Electrical Engineer – Plant Reliability & Automation

Ashland, VA | $100,000 – $130,000 + Relocation Assistance

The Opportunity

A global packaging manufacturing leader near Richmond, VA is looking for an Electrical Engineer to anchor plant reliability and automation across a high-speed production facility. This role puts you at the center of uptime, performance, and continuous improvement — working hands-on with the systems that keep operations running. If you have a background in industrial electrical engineering and thrive in a manufacturing environment, this is a high-impact position with room to make your mark.

Your Day-to-Day

• Provide hands-on electrical engineering support to daily plant operations, keeping production safe and efficient
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical and automation issues affecting uptime and performance
• Support and optimize PLCs, motor control centers, drives, instrumentation, DCS platforms, and industrial networks
• Partner with maintenance, reliability, and operations teams to implement corrective and preventive solutions
• Participate in predictive and preventive maintenance programs, including condition monitoring and reliability initiatives
• Contribute to capital projects, equipment upgrades, and automation improvements across the facility
• Collaborate with OEMs, vendors, and contractors on installations, commissioning, and technical problem-solving
• Maintain electrical documentation including schematics, system configurations, and equipment history
• Ensure compliance with electrical codes, safety standards, and regulatory requirements
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, efficiency, and operational performance

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Industrial Technology, or a related field
• 2–5+ years of electrical engineering, maintenance, or reliability experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting
• Experience in packaging, pulp & paper, or other high-speed process industries strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of electrical power systems, motors, drives, PLCs, and industrial automation
• Proven troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills in complex industrial environments
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, drawings, and technical documentation
• Familiarity with reliability methodologies, predictive maintenance tools, and maintenance workflows
• Solid communication skills with the ability to work across maintenance, operations, and engineering teams
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices is a plus
• Strong commitment to safety and adherence to electrical standards

Ready to Apply?

This is a chance to take ownership of plant reliability and automation at a globally recognized manufacturing operation — with competitive pay and relocation support to get you there. Reach out to Great Bay Staffing today to learn more. Your resume will never be shared without your permission.