Controls Engineer

CEC Controls Company; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CEC Controls Company in Chesapeake, VA is looking for a Controls Engineer to join our team. The role involves designing automation control systems and programming PLC and HMI systems.

Ideal candidates will have an electrical engineering degree and experience in PLC programming. You will work on projects from planning to field installation, supporting the Water-Wastewater and Manufacturing industry. Strong troubleshooting skills and a detail-oriented approach are required.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years’ experience in Automation Programming of PLCs or 2-5 years equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of PLC and HMI/SCADA programming experience.
• Experience with process control instrumentation like flow and pressure transmitters.

Responsibilities

• Design automation control systems based on customer specifications.
• Program automation and control systems involving PLCs and HMI’s.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA programming

Troubleshooting

Electrical engineering

Problem-solving

Industry standards knowledge

Education

Electrical engineering degree

Tools

Rockwell

Siemens

GE

Emerson Control Wave

FactoryTalk

Wonderware

Job description

Overview

CEC Controls is currently seeking a Controls Engineer to join our team in the Chesapeake, VA office. The Controls Engineers are given the opportunity to work on projects from the initial planning stages to field installation and commissioning for the Water‑Wastewater and Manufacturing Industry. Demonstrated trouble shooting skills are necessary.

This is an ideal opportunity for an individual with solid experience as a systems integrator, who is looking for career growth with a major organization.

Responsibilities

• Design automation control systems from customer specifications.
• Responsible for programming automation and control systems involving PLCs and HMI’s.
• Specify electrical equipment and materials including PLCs, automation control components and instrumentation based on calculations, customer specifications, and engineering principles.
• Develop electrical and P&ID drawings.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues.
• Design and debug Data Acquisition systems (SCADA).
• Power‑up, debug, and calibration of Water/Wastewater, automotive and/or manufacturing control systems.
• Follow all company processes, check lists, and support the development of standardized design platforms.

Skills & Qualifications

• Electrical engineering degree with 1‑2 years’ experience or 2‑5 years equivalent experience in Automation Programming of PLC's.
• 2+ years of PLC and HMI/SCADA programming experience.
• Proficient in programming PLC's; (Rockwell, Siemens, GE, Modicon, Emerson Control Wave, etc.)
• Proficient in programming HMI/SCADA systems; (FactoryTalk, Maple, VTSCADA, Wonderware, Ignition, etc.)
• Industrial electrical hands‑on experience and troubleshooting, including 480VAC 3‑phase, 120 VAC, 24VDC systems, and VFD’s.
• Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying automation controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, and standard electrical components.
• Experience with process control instrumentation; flow meters, pressure transmitters, & level transmitters a plus.
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills, using a logical and systematic approach.
• Has a working knowledge of industry standards and regulations (NEC, IEEE, NFPA, & OSHA, etc.)
• Ability to read, revise and create new PLC logic, HMI/SCADA programs, and VFD parameters.
• Attention to detail to maintain accurate drawings, files, bill of materials, correct spare parts and equipment specifications.
• Travel up to 25%. The current project workload requires less.
• Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship from CEC Controls is required.

Physical Requirements

• Able to climb a 2‑story ladder.
• Can walk a mile in 20 minutes.
• Be able to cover, on foot, a reasonable distance on a job site.
• Able to lift 30 lbs. without difficulty.