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Jobs · Engineering · Virginia

Automation and Controls Engineer or Associate Engineer

AeroFarms · Danville, VA · 1 mo ago
On-siteEngineering$100k–$130k/yrFull-time

Location: Danville, VA

AeroFarms is transforming agriculture with people and the planet in mind. As a Certified B Corporation and a pioneer in indoor vertical farming, we have built a proprietary agriculture platform to grow products, delivering superior flavor, better quality, and improved nutrition and food safety in our industry.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Automation and Controls Engineer or Associate Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for improving, troubleshooting, and maintaining robotic and PLC‑controlled automation equipment in our manufacturing indoor farming facility.

Responsibilities

  • Improve, troubleshoot, and maintain robotic and PLC‑controlled automation equipment.
  • Perform work in an FDA/USDA regulated industry such as food or medical manufacturing, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Perform PLC troubleshooting and modify code in existing PLC programs to optimize efficiency and plant performance while using good change‑control practices.
  • Learn and become proficient in multiple PLC platforms including Allen Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, ControlLogix, Wago, etc.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot servo and stepper‑controlled systems, weigh scales, ink‑jet printers, network devices, sensors, motors, valves, LED lighting, pumps, environmental sensors, and automated packaging lines.
  • Troubleshoot and maintain motion‑controlled systems with integrated robotic work‑cell systems.
  • Understand VFD motor‑controlled systems and troubleshoot for optimal performance and maintenance.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a related field, and 3+ years of industrial manufacturing experience; or Associate’s degree in automation and controls or a related field, and 7‑10 years of experience supporting highly automated facilities and equipment.

Skills

  • Strong problem‑solving skills and analytical thinking.
  • Fluent in PLC troubleshooting and ladder‑logic programming.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies and systems.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  • Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures in industrial settings.
  • Willingness to work on a 12‑hour rotation schedule with the production team.

Benefits

  • Base salary range $100,000–$130,000 annually.
  • Annual company/performance bonus.
  • Eligibility for equity.
  • Matching 401(k) with no vesting period.
  • 4+ weeks of vacation, sick time, and PTO.
  • Group health plan including medical, dental, vision, etc.

Pay

Base salary range is $100,000–$130,000 annually, plus bonus and equity opportunities.

Schedule

12‑hour production shift rotation schedule.

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