Campus - Engineer I

Gray Matter Systems Llc; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employer-paid short-term disability & 

Life insurance

Job summary

Gray Matter Systems Llc in Alexandria, VA is seeking an entry‑level Control Systems Engineer I through our Launch Lab Program to learn how industrial automation systems are designed, programmed, tested, and supported on real customer projects.

You'll collaborate with experienced engineers, gain hands‑on experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA, travel 50–100% as needed, relocate if required, and build a career path from Engineer I toward Senior roles while developing practical problem‑solving and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering completed by start date (no more than 12 months prior).
• Strong problem-solving and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in automation, controls, robotics, or industrial technology.

Responsibilities

• Support Automation Projects from development through startup.
• Troubleshoot and identify technical issues, test solutions, and suggest improvements.
• Learn by doing with programming, commissioning, and industrial automation technologies under mentorship.
• Work with teams and customers, participate in project meetings and site visits.

Skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Willingness to learn

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical Mechanical Electrical)

Tools

PLC/SCADA experience

HMI programming

Job description

We’rethe Thinkerswho make machines speak.

We’rethe Doerswho maketheir storiesmatter.

AtGrayMatter, we uncover the industrialintelligence buriedin clipboards, legacy systems,and humanmemory. 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.

GrayMatter 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 GrayMatter stand above the rest: Bias to Action, Batteries Included, Unbounded Curiosity, Everybody Wins, Built to Last, Actionable Insight.

The Control Systems Engineer I is an entry-level opportunity through our Launch Lab Program, built for recent graduates who want to build a career in industrial automation and controls. You'll work alongside experienced engineers to learn how industrial systems are designed, programmed, tested, and supported while contributing to real customer projects.

General Job Duties

• Support Automation Projects: Assist with PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial control system projects from development through startup.
• Troubleshoot & Solve Problems: Help identify technical issues, test solutions, and support system improvements.
• Learn by Doing: Gain hands‑on experience with programming, commissioning, and industrial automation technologies while working with experienced mentors.
• Work with Teams & Customers: Participate in project meetings, site visits, and customer interactions while developing professional skills.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related Engineering discipline, with degree completion required by the start date and no more than 12 months prior to the start date.
• 2.8+ Overall GPA.
• Interest in automation, controls, robotics, electrical systems, or industrial technology.
• Strong problem-solving skills, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to travel approximately 50%–100%, including overnight travel, as required for project work.
• Willingness to relocate to project sites across the United States, as required by project assignment and business needs.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands‑on experience with real‑world automation and control systems.
• Training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Exposure to PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, industrial networking, and commissioning.
• A career path that may grow from Engineer I → Engineer II → Senior Engineer → Project Manager.

Featured Benefits

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