Control Engineer 3

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

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for professional development

Collaborative work environment

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A prominent engineering firm located in Minnesota is looking for a Controls Engineer 3 to design and develop control systems for a variety of industries. The ideal candidate should have strong PLC programming and troubleshooting skills, alongside a background in building automation. This role involves leading programming efforts, performing system maintenance, and developing specifications for integrated systems. Join a collaborative team focused on innovation and impactful engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• Strong estimating, takeoff, requirements analysis skills.
• Background in Building Automation and Controls preferred.
• Proficient in programming and troubleshooting PLCs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems for various industries.
• Lead programming/configuration for automation applications.
• Perform troubleshooting and maintenance on existing systems.

Skills

Programming languages (ladder logic, structured text)

Problem-solving skills

SCADA solutions design

PLC design and troubleshooting

Education

Master's degree in electrical or automation engineering

Bachelor's degree in electrical or automation engineering with 5+ years experience

Tools

AutoCAD

EPLAN

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

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

Responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery and processes. Works in various industries including industrial controls, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, and transportation systems. Technical expert in advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems.

The position will require strong estimating, takeoff, requirements analysis and scope definition capabilities and process definition. Background in Building Automation and Controls is preferred.

Responsibilities

Design / Engineering

• Originates design documents for small projects and supports large programs.
• Narrative Design Documents, Requirements Analysis, 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 and resolves internal/external comments.

Programming

• Leads programming / configuration team efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
• Program / configure / troubleshoot PLCs, RTUs, and/or HMI systems.

Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning

• Authors testing / commissioning procedures.
• Prepares test reports.
• Originates 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 preparing 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.

Field Experience

• Reading electrical and control schematics and plans.
• Control system startup, configuration, and calibration.
• Testing and troubleshooting control systems.
• Using basic electrical and machinist hand tools.
• Using testing, calibration, or industry‑specific tools and software.
• Computer networks.
• 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) 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.

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.
• Finger dexterity for manipulating objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms.
• Listening and understanding information presented verbally.
• Communicating information verbally so others will understand.
• Reading and understanding written information.
• Applying general rules to specific problems to produce sensible answers.
• Understanding the speech of another person.
• Attending regular in-person meetings with customers outside of assigned office.

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.