Automation and Control Engineer

Ingevity; Waynesboro (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ingevity in Virginia is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to design, support, and improve process control systems in our plant. You will optimize machine logic, maintain automation systems, and support integration between plant-floor equipment, MES, and other systems.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in industrial automation (or 10+ years without a degree), strong communication, and hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, FactoryTalk HMIs, and related instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferred) with 5+ years in industrial automation; discrete manufacturing experience is a plus.
• We also welcome applicants with 10+ years of relevant experience in place of a degree.
• Strong technical aptitude and communication skills to collaborate and solve problems.
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLCs and FactoryTalk HMIs.
• Familiarity with network security, firewall configuration, and system integration.
• Experience with Fanuc robots, Cognex vision systems, or Ignition platform integration is a plus.
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to support daily operations and capital projects.
• Maintain and enhance automation systems and participate in the installation and startup of new equipment.
• Identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement long-term solutions for reliable operations.
• Contribute to the development of equipment specifications and ensure new installations meet performance and safety expectations.
• Communicate clearly across teams and share updates to keep projects aligned and on schedule.
• Support the operational technology (OT) network and assist with integrating plant systems into OT/IT networks.
• Drive improvements in safety, quality, efficiency, and overall plant performance.

Skills

Industrial automation

Controls engineering

Allen-Bradley PLCs

FactoryTalk HMIs

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

10+ years of experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Fanuc robots

Cognex vision systems

Ignition platform

Job description

Job Family Group:

Engineering

Are you ready to do something remarkable? Ready to collaborate with an incredible team to solve problems that improve people’s lives? Meet Ingevity.

At Ingevity, we develop innovations that purify, protect and enhance the world around us. Our products enable oil to flow better, crops to grow fuller, roads to last longer and ensure that the air we all breathe is cleaner.

Our people come from all different backgrounds and help reimagine new possibilities daily. We understand there is no challenge too big and no contribution too small. We seek out new ideas for tackling complex problems and celebrate achieving the improbable. We value each person’s unique talents and synergize them to create meaningful impact and sustainable solutions for our customers and our world.

Bold. Energetic. Ingenious. Genuine. If these qualities describe you, we’d love for you to join Ingevity!

We’re looking for an Automation & Controls Engineer to help design, support, and continuously improve the process control systems in our plant. In this role, you’ll use your technical and problem-solving skills to optimize machine logic, maintain and troubleshoot automation systems, and support integration between plant-floor equipment, MES, and other systems.

What You will Do:

• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to support daily operations and capital projects.
• Maintain and enhance automation systems and participate in the installation and startup of new equipment.
• Identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement long-term solutions for reliable operations.
• Contribute to the development of equipment specifications and ensure new installations meet performance and safety expectations.
• Communicate clearly across teams and share updates to keep projects aligned and on schedule.
• Support the operational technology (OT) network and assist with integrating plant systems into OT/IT networks.
• Drive improvements in safety, quality, efficiency, and overall plant performance.

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferred) and 5+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls; experience in discrete manufacturing is a plus.
• We also welcome applicants with 10+ years of relevant experience in place of a degree.
• Strong technical aptitude and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate and problem-solve effectively.
• Interest in learning new technologies and sharing expertise with others.
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLCs and FactoryTalk HMIs.
• Knowledge of controls systems, sensors, I/O, drives, and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with network security, firewall configuration, and system integration.
• Experience with Fanuc robots, Cognex vision systems, or Ignition platform integration is a plus.
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to provide on-call production support as needed.

Ingevity is a company made up of extraordinary people of every race, religion and background, all worthy of the same dignity. Our differences are one of our great strengths. Join us in building a culture of increasing diversity and respect – a culture where everyone belongs.

Ingevity is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.