Senior Automation & Controls Engineer - Hybrid

Actalent; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Retirement plan

Wellness programs

Hybrid/onsite work schedules

Adoption assistance

Commuter benefits

Life and accident insurance

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer to lead instrumentation, PLC/SCADA/HMI design, and network integration for industrial projects. The role emphasizes technical leadership, mentoring, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

The position is based in Fairfax, VA, with a hybrid work culture and travel up to 20% to client sites. A PE license is preferred, and the candidate should have 10+ years of experience in automation engineering and design.

Qualifications

• Design and develop instrumentation, controls, PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems.
• Review shop drawings and RFIs to ensure compliance with project requirements and industry standards.
• Plan FATs, SATs, and field inspections to validate system performance and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop instrumentation, controls, PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for industrial and infrastructure projects.
• Create and maintain P&IDs, technical reports, design documents, and user requirements specifications that clearly define system functionality and performance.
• Review shop drawings and requests for information (RFIs) to ensure compliance with project requirements and industry standards.
• Plan and conduct FATs, SATs, and field inspections to validate system performance and reliability.
• Design industrial control networks, including Ethernet, CAT6, and fiber optic systems, to support robust and secure automation solutions.
• Lead testing, startup, and commissioning activities, ensuring smooth integration of automation systems into client operations.
• Develop comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals and enduser training programs to support successful system adoption.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing technical guidance, reviewing their work, and supporting their professional development.
• Provide technical leadership within the automation team, setting standards and promoting best practices in design, programming, and documentation.
• Support business development efforts through the preparation of proposals, participation in presentations, and active engagement with clients.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships and project scopes by understanding client needs and proposing valueadded solutions.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure projects are executed efficiently, safely, and in alignment with client expectations.

Skills

Instrumentation and controls design

PLC, SCADA, and HMI development

Industrial network design

Client-facing experience

Travel willingness

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

Job description

Actalent is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer to lead instrumentation, PLC/SCADA/HMI design, and network integration for industrial projects. The role emphasizes technical leadership, mentoring, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

The position is based in Fairfax, VA, with a hybrid work culture and travel up to 20% to client sites. A PE license is preferred, and the candidate should have 10+ years of experience in automation engineering and design.