Engineer, Automation & Mechatronics Engineer

We’rethe Thinkers who make machines speak.

We’rethe Doerswho maketheir stories matter.

At Gray Matter , we uncover the industrial intelligence buriedin clipboards, legacy systems,and human memory. We discover it, transform it, andturn it into insight.

From the drill press to the boardroom, we help youthinksmarter anddobetter—by listening to the machines you already trust.

And that’s where you come in.

Gray Matter is dedicated to creating a team of unmatched talent in industrial technology. Our organizational culture encourages opportunities to learn and collaborate. Six core values make Team Gray Matter stand above the rest:
Bias to Action, Batteries Included, Unbounded Curiosity, Everybody Wins, Built to Last, Actionable Insight
.

We are seeking an Engineer Ito join our Ashland, VA team. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives on solving complex automation challenges while delivering high-quality solutions for industrial customers. You'll collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to design, develop, implement, and support control systems from concept through commissioning. Success in this role requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail, customer focus, and the ability to work independently while traveling to client sites throughout the project lifecycle.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to research technical solutions
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to delivering quality work
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within project teams
• Willingness to travel approximately 30–40% to customer locations
• Commitment to demonstrating Gray Matter's values of Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork

• Experience with Rockwell PLCs
• Experience with Factory Talk View ME and SE
• Experience with Wonderware / AVEVA
• Experience with GE iFIX
• Experience with Ignition
• Experience with Factory Talk Batch
• Industrial networking experience (Ether Net/IP, Modbus, or similar protocols)
• Experience with conveying and packaging systems
• Experience with additional PLC and HMI platforms
• Vision system experience (Cognex, Keyence)
• Programming experience with languages such as C++, C#, Python, or similar
• Experience supporting customers within pharmaceutical, food & beverage, packaging, or related manufacturing industries
• Collaborate with engineers, programmers, and project teams to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical challenges
• Design, develop, implement, and commission industrial control system solutions that meet customer requirements
• Assist with project planning, engineering design, and technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle
• Perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), system startups, onsite pilots, and customer demonstrations
• Configure, troubleshoot, and support PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial automation systems
• Provide technical consultation and training to customers on newly implemented applications and systems
• Support installation, commissioning, and startup activities at customer facilities
• Maintain accurate project documentation and communicate project status with internal teams and customers
• Deliver exceptional customer service while representing Gray Matter professionally on customer sites
• Demonstrate Gray Matter's Core Values in all interactions with customers, teammates, and partners

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related technical field
• 2+ years experience programming industrial PLC platforms including Rockwell, Siemens, Modicon, or similar
• 2+ years experience with control system implementation, design, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting
• Basic understanding of electrical schematics and industrial electrical installations
• Working knowledge of P&IDs, instrumentation, and industrial control equipment

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance starting day one
• Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance