Control Engineer 2 (Onsite)

M.C. Dean, Inc.; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

M.C. Dean, Inc. in McLean, Virginia, is seeking a Control Engineer to design, develop, and maintain equipment for monitoring and controlling systems. The role involves leading programming efforts and troubleshooting existing automation systems.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's or Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with relevant experience and proficiency in PLC and SCADA systems. A strong problem-solving attitude is essential. The position includes comprehensive responsibilities across design, programming, and management activities.

Qualifications

• Experience in reading electrical and control schematics and plans.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues.
• Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs and SCADA solutions.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops control systems for various applications.
• Leads programming efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
• Performs troubleshooting on service calls to existing systems.

Skills

Proficient in programming languages

Problem-solving skills

Experience with electrical schematics

Testing and troubleshooting control systems

Education

Master's degree in electrical engineering or related field

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field with 2+ years of experience

Tools

AutoCAD

PLC programming tools

SCADA systems

Job description

Overview

Control Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery, and processes. Control Engineers work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity, building automation, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Control engineers use 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 in support of large programs.
• Narrative Design Documents
• Requirements Analysis
• Subsystem Designs (CAD / Panels / Layouts / Wiring / SCADA Screens/ Hardware / Communications)
• Preparation of Specifications
• Perform QA/QC and technical reviews of designs
• Plans and Designs
• Procedures and fixtures for integrated systems factory testing
• Internal/External comment resolution

Programming

• Lead programming / configuration team efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
• Program / Configure / troubleshoot PLCs, RTUs, and/or HMI systems.
• Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning
• Author testing / commissioning procedures
• Preparation of test reports
• Originates test procedures
• Commissioning of deployed systems
• Development of test fixtures and simulation devices
• Perform Factory and Field Testing
• Maintenance
• Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators.
• Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Estimates
• Conducts any 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.
• Evaluation and pricing of 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
• Experience in computer networks
• Experience in CAD/CAE Software (AutoCAD / EPLAN)
• Standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)

Requirements

• 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 one of the following platforms:
  • Siemens (SIMATIC)
  • Allen‑Bradley (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 one of the following platforms:
  • AVEVA (formerly Wonderware) 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

Preferred Licenses / Certifications

• Design Build Institute of America (DBIA)
• Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA)
• Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
• Engineer in Training (EIT) in relevant 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.
• VTScada experience, water and wastewater experience.

Education / Experience

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field + 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 in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, 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.