Job Description
Electrical / Controls Engineer (Contract)
Location: Greater Toledo, OH (on-site)
Type: Long-Term Contract (12–24+ months)
Schedule: Monday–Friday (travel home at least once per month – client-paid)
Travel & Perks
- Monthly travel home fully covered
- Daily per diem provided
- Meals, lodging, and rental car included
Overview
A leading chemical manufacturing operation is seeking an experienced Electrical / Controls Engineer to support ongoing plant projects and automation initiatives. This role is hands-on and field-focused, working directly with equipment, contractors, and plant teams to enhance system reliability, safety, and production performance.
You’ll play a key role in executing and overseeing automation and electrical system improvements, with a strong emphasis on PLC-driven controls, 480V power systems, and motor control applications.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and oversee third-party contractors for automation and electrical system execution
- Design and support 480V power distribution systems, including MCCs and control panels
- Develop and troubleshoot PLC programs (Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens) for industrial processes
- Configure and optimize motor control equipment such as VFDs and soft starters
- Build and enhance HMI/SCADA interfaces to improve operator usability and system visibility
- Support system startups, commissioning, and validation (I/O checks, loop tuning, etc.)
- Troubleshoot plant floor issues and implement long-term corrective actions
- Maintain accurate documentation: schematics, panel layouts, and control narratives
- Partner with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to deliver projects on time
What You Bring
- Experience in electrical engineering or automation within a manufacturing or industrial environment
- Strong working knowledge of 480V systems and industrial power distribution
- Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience (Allen-Bradley / Siemens)
- Experience with motor controls, including setup and integration of VFDs
- Ability to read and develop electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical documentation
- Solid troubleshooting skills across both hardware and software systems
- Familiarity with industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, etc.)
- Ability to work independently and manage priorities in a contract setting
Nice to Have
- HMI/SCADA experience (FactoryTalk View, WinCC, or similar)
- Knowledge of machine safety systems (safety PLCs, relays, interlocks)
- Panel design and layout experience, including vendor coordination
- Exposure to process improvement initiatives (OEE, uptime, efficiency gains)
- Understanding of NEC and industrial electrical standards
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related field (preferred)
- Associate degree with strong hands-on experience also considered
- Relevant certifications in PLC programming or industrial automation are a plus
Why This Role
This is a high-impact, long-term contract where your work directly influences plant uptime, safety, and production efficiency. If you’re someone who thrives in a hands-on environment and enjoys seeing real-world results from your engineering efforts, this is the kind of role where you’ll make an immediate difference.