Control Engineer 3

M.C. Dean, Inc.; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative work environment

Innovation-driven projects

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Controls Engineer 3 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This role involves designing, developing, and maintaining control systems across various industries, with responsibilities including programming PLCs, leading project teams, and troubleshooting existing systems. Candidates should have a Master's or Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with relevant experience, strong programming skills, and the ability to work on complex automation issues. The position offers opportunities for innovation and career growth in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Proficient in programming languages such as ladder logic and structured text.
• Experience in reading electrical and control schematics.
• Experience in control system startup, configuration, and calibration.

Responsibilities

• Design and originate documents for small projects.
• Lead programming efforts for automation applications.
• Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing systems.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Troubleshooting PLCs

Electrical schematic understanding

Programming languages proficiency

Experience with SCADA solutions

Education

Master's degree in electrical engineering or related field

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

PLC Software

SCADA platforms

Job description

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.

Controls Engineers 3

Controls Engineers 3 are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery and processes. Controls Engineers work in various industries including industrial controls, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and implement solutions to our customer's 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 o 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 Tools / 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 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 3+ years of experience
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field with 5+ years of experience

This position may require ongoing or intermittent use of a company vehicle. Selected candidates must possess an acceptable driving record in accordance to our policy.

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.Attend regular in-person meetings with customers outside of assigned office.