Okay, I've searched for entry-level automation engineer roles in Vinton, VA requiring a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, full-time schedule, with salaries ranging from $65,000 to$80,000. I have found 24 positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Automation Engineer - New Grad role at Dorsett Controls is fundamentally designed as an entry-level position to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world engineering practice in the automation and controls space. The primary purpose of this role is to support the design, development, and implementation of electrical systems and control panels within automation projects, while simultaneously fostering professional growth through mentorship and hands-on experience. Beyond simply executing assigned tasks, the candidate will learn industry standards, codes, and best practices by collaborating closely with senior engineers. This signals a work environment that values guided development and continuous learning as essential to success. The qualifications emphasize foundational electrical engineering knowledge, familiarity with design software like AutoCAD or EPLAN, and strong communication and problem-solving abilities, underlining the importance of both technical aptitude and adaptability. The candidate will likely face challenges typical for early-career professionals, such as translating theoretical concepts into practical designs, troubleshooting real systems, and effectively documenting work while integrating feedback from experienced peers. Success in this role looks like acquiring solid hands-on skills, contributing meaningfully to project milestones, and developing confidence and independence to handle progressively complex tasks in automation engineering.

Company Analysis:

Dorsett Controls occupies a niche in the automation and control engineering sector, presenting itself as a supportive environment particularly attuned to early-career professionals breaking into the field. While not explicitly described as a market leader or disruptor, the company’s emphasis on mentorship and structured learning highlights a mission-driven culture oriented around growth, inclusion, and employee development. This suggests a workplace that values collaboration, hands-on experience, and long-term skill building over pure speed or aggressive scaling. For a new graduate, this culture often translates into a somewhat stable yet dynamic learning environment where questions are welcomed and professional development is woven into day-to-day work. The role reports to senior engineers and the engineering manager, indicating moderate visibility within the engineering team but possibly limited direct exposure to higher executive leadership initially. Strategically, this hire aligns with the company’s goal to cultivate homegrown talent to sustain and expand its engineering capabilities, making it a foundational role that supports both operational delivery and future talent pipeline development. Candidates who resonate with a nurturing yet challenging setting where they can grow their skills will likely thrive.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to learn a new technical skill quickly to complete a project. How did you approach it?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you collaborated with more experienced team members. How did you ensure effective communication and learning?
• Behavioral: Can you give an example of a time when you identified a problem during a technical project and how you went about solving it?
• Behavioral: How do you prioritize your tasks when you have multiple deadlines or responsibilities to manage at once?
• Technical/Role-Specific: How would you approach designing an electrical schematic for a control panel, and what key considerations would you keep in mind?
• Technical/Role-Specific: Describe your familiarity with AutoCAD or EPLAN. How have you used these tools in academic or internship projects?
• Technical/Role-Specific: Explain how you would perform electrical calculations for selecting appropriate cable sizes in an automation system.
• Technical/Role-Specific: What steps would you take to troubleshoot a malfunctioning control system during commissioning?
• Situational: Imagine you are assigned a project component without full documentation, and the senior engineer is unavailable. How would you proceed?
• Situational: If during testing you discover that the system's wiring does not match the schematic, what would be your course of action?
• Situational: Suppose you receive conflicting feedback from two senior engineers on a design issue. How would you handle the situation?
• Company Fit/Motivation: What attracted you to Dorsett Controls and this entry-level Automation Engineer role specifically?
• Company Fit/Motivation: How do you see mentorship and continuous learning influencing your early engineering career?
• Company Fit/Motivation: How does your interest in automation and controls align with the mission and culture of our company?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe what a typical day looks like for a new graduate engineer here at Dorsett Controls?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the key milestones or performance indicators you expect a new grad engineer to achieve within the first year?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does the company support ongoing professional development and certification opportunities for entry-level engineers?