Control Engineer 3

M.C. Dean; Leesburg (VA); On-site; USD 104,080 - 156,120; Full time

Job summary

M.C. Dean in Leesburg, VA, seeks a Controls Engineer 3 to design, develop, install, and maintain industrial control systems across multiple industries. You will apply expertise in PLCs, SCADA, and advanced process control to meet complex customer needs.

The role involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety, reliability, and performance in challenging environments, with an emphasis on design, testing, and deployment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in electrical/automation engineering with 3+ years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical/automation engineering with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience reading electrical/control schematics and plans.
• Proficient in ladder logic and structured text programming.

Responsibilities

• Design documents for small projects and support larger programs.
• Lead programming/configuration for complex automation and SCADA applications.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs/RTUs/HMI systems.
• Perform tests, commissioning procedures, and test reports.
• Provide maintenance and field support for existing systems.

Skills

Ladder logic

Structured text

PLC platforms

SCADA platforms

Troubleshooting

Control systems design

Education

Master’s degree in electrical/automation engineering

Bachelor’s degree in electrical/automation engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

EPLAN

SCADA software

MS Office

Job description

Controls Engineers 3 are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery, and processes across a range of industries, including industrial controls, water and wastewater, power controls and protection, and transportation systems. They are technical experts in advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems, applying these skills to develop solutions that meet complex customer needs.

Overview

Controls Engineers 3 collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust control solutions that ensure safety, reliability, and performance in industrial settings.

Responsibilities

• Design / Engineering
  • Originates design documents for small projects and supports large programs.
  • Prepares Narrative Design Documents, Requirements Analysis, Subsystem Designs (CAD, panels, layouts, wiring, SCADA screens, hardware, communications), Specifications.
  • Performs QA/QC and technical reviews of designs.
  • Plans and designs procedures and fixtures for integrated systems factory testing and addresses internal/external comments.
• Programming
  • Leads programming/configuration team efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
  • Programs, configures, and troubleshoots PLCs, RTUs, and HMI systems.
• Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning
  • Author tests, commissioning procedures, and test reports.
  • Originates and performs test procedures, commissioning of deployed systems, and develops test fixtures and simulation devices.
  • Conducts factory and field testing.
• Maintenance
  • Troubleshoots on service calls to existing and legacy systems.
  • Performs hardware and software upgrades and replacements on existing systems.
• Managerial Responsibilities
  • Estimates: Conducts surveys, inspections, tours of client sites; prepares cost estimates for small projects; assists senior engineers with bids, proposals, and change order pricing.
  • Personnel Management: Assigns technical tasks and coordinates with entry‑level engineers and technical staff.

Qualifications

• Field Experience
  • Reading electrical and control schematics and plans.
  • Control system startup, configuration, and calibration.
  • Testing and troubleshooting control systems.
  • Use of basic electrical and machinist hand tools.
  • Use of testing, calibration, or industry‑specific tools and software.
  • Computer networks knowledge.
  • CAD/CAE software (AutoCAD, EPLAN).
  • Standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.).
• Technical Requirements
  • Proficient in ladder logic and structured text programming.
  • Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues.
  • Experience with PLC/DDC platforms such as Siemens (SIMATIC), Allen‑Bradley, Schneider Electric, Tridium Niagara, ABB, Omron, KMC Controls, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, etc.
  • Experience with SCADA platforms such as AVEVA, Ignition, GE Digital, Siemens WinCC, Rockwell FactoryTalk View, etc.
• Preferred Licenses / Certifications
  • Design Build Institute of America (DBIA).
  • Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA).
  • Certified Automation Professional (CAP).
  • Engineer in Training (EIT).
  • Certification in one or more PLC/automation or SCADA platforms.
• Education / Experience
  • Master’s degree in electrical, automation engineering, or related field with 3+ years of experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical, automation engineering, or related field with 5+ years of experience.
• Abilities
  • Operate computer screens for extended periods.
  • Sit for extended periods.
  • Reach with hands or arms in any direction.
  • Finger dexterity for operating keyboards.
  • Listen to and understand spoken information.
  • Communicate verbally with clarity.
  • Read and understand written information.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems.
  • Attend regular in‑person meetings with customers outside the office.

Other Requirements

May require ongoing or intermittent use of a company vehicle. Selected candidates must possess an acceptable driving record in accordance with company policy.

Pay Range

USD $104,080.00 – USD $156,120.00 per year.