Automation Jobs in West Virginia
Automation jobs in West Virginia are concentrated in the state's chemical manufacturing corridor along the Kanawha Valley, its emerging semiconductor and defense sectors, and the growing advanced manufacturing plants in the Eastern Panhandle. Most hiring clusters around Charleston, Huntington, and Martinsburg, where employers like Eastman Chemical, Procter and Gamble, and Lockheed Martin maintain lasting operations. The most in-demand specialties include PLC programming, process control systems, and industrial robotics integration. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer
Location: Remote (Eastern United States Preferred) or Gassaway, West Virginia
Travel: Approximately 30–50% to project sites throughout the Eastern United States
Company: Elk Electrical Systems, LLC
Build Something Bigger Than a Job
Elk Electrical Systems is one of the fastest-growing industrial electrical engineering and construction companies in the region. We provide engineering, automation, power distribution, installation, and commissioning services for mining, aggregate, manufacturing, and other heavy industrial clients throughout the eastern United States.
We're looking for an experienced Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer who wants more than just another engineering position. This is an opportunity to become a key technical leader in a growing company where your ideas matter, your work is visible, and you'll help shape the future of our automation division.
This position does not require relocation. We are open to candidates who live anywhere in the eastern United States and are willing to travel to project sites as needed. The successful candidate will work remotely from their home office (or from our Gassaway WV office) when not traveling.
If you're someone who enjoys solving difficult industrial problems, writing quality PLC code, commissioning equipment in the field, and seeing projects through from concept to startup, we'd like to talk.
What You'll Do
You'll be involved in projects from initial concept through final commissioning.
Responsibilities include:
- Design industrial control systems for new and existing facilities.
- Develop PLC programs using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell (ControlLogix and CompactLogix preferred).
- Design and configure HMI and SCADA systems using FactoryTalk, Ignition, or similar platforms.
- Configure VFDs, instrumentation, industrial networks, and motor control systems.
- Develop control narratives, I/O lists, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and control schematics.
- Work alongside our engineering and construction teams to ensure successful installation.
- Lead equipment startup, troubleshooting, commissioning, and customer training.
- Support existing customers with system improvements and automation upgrades.
- Work directly with plant managers, maintenance teams, and operations personnel to solve complex production challenges.
- Travel to project sites for startup, commissioning, and technical support.
Technologies You'll Work With
- Allen-Bradley ControlLogix & CompactLogix
- Studio 5000
- FactoryTalk View SE & ME
- Ignition SCADA
- PowerFlex Drives
- Ethernet/IP Industrial Networks
- Variable Frequency Drives
- MCCs and Industrial Power Distribution
- Instrumentation and Process Controls
- Low Voltage Systems (24V–480V), and MV systems (5KV-15KV)
Experience with Siemens, Schneider, or other PLC platforms is also welcomed.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent practical experience.
- 5+ years of industrial controls or automation experience (less experience may be considered for exceptional candidates).
- Strong PLC programming experience.
- Experience with HMI and SCADA development.
- Excellent troubleshooting skills in both hardware and software.
- Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and control drawings.
- Comfortable working in heavy industrial environments.
- Strong communication and customer interaction skills.
- Willingness to travel approximately 30–50%.
Preferred Experience
Experience in one or more of the following industries is highly desirable:
- Mining
- Aggregate
- Cement
- Material Handling
- Manufacturing
- Food Processing
- Chemical
- Water/Wastewater
- Industrial Processing
Additional qualifications that are valued:
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or EIT certification
- AutoCAD
- Medium Voltage Power Distribution
- Power System Design
- Industrial Networking
- Safety systems and machine controls
Why Elk?
At Elk Electrical Systems, you'll have the opportunity to work on projects that many engineers only get to see a small part of. Our engineers are involved from concept through startup, working closely with our field crews and customers to deliver complete industrial solutions.
You'll enjoy:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Performance bonuses
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Paid time off
- Professional development and training
- Flexible remote work when not traveling
- Opportunities for advancement as the company continues to grow
- The chance to help build and lead a growing automation group
Compensation
Competitive salary based on experience, with performance incentives.
For highly qualified candidates, Elk Electrical Systems offers a compensation package designed to attract top industry talent.
Interested?
If you're looking for a position where you can make a real impact, solve challenging industrial problems, and grow with a company that's building something special, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Gassaway, WV 26624
Senior Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer
Location: Remote (Eastern United States Preferred) or Gassaway, West Virginia
Travel: Approximately 30–50% to project sites throughout the Eastern United States
Company: Elk Electrical Systems, LLC
Build Something Bigger Than a Job
Elk Electrical Systems is one of the fastest-growing industrial electrical engineering and construction companies in the region. We provide engineering, automation, power distribution, installation, and commissioning services for mining, aggregate, manufacturing, and other heavy industrial clients throughout the eastern United States.
We're looking for an experienced Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer who wants more than just another engineering position. This is an opportunity to become a key technical leader in a growing company where your ideas matter, your work is visible, and you'll help shape the future of our automation division.
This position does not require relocation. We are open to candidates who live anywhere in the eastern United States and are willing to travel to project sites as needed. The successful candidate will work remotely from their home office (or from our Gassaway WV office) when not traveling.
If you're someone who enjoys solving difficult industrial problems, writing quality PLC code, commissioning equipment in the field, and seeing projects through from concept to startup, we'd like to talk.
What You'll Do
You'll be involved in projects from initial concept through final commissioning.
