Control Engineer 4

M.C. Dean, Inc.; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

M.C. Dean, Inc. is a leading builder in cyber-physical solutions for mission-critical facilities. The Controls Engineer 4 will design, program, test, and deploy PLC/SCADA systems, developing robust control architectures for complex environments.

The role emphasizes design documents, programming leadership, QA/QC, and hands-on field deployment support across electrical and automation projects.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in electrical or automation engineering with 5+ years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical or automation engineering with 7+ years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Originate design documents for projects and programs, including CAD/layouts.
• Lead programming and configuration for PLCs, RTUs, and HMIs.
• Test, troubleshoot, and deploy control systems and SCADA solutions.
• Perform QA/QC reviews and coordinate field commissioning activities.
• Maintain and upgrade existing control systems and hardware.

Skills

Ladder logic

Structured text

PLC programming

DDC systems

SCADA

Troubleshooting

Education

Master's degree in electrical/automation engineering

Bachelor's degree in electrical/automation engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

EPLAN

Job description

Controls Engineers 4

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.

Responsibilities

• 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
  • Conduct surveys, inspections, tours, etc. of client sites, as required.
  • Prepare cost estimates and supporting documents for small projects.
  • Assist senior engineers in preparation of Bids and Proposals cost estimates and supporting documentation.
  • Evaluate and price change orders.
• Personnel Management
  • Assign technical tasks and coordinate with entry‑level engineers.
  • Assign tasks and coordinate with Technical Staff.

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) relevant to 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 5+ years of experience
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field with 7+ 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, 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.

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.