automation equipment to ensure accurate measurement and control of electrical and electronic systems, often using tools like PLCs and SCADA systems. Their role involves troubleshooting, calibration, and ensuring safety standards in environments such as manufacturing plants and power facilities.

What job categories do people searching Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Electrical Instrumentation Engineering job openings:

Controls Engineer - Electrical & Instrumentation

Gerdau

Petersburg, VA • On-site

$78K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Gerdau rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

424th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

Controls Engineer - Electrical & Instrumentation - Level I
Are you ready to seize an exhilarating, hands-on opportunity to leave your mark on a variety of automation projects involving software, hardware, and process improvements in a dynamic manufacturing environment? Join Gerdau, the first North American steel company to achieve B Corp Certification, and contribute to producing steel bars with the lowest embodied carbon in the U.S. Elevate your career with Gerdau, where your curiosity, imagination, and expertise will drive our ongoing transformation into the future.
Great earning potential plus an annual bonus.
We Have:
  • A strong global presence with mills that transform millions of metric tons of raw material to produce steel beams, flat-rolled steel, merchant bar, rebar, spikes, and wire used by the auto industry, appliance, construction, machinery, and equipment industries.
  • A culture that welcomes diversity, encourages innovation, and creates products that serve humanity.
  • An environment that values teamwork, safety, and sustainability.
  • A commitment to continuous improvement and the belief that we can create a better future for our employees and our global community by investing in people, processes, and technology.
  • A Career Path System and Training.

We Offer:
  • Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Plans - Eligible upon 1st day of hire
  • Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account)
  • 100% Matching 401K up to 6%
  • Life/Accidental Life Insurance
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Annual Bonus
  • Health Advocate Services
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Career Path System and Training

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering with 5 years manufacturing experience programming PLC's.
  • Strong knowledge of AC/DC controls and motors and drives.
  • Ability to oversee electrical projects equipment, systems, etc. including elements of design, implementation, maintenance, and operational and safety standards.
  • Prior experience with programming PLCs and developing ladder logic on Rockwell and Siemens S7-1516.
  • Solid understanding of PLC communication protocols (Profibus and Profinet preferred).
  • Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems resulting from automation, communication, or HMI issues and implement strong corrective measures.
  • Must be comfortable using MS Office, data acquisition software (IBA/PDA preferred).
  • Must be willing to work in both an office setting and hands on in the field.
  • Must be able to translate operator requests into actionable automation items.
  • Detailed oriented, creative thinker,
  • Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and perform complex system tests.
  • Ability to communicate well with operators, maintenance, and members of the leadership team.

Your Purpose:
You will be responsible for rolling mill automation, training, troubleshooting major failures, software back-up, research, development, improvement and testing of electrical/electronic components, equipment, and systems. The position works closely with production and maintenance personnel, as well as management to ensure continuous operation and continuous improvement of equipment, and processes. The position reports to the Maintenance General Foreman.
Your Work:
  • Modify PLCs to help support the operations process, with PLC experience on one or more of the following:
    • GE innovation series controllers
    • Toshiba NV controllers
    • RX3i controllers
    • GE Genius Block I/O networks
    • Siemens S7/TIA
    • Allen Bradley PLC
  • Modify HMI to help support the operations process, with HMI programming experience on one or more of the following:
    • GE Cimplicity
    • Ignition
    • WIN CC
    • Rockwell Automation
  • Electrical and network experience on one or more of the following:
    • IBA Analytical tools
    • Computer networking
    • Cisco switching/router configuration
    • ABB LV and MV drives
  • Principal Accountabilities:
    • Lead initiatives to improve HMI based on operational needs
    • Lead initiatives to improve automation stability
    • Lead action plan items to help eliminate delays due to automation and automated processes
    • Be engaged in the process to find and address opportunities for increased throughput, improved instrumentation, improved reliability of existing instrumentation, and improved system response to instrument feedback.
    • Continue to improve the alarm reporting and functionality for the operator and maintenance.
    • Collect, analyze, and report asset performance and work with teams to implement methods to improve performance and sustain existing efficiencies.
    • Develop solutions and provide recommendations for major equipment modifications, renovations, installations, additions, and replacements to facilitate continuous improvement.
    • Support planning and scheduling standard processes to effectively execute all down-days and outages.
    • Participate in Failure Analysis on maintenance and operational issues.
    • Assist with Annual Action Planning process.

Keywords: BSEE, Electrical Engineer, Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, Process Engineer, automation, programming, control systems, PLC, HMI, SCADA, hydraulics, pneumatics, AC/CD, drives, motors, steel, metals, manufacturing
Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunity related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
If you are vision-impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or recruiting@gerdau.com

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