Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer | Onsite in Washington, DC | Pay: 60k - 100k/yr | 12-month contract-to-hire Job Description The Controls Engineer designs, programs, tests, and commissions control systems for mission critical facilities, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. This role requires hands-on technical expertise in system acceptance testing, SCADA development, and PLC programming, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with operators, engineers, and stakeholders.

The position is primarily based on client sites in the Manassas, VA area, with occasional travel within the DC region, supporting the optimization and visibility of complex facility processes. Responsibilities Support operators and owners by planning, leading, and conducting acceptance testing of designated systems and devices. Perform comprehensive system acceptance testing, including troubleshooting and validation, to ensure reliability, efficiency, and adherence to design specifications.

Configure and establish communication for field devices, ensuring proper integration with SCADA and PLC control systems. Develop and deploy SCADA functionality using function block diagrams and structured text, aligning with project requirements and industry standards. Program, test, and refine PLC logic to control electrical and mechanical systems within mission critical facilities. Review and digest technical drawing sets and documentation to extract relevant programming, configuration, and integration information.

Commute daily within the DC–Maryland–Virginia (DMV) area to work onsite at client facilities as required. Provide clear and timely project updates in client meetings and directly to client operators and engineers, explaining technical issues and proposed solutions. Thoroughly document lessons learned, test results, configuration changes, and opportunities for process and design improvements. Represent the organization positively and professionally at client sites and industry-related events.

Stay current with industry developments, emerging technologies, and best practices in mission critical systems, controls, and automation. Perform field testing and integration of electrical and mechanical systems to verify proper operation and system interoperability. Author technical documents such as submittals, test plans, and change procedure documentation to support project execution and compliance.

Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including operations, engineering, and project stakeholders, to deliver successful project outcomes. Utilize and maintain SCADA and PLC certifications or credentials to support high-quality system design and implementation. Carry out additional duties related to controls engineering, system testing, and client support as assigned. Essential Skills Proficiency in Schneider Electric PLCs or another PLC system, including programming, testing, and troubleshooting.

Hands-on SCADA experience, including the ability to develop and deploy SCADA functionality using function block diagrams and structured text. Demonstrated PLC programming experience for control of electrical and mechanical systems. Field testing experience, including site acceptance testing (SAT) and/or factory acceptance testing (FAT) of systems and devices. Experience leading and conducting site acceptance testing and/or factory acceptance testing for complex control systems.

Expertise performing field integration of electrical and mechanical systems within mission critical environments. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate clearly with operators, engineers, and stakeholders. Ability to author technical documents such as submittals, test plans, and change procedure documentation with accuracy and clarity. Certification or credential in a SCADA or software control platform, demonstrating formal knowledge of supervisory control systems.

Certification or credential in a PLC or other rel