Industrial Maintenance Electrician

Job Title: Industrial Maintenance Electrician

Job Description

This role serves as the lead electrical troubleshooting technician for a high-volume industrial facility, acting as the primary technical expert for power distribution and automated machinery. The industrial electrician diagnoses complex faults in 480V 3-phase systems, maintains and inspects electrical control panels in challenging, dust-prone environments, and ensures that all work complies with rigorous safety standards and NFPA 70E requirements.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair complex electrical faults in 480V systems, including motor phase imbalances, faulty breakers, and Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) failures.
• Conduct routine internal inspections of industrial control panels to identify loose terminations, stray strands, and overheating components, ensuring all panels maintain proper clearance and updated labeling.
• Perform Live-Dead-Live verification in strict accordance with NFPA 70E, following the three-step process of verify, test, and re-verify on a known voltage source for all 480V circuits before beginning work.
• Oversee and manage all Energized Electrical Work Permits, ensuring they are only used when de-energizing is not possible or would create a greater hazard.
• Use ladder logic to troubleshoot PLCs and control systems on automated palletizing and sawing equipment, verifying that low-voltage control circuits (24VDC/120VAC) interface correctly with high-voltage power systems.
• Establish, mark, and enforce Limited and Restricted Approach Boundaries, typically 18 inches for 480V, whenever panels are opened for diagnostics or maintenance.
• Serve as the primary technical expert for the facility’s power distribution and automated machinery, providing guidance and support to other technicians.
• Maintain the integrity and reliability of electrical panels and equipment in high-volume, dust-prone industrial environments.
• Provide off-hours support by taking calls and answering technical questions from technicians as needed.

Essential Skills

• Current NFPA 70E CEST certification or equivalent Qualified Person training.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience troubleshooting 480V 3-phase industrial power systems.
• Advanced proficiency in diagnosing faults in 480V systems, including motor phase imbalances, faulty breakers, and VFD failures.
• Strong experience in inspecting, maintaining, and repairing industrial control panels.
• Ability to interpret and work with ladder logic for PLC and control diagnostics on automated equipment.
• Mastery in using high-category multimeters, amp probes, and megohmmeters for insulation and electrical testing.
• Demonstrated safety expertise, including the proven ability to select and wear appropriate Arc Flash PPE at Category 2 or higher.
• Thorough understanding and practical application of NFPA 70E requirements, including Live-Dead-Live verification and energized work practices.
• Ability to establish and enforce electrical hazard approach boundaries in accordance with safety standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting automated palletizing and sawing equipment in an industrial setting.
• Background working in high-volume, dust-prone manufacturing or processing environments.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills with a methodical approach to diagnosing complex electrical issues.
• Clear communication skills to guide and support technicians, including during off-hours calls.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in electrical safety, reliability, and system performance.

Why Work Here?

You will join an environment that values deep technical expertise, safety, and craftsmanship in electrical work. The role offers the opportunity to serve as a key technical authority, influence safety practices, and shape the reliability of critical industrial systems. You will work in a setting that appreciates proactive problem-solving, supports professional growth in advanced electrical diagnostics, and recognizes the importance of maintaining high standards in both performance and safety.

Work Environment

The position operates in a high-volume industrial facility with dust-prone conditions and extensive 480V 3-phase power distribution and automated machinery. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with an expectation to take occasional off-hours calls to support technicians with technical questions. Work regularly involves exposure to energized and de-energized electrical equipment, industrial control panels, and automated palletizing and sawing systems. The role requires consistent use of appropriate Arc Flash PPE and adherence to NFPA 70E safety protocols, as well as comfort working around heavy industrial equipment and within defined electrical hazard boundaries.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ashland, VA.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Ashland,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.