Responsibilities include:
- Design industrial control systems for new and existing facilities.
- Develop PLC programs using Allen-Bradley/Rockwell (ControlLogix and CompactLogix preferred).
- Design and configure HMI and SCADA systems using FactoryTalk, Ignition, or similar platforms.
- Configure VFDs, instrumentation, industrial networks, and motor control systems.
- Develop control narratives, I/O lists, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and control schematics.
- Work alongside our engineering and construction teams to ensure successful installation.
- Lead equipment startup, troubleshooting, commissioning, and customer training.
- Support existing customers with system improvements and automation upgrades.
- Work directly with plant managers, maintenance teams, and operations personnel to solve complex production challenges.
- Travel to project sites for startup, commissioning, and technical support.
Technologies You'll Work With
- Allen-Bradley ControlLogix & CompactLogix
- Studio 5000
- FactoryTalk View SE & ME
- Ignition SCADA
- PowerFlex Drives
- Ethernet/IP Industrial Networks
- Variable Frequency Drives
- MCCs and Industrial Power Distribution
- Instrumentation and Process Controls
- Low Voltage Systems (24V–480V), and MV systems (5KV-15KV)
Experience with Siemens, Schneider, or other PLC platforms is also welcomed.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent practical experience.
- 5+ years of industrial controls or automation experience (less experience may be considered for exceptional candidates).
- Strong PLC programming experience.
- Experience with HMI and SCADA development.
- Excellent troubleshooting skills in both hardware and software.
- Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and control drawings.
- Comfortable working in heavy industrial environments.
- Strong communication and customer interaction skills.
- Willingness to travel approximately 30–50%.
Preferred Experience
Experience in one or more of the following industries is highly desirable:
- Mining
- Aggregate
- Cement
- Material Handling
- Manufacturing
- Food Processing
- Chemical
- Water/Wastewater
- Industrial Processing
Additional qualifications that are valued:
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or EIT certification
- AutoCAD
- Medium Voltage Power Distribution
- Power System Design
- Industrial Networking
- Safety systems and machine controls
Why Elk?
At Elk Electrical Systems, you'll have the opportunity to work on projects that many engineers only get to see a small part of. Our engineers are involved from concept through startup, working closely with our field crews and customers to deliver complete industrial solutions.
You'll enjoy:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Performance bonuses
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Paid time off
- Professional development and training
- Flexible remote work when not traveling
- Opportunities for advancement as the company continues to grow
- The chance to help build and lead a growing automation group
Compensation
Competitive salary based on experience, with performance incentives.
For highly qualified candidates, Elk Electrical Systems offers a compensation package designed to attract top industry talent.
Interested?
If you're looking for a position where you can make a real impact, solve challenging industrial problems, and grow with a company that's building something special, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Gassaway, WV 26624
See All 11 Automation Jobs in West Virginia
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Find Automation JobsAutomation Jobs by City in West Virginia
Where West Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Job Market in West Virginia
A snapshot from current West Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Technology & Software
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What West Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation jobs across West Virginia.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or industrial automation technology
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs from Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or similar platforms
- Familiarity with SCADA systems and HMI configuration in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical drawings
- Experience troubleshooting instrumentation, sensors, and control loops on a production floor
- Industry certifications such as PMMI Mechatronics or ISA Certified Automation Professional preferred
Automation Jobs in West Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation in West Virginia?
Most automation roles in West Virginia require an associate or bachelor's degree in industrial automation, electrical technology, or a closely related field from programs offered at institutions like Mountwest Community and Technical College or Pierpont Community and Technical College. West Virginia does not issue a state-specific license for automation technicians, but employers strongly prefer candidates who hold ISA Certified Control Systems Technician or PMMI Mechatronics credentials, which signal verified hands-on competency to hiring managers at chemical plants and manufacturers across the state.
Which companies hire automations in West Virginia?
Employers hiring automations in West Virginia right now include Form Energy, Abbott, and GovCIO, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. West Virginia's dense chemical manufacturing corridor in the Kanawha Valley and its growing defense and advanced manufacturing presence in the Eastern Panhandle create steady, year-round demand from both large corporations and contract engineering firms.
Which West Virginia cities have the most automation jobs?
Weirton, Ravenswood, and Gassaway are the West Virginia cities with the most automation openings. Charleston leads because of the Kanawha Valley's concentration of chemical processing and pharmaceutical plants, Huntington draws roles tied to its industrial manufacturing and healthcare systems infrastructure, and Martinsburg sees strong demand from the defense contractors and logistics operations that anchor the Eastern Panhandle.
Are there remote automation jobs in West Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Most automation work requires physical presence at a plant, facility, or production floor, making full remote arrangements uncommon. About 25% of automation openings tied to West Virginia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions tend to be in controls engineering design, PLC programming review, or project management roles rather than hands-on technician positions.
How can I get hired as a automation in West Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an automation or industrial technology program at a West Virginia community college, such as Mountwest or BridgeValley, which feed directly into apprenticeships and co-op programs with Kanawha Valley manufacturers. Candidates without a degree can enter through roles like maintenance technician or electrical helper at facilities run by chemical and plastics producers, then move laterally once they gain PLC exposure. Earning a PMMI Mechatronics Level 1 credential before applying gives entry-level candidates a concrete advantage in a competitive field.
Where can I find and apply to automation jobs in West Virginia?
You can find and apply to automation jobs in West Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings, find roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that match your experience.
See All 11 Automation Jobs in West Virginia
Find roles in West Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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