Controls & Electrical Systems Engineer

Socket.dev; Ashland (VA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 63,000; Part time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Controls & Electrical Systems Engineer to design, install, and support electrical control systems for overhead cranes and material handling equipment onsite in Ashland, VA. The role requires expertise in electrical design, automation, troubleshooting, and safety standards in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities include creating schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts; selecting components like VFDs, festoon systems, and HMIs; performing load

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3–7 years of experience designing, installing, or maintaining overhead crane electrical systems.
• Strong knowledge of CMAA crane classifications and motor control systems.
• Experience with VFDs, soft starters, motor protection systems, HMIs, relays, and industrial controls.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical systems for overhead cranes and related equipment, including bridge, gantry, and monorail systems.
• Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using CAD software.
• Perform load calculations, power sizing, and control logic design for crane equipment.
• Support installation, commissioning, testing, and system validation.

Skills

Electrical design

Troubleshooting

CAD software

Safety standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

VFDs

Soft starters

HMIs

Relays

Job description

Controls & Electrical Systems Engineer

Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite)

Shift: Monday-Friday | 7:00 AM-4:00 PM

Job Type: Contract-to-Hire

Starting Pay: From $39.00/hour (Higher compensation available based on experience.)

Overtime: Not available

Position Overview

We are seeking a Controls & Electrical Systems Engineer to design, install, and support electrical control systems for overhead cranes and industrial material handling equipment. This onsite role requires experience with electrical design, automation, troubleshooting, and industry safety standards in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical systems for bridge cranes, gantry cranes, monorails, and workstation cranes.
• Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using CAD software.
• Select and specify components including VFDs, festoon systems, conductor bars, limit switches, relays, soft starters, HMIs, and safety devices.
• Perform load calculations, power sizing, and control logic design for hoist, trolley, bridge, and below-the-hook equipment.
• Support installation, commissioning, testing, and system validation.
• Troubleshoot motors, control panels, communication networks, limit devices, and electrical control systems.
• Perform risk assessments, safety inspections, and ensure compliance with CMAA 70, CMAA 74, NFPA 70 (NEC), and ASME B30 standards.
• Maintain electrical documentation and engineering records.
• Work with project managers, mechanical engineers, and field technicians to improve equipment reliability and performance.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance personnel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3-7 years of experience designing, installing, or maintaining overhead crane electrical systems.
• Strong knowledge of CMAA crane classifications and motor control systems.
• Experience with VFDs, soft starters, motor protection systems, HMIs, relays, and industrial controls.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with conductor bar systems, festoon systems, pendant controls, radio remote controls, and collision avoidance systems.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with crane modernization, automation, load monitoring, or sway control is a plus.
• Ability to work at heights and in an industrial environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Work Environment

• Fully onsite in a manufacturing and industrial setting.
• Occasional travel to project or customer locations.
• Opportunity to support critical material handling systems while improving safety, reliability, and operational performance.