Automation & Controls Engineer - Drive Plant Performance

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

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.