Controls Engineer

Insight Global; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, test, troubleshoot, deploy, and commission automation and SCADA systems. The role blends engineering design with hands-on field work and requires experience with PLC/DDC programming, SCADA platforms, and system startup.

You'll develop design documents, run site surveys, create test procedures, and support bids and field commissioning. Travel to customer sites and occasional on-site work are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical/Automation Engineering with 2+ years’ experience.
• Experience with Woodward Controls/PLCs and ladder logic.
• Proficiency in ladder logic and structured text programming.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for industrial automation.
• Ability to read electrical/control schematics and plans.
• Experience with SCADA startup, testing, and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Develop design documents for small projects and support larger programs.
• Create CAD drawings, control panels, layouts, wiring, and SCADA screens.
• Prepare specifications and perform QA/QC reviews.
• Develop testing procedures and support comment resolution.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs, RTUs, DDCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Conduct site surveys and prepare cost estimates for projects.

Job description

The Controls Engineer will support the design, programming, testing, troubleshooting, deployment, and commissioning of automation and SCADA systems. This role combines engineering design with hands‑on field work and requires experience with PLC/DDC programming, SCADA platforms, control system startup, and troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities :

• Develop design documents for small projects and support larger programs.
• Perform requirements analysis and develop subsystem designs, including CAD drawings, control panels, layouts, wiring, SCADA screens, hardware, and communications.
• Prepare specifications and perform QA/QC and technical design reviews.
• Develop testing procedures and support technical comment resolution.

Programming & Controls

• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs, RTUs, DDCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Support programming/configuration efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
• Develop testing and commissioning procedures and test reports.
• Perform factory and field testing.
• Develop test fixtures and simulation devices.
• Troubleshoot, upgrade, and replace hardware/software for existing and legacy systems.

Project Support

• Conduct site surveys, inspections, and customer‑site visits as needed.
• Prepare cost estimates and supporting documentation for small projects.
• Assist senior engineers with bids, proposals, estimates, and change‑order pricing.
• Assign and coordinate technical tasks with entry‑level engineers and technical staff.

Required Experience & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field with 2+ years of experience, OR Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field with 0+ years of experience.
• Experienced with Woodward Controls/PLCs
• Proficiency with programming languages such as ladder logic and structured text.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills within industrial automation/control systems.
• Experience reading electrical and control schematics and plans.
• Experience with control system startup, configuration, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with computer networks and AutoCAD and/or EPLAN.
• Ability to travel to customer sites, with a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. PLC / DDC Experience

Must have experience designing, programming, and troubleshooting at least one of the following:

• Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation; PlantPAx preferred
• ABB AC500 / AC800M
• Omron
• Johnson Controls FX
• SCADA Experience

Must have experience designing, programming, and troubleshooting at least one of the following:

• AVEVA InTouch / System Platform
• Ignition
• GE iFIX / CIMPLICITY
• Rockwell FactoryTalk View
• AVEVA Citect SCADA
• Intellution FIX32/HMI32
• AVEVA / OSIsoft PI Historian

Preferred Certifications

• Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA)
• Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA)
• Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
• PLC/automation certifications such as Schneider, Rockwell, Siemens, or Niagara
• SCADA certifications such as AVEVA, Rockwell, ICONICS, or Ignition
• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance