Senior Controls Engineer

Concept Systems Inc; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) and bonus plan

Career development

Hybrid work options

Job summary

Concept Systems, Inc. in the Washington, DC area seeks an experienced controls engineer to design, develop, and implement industrial automation systems (PLC/HMI, robotics, vision, motion, SCADA).

You will take technical ownership from concept through commissioning and work directly with customers to translate processes into effective automation solutions. The role emphasizes managing project scope, schedules, and budgets, mentoring peers, and collaborating with engineering, project management,

Qualifications

• 4+ years of controls, automation, or systems integration experience.
• Experience with PLC/HMI development, robotics and vision, motion control, SCADA, industrial networking, machine safety, CNC, DCS, or manufacturing intelligence.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to take ownership of complex technical challenges from concept through implementation.
• The ability to organize and lead technical work while managing project scope, schedule, budget, and priorities.
• Strong communication skills and confidence working directly with customers to understand their needs, explain technical concepts, and build lasting relationships.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to mentor, share knowledge, and work effectively across teams.
• Curiosity about new technologies and a genuine interest in industrial automation and systems integration.
• Experience with hardware design and documentation, power distribution and component sizing, motion control, and control panel quality review is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and implement industrial control and automation systems (PLC/HMI, robotics and vision, motion control, SCADA, safety, networking).
• Take technical ownership from initial concept through programming, testing, startup, and commissioning.
• Work directly with customers to understand processes, challenges, and goals and develop practical automation solutions.
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and customer expectations following Concept Systems' Project Methodology.
• Serve as a key technical resource during customer meetings, solution development, estimating, and proposal efforts.
• Build strong customer relationships by providing responsive technical support, identifying future needs, and helping customers evaluate new technologies.
• Stay current with evolving automation technologies and contribute ideas to internal innovation, R&D, and solution development.
• Mentor and support other engineers while collaborating across engineering, project management, sales, and other Concept teams.

Skills

Controls systems design

PLC/HMI development

Robotics and vision

Motion control

SCADA

Industrial networking

Machine safety

CNC / DCS

Manufacturing intelligence

Problem solving

Customer communication

Mentoring

Travel internationally

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field or equivalent project focused work experience

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Concept Systems, Inc. is a Pacific Northwest-based industrial automation system integrator with deep expertise in controls engineering, robotics, custom work cells, and panel fabrication. We partner with manufacturers across a wide range of industries to design and deliver automation solutions that improve efficiency, quality, and competitiveness.

We’re a growing team of curious, driven engineers and business professionals who take real pride in solving hard problems, and we’re looking for people who share that energy.

Our culture shows up in how we work every day. We’re inspired by bringing curiosity, energy, and purpose to our work and leading by example; being resourceful, taking initiative, and finding a way forward even without perfect information; and being committed, taking ownership, and consistently delivering high-quality work with accountability and care. Every member of our team is expected to bring these values to life.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Design, develop, program, and implement industrial control and automation systems, including PLC/HMI, robotics and vision, motion control, SCADA, safety, industrial networking, and other technologies based on project needs.Take technical ownership of projects from initial concept and system design through programming, testing, startup, and commissioning.Work directly with customers to understand their processes, challenges, and goals and develop practical automation solutions to address them.Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and customer expectations while following Concept Systems' Project Methodology.Serve as a key technical resource during customer meetings, solution development, estimating, and proposal efforts.Build strong customer relationships by providing responsive technical support, identifying future needs, and helping customers evaluate new technologies and opportunities for improvement.Stay current with evolving automation technologies and contribute ideas to internal innovation, R&D, and solution development.Mentor and support other engineers while collaborating across engineering, project management, sales, and other Concept teams.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

4+ years of controls, automation, or systems integration experience, with a strong foundation in designing, programming, and implementing industrial control systems.Experience with technologies such as PLC/HMI development, robotics and vision, motion control, SCADA, industrial networking, machine safety, CNC, DCS, or manufacturing intelligence. You don’t need to be an expert in all of them.Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to take ownership of complex technical challenges from concept through implementation.The ability to organize and lead technical work while managing project scope, schedule, budget, and priorities.Strong communication skills and confidence working directly with customers to understand their needs, explain technical concepts, and build lasting relationships.A collaborative approach and willingness to mentor, share knowledge, and work effectively across teams.Curiosity about new technologies and a genuine interest in industrial automation and systems integration.Experience with hardware design and documentation, power distribution and component sizing, motion control, and control panel quality review is preferred.A valid, insurable driver’s license and passport, with the ability to travel internationally on occasion.Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field or equivalent project focused work experience.

WHY CONCEPT SYSTEMS

growing CompanyWe’re expanding our capabilities, our team, and our customer base. You’ll have room to grow with us and take on new challenges along the way.Collaborative CultureEngineering here is a team effort. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers, project managers, and other technical teams to solve problems and deliver the right solution.Real TechnologyYou’ll work hands-on with proven and emerging automation technologies, applying them to solve real-world manufacturing challenges.Meaningful WorkThe systems you help design and implement will help manufacturers operate better, safer, and smarter.

BENEFITS

• Prompt enrollment in medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Vacation, company-paid leave programs, plus 10 paid holidays annually.
• 401(k), discretionary bonus plan, and profit sharing.
• Career development and continued learning opportunities.
• Flexible in-office and hybrid work options based on your role and business needs.

Company Description

Concept Systems, Inc. is a Pacific Northwest-based industrial automation system integrator with deep expertise in controls engineering, robotics, custom work cells, and panel fabrication. We partner with manufacturers across a wide range of industries to design and deliver automation solutions that improve efficiency, quality, and competitiveness. We’re a growing team of curious, driven engineers and business professionals who take real pride in solving hard problems, and we’re looking for people who share that energy.Our culture shows up in how we work every day. We’re inspired by bringing curiosity, energy, and purpose to our work and leading by example; being resourceful, taking initiative, and finding a way forward even without perfect information; and being committed, taking ownership, and consistently delivering high-quality work with accountability and care. Every member of our team is expected to bring these values to life.

Company Description

Concept Systems, Inc. is a Pacific Northwest-based industrial automation system integrator with deep expertise in controls engineering, robotics, custom work cells, and panel fabrication. We partner with manufacturers across a wide range of industries to design and deliver automation solutions that improve efficiency, quality, and competitiveness. We’re a growing team of curious, driven engineers and business professionals who take real pride in solving hard problems, and we’re looking for people who share that energy.Our culture shows up in how we work every day. We’re inspired by bringing curiosity, energy, and purpose to our work and leading by example; being resourceful, taking initiative, and finding a way forward even without perfect information; and being committed, taking ownership, and consistently delivering high-quality work with accountability and care. Every member of our team is expected to bring these values to life.

Company Description

Concept Systems, Inc. is a Pacific Northwest-based industrial automation system integrator with deep expertise in controls engineering, robotics, custom work cells, and panel fabrication. We partner with manufacturers across a wide range of industries to design and deliver automation solutions that improve efficiency, quality, and competitiveness. We’re a growing team of curious, driven engineers and business professionals who take real pride in solving hard problems, and we’re looking for people who share that energy.Our culture shows up in how we work every day. We’re inspired by bringing curiosity, energy, and purpose to our work and leading by example; being resourceful, taking initiative, and finding a way forward even without perfect information; and being committed, taking ownership, and consistently delivering high-quality work with accountability and care. Every member of our team is expected to bring these values to life.