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Controls Engineer

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom
Chesapeake, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/19/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/18/2025
Controls Engineer – Automation & Process Control

Are you ready to advance your career as a Controls Engineer? Join a dynamic team in Chesapeake, VA, contributing to impactful projects in the Water-Wastewater and Manufacturing industries. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled systems integrator to take on diverse challenges from concept through commissioning, with strong opportunities for professional growth.

What You’ll Do

  • Design innovative automation control systems based on customer requirements
  • Program PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems for industrial automation projects
  • Specify and select electrical equipment and instrumentation, applying sound engineering principles and industry standards
  • Produce detailed electrical and P&ID drawings for production and field use
  • Troubleshoot critical hardware and software issues in control systems
  • Debug and calibrate Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and manufacturing control systems
  • Commission, power-up, and optimize control systems for water/wastewater, automotive, and manufacturing applications
  • Follow established processes and contribute to continuous improvement through standardized design platforms

Who You Are:

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering with 1-2 years’ experience, or 2-5 years equivalent hands-on automation programming experience
  • 2 years in PLC and HMI/SCADA programming (Rockwell, Siemens, GE, Modicon, Emerson Control Wave, FactoryTalk, Maple, VTSCADA, Wonderware, Ignition, etc.)
  • Proficient in industrial electrical troubleshooting (480VAC 3-phase, 120VAC, 24VDC systems, and VFDs)
  • Proven ability to identify, maintain, modify, and troubleshoot automation controls and process instrumentation (motor starters, VFDs, flow/pressure/level transmitters)
  • Detail-oriented, with strong documentation and organizational skills (drawings, BOMs, specifications)
  • Logical and systematic problem-solver willing to dig deep to resolve challenges
  • Knowledgeable in NEC, IEEE, NFPA, OSHA, and other industry standards and regulations
  • Able to read, revise, and create new PLC logic, HMI/SCADA programs, and set VFD parameters
  • Willing and able to travel up to 25% as required (current workload may require less)
  • Authorized to work lawfully in the United States without the need for sponsorship

Why Apply?

  • Immediate contract opportunity with potential for permanent hire
  • Full benefits package from day one
  • Join a respected, growing team working on essential infrastructure and industrial projects
  • Develop your skills in a supportive, growth-oriented environment
  • Work on the full project lifecycle, making a visible impact

If you have a passion for automation and control systems and are ready for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you! Apply today to take your career to the next level.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary.com Estimation for Controls Engineer in Chesapeake, VA
$86,123 to $105,265
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