Control Engineer 2

M.C. Dean, Inc; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative work environment

Career development opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking Control Engineers in Winchester, Virginia. This role involves designing, developing, installing, and maintaining control systems, focusing on various applications like automation and cybersecurity. Candidates should possess strong problem-solving skills and experience with PLCs and SCADA solutions. Responsibilities include leading programming efforts, creating design documents, and performing system troubleshooting. A Master's or Bachelor's degree in engineering is required, along with relevant experience in automation.

Qualifications

• Proficient in programming languages such as ladder logic and structured text.
• Experience in control system startup, configuration, and calibration.
• Experience using testing, calibration, or industry-specific tools and software.

Responsibilities

• Design and create documents for automation systems.
• Lead programming efforts for SCADA applications.
• Perform troubleshooting on existing systems.

Skills

Reading electrical and control schematics

Troubleshooting complex automation issues

Programming languages like ladder logic

Experience with PLCs or DDCs

Education

Master’s or Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

About M.C. Dean

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber‑physical solutions for the nation’s most mission‑critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

Why Join Us?

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values—agility, expertise, and trust—we foster a collaborative and forward‑thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.

Control Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery, and processes. They work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity, building automation, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and transportation systems. They are technical experts in advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems, using these skills to design and implement solutions to solve our customer’s most complex needs.

Responsibilities

Design / Engineering

• Originates design documents for small projects and supports large programs.
• Creates narrative design documents.
• Analyzes requirements.
• Develops subsystem designs (CAD / panels / layouts / wiring / SCADA screens / hardware / communications).
• Prepares specifications.
• Performs QA/QC and technical reviews of designs.
• Plans and designs procedures and fixtures for integrated systems factory testing.
• Resolves internal/external comments.

Programming

• Leads programming / configuration team efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
• Programs / configures / troubleshoots PLCs, RTUs, and/or HMI systems.

Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning

• Authors testing / commissioning procedures.
• Prepares test reports.
• Origins test procedures.
• Commissioning of deployed systems.
• Develops test fixtures and simulation devices.
• Performs factory and field testing.

Maintenance

• Performs troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators.
• Performs hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Estimates
  • Conducts surveys, inspections, tours, etc. of client sites as required.
  • Prepares cost estimates and supporting documents for small projects.
  • Assists senior engineers in preparation of bids and proposals cost estimates and supporting documentation.
  • Evaluates and prices change orders.
• Personnel Management
  • Assigns technical tasks and coordinates with entry‑level engineers.
  • Assigns tasks and coordinates with technical staff.

Qualifications

Field Experience

• Experience in reading electrical and control schematics and plans.
• Experience in control system startup, configuration, and calibration.
• Experience in testing and troubleshooting control systems.
• Experience using basic electrical and machinist hand tools.
• Experience using testing, calibration, or industry‑specific tools and software.

Tools / Software

• Experience in computer networks.
• Experience in CAD/CAE Software (AutoCAD / EPLAN).
• Standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.).

Requirements

• Attend regular in‑person meetings with customers outside of assigned office.
• Proficient in programming languages such as ladder logic and structured text.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues.
• Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs or DDCs from at least 1 platform: Siemens (SIMATIC), Allen‑Bridge (Rockwell Automation—Plant Pax preferred), Schneider Electric (Modicon), Tridium Niagara Framework, ABB (AC500, AC800M), Omron, KMC Controls, Johnson Controls Metasys, Honeywell WEBS, Johnson Control FX, Siemens Desigo/Apogee, Distech Controls, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, GE Intelligent Platforms.
• Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting SCADA solutions from at least 1 platform: AVEVA (InTouch, System Platform), Ignition by Inductive Automation, GE Digital (iFIX, CIMPLICITY), Siemens WinCC, Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View, AVEVA (formerly Schneider Electric) Citect SCADA, Intellution FIX32/HMI32 (Historical) by GE Digital, VTScada by Trihedral Engineering Limited, AVEVA (OSIsoft PI) Historian.
• Possess a driver’s license and a vehicle for transportation to customer sites. This position may require ongoing or intermittent use of a company vehicle. Selected candidates must possess an acceptable driving record according to our policy.

Preferred Licenses / Certifications

• Design Build Institute of America (DBIA).
• Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA).
• Certified Automation Professional (CAP).
• Engineer in Training (EIT) relevant in field.
• Certification in one or more PLC / Automation Platform such as: Schneider, Rockwell, Siemens, Niagara, etc.
• Certification in one or more SCADA platform such as: AVEVA, Rockwell, Iconics, Ignition, etc.

Education / Experience

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field with 0+ years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field with 2+ years of experience.

Abilities

• Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Have finger dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, e.g., using a keyboard.
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Identify and understand the speech of another person.