Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

Control Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery, and processes. Control Engineers work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity, building automation, water/wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and transportation systems. They are technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems (DCS), PLCs, and SCADA systems. Control Engineers use these skills to design and implement solutions that solve complex operational and automation challenges.

Responsibilities

Design / Engineering

• Develop design documents for small projects and support large-scale programs.

• Prepare narrative design documents.

• Perform requirements analysis.

• Develop subsystem designs, including:

• CAD drawings

• Control panels

• System layouts

• Wiring diagrams

• SCADA screens

• Hardware configurations

• Communication architectures

• Prepare technical specifications.

• Perform QA/QC reviews and technical evaluations of designs.

• Develop procedures and fixtures for integrated systems factory testing.

• Support internal and external review comment resolution.

Programming

• Lead programming and configuration efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.

• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs, RTUs, and HMI systems.

• Work with communication protocols including:

• DNP3

• Modbus

• SEL Fast Messaging

• Mirrored Bits Communications

Testing / Troubleshooting / Commissioning

• Author testing and commissioning procedures.

• Prepare test reports and documentation.

• Develop and execute test plans.

• Create test fixtures and simulation devices.

• Perform factory acceptance testing and field testing.

• Commission deployed systems and support operational startup.

Maintenance

• Troubleshoot existing and legacy control systems.

• Perform hardware and software upgrades.

• Support service calls and ongoing maintenance activities.

• Replace and update control system components as required.

Managerial ResponsibilitiesEstimating

• Conduct site surveys, inspections, and facility walkthroughs.

• Prepare cost estimates and supporting documentation for small projects.

• Support bid and proposal development activities.

• Evaluate and price change orders.

Personnel Management

• Assign technical tasks to junior engineers.

• Coordinate work activities with technical staff.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to engineering team members.

Field Experience

Technical Experience

• Reading and interpreting electrical and control schematics.

• Control system startup, configuration, and calibration.

• Testing and troubleshooting control systems.

• Use of electrical and mechanical hand tools.

• Experience with testing, calibration, and industry-specific software and equipment.

Software Experience

• Computer networking fundamentals.

• CAD/CAE software such as AutoCAD and EPLAN.

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience within the electric utilities industry.

• Minimum 5 years of solution architecture experience.

• Minimum 5 years of experience supporting:

• ADMS

• DERMS

• SCADA

• EMS

• Real-time grid management systems

Preferred Software Experience

Experience with one or more of the following platforms:

• AspenTech (Aspen Energy Analyzer, Aspen Utilities Planner, Aspen GDOT, Aspen One Engineering Suite, Aspen Plus, OSI Monarch)

• Siemens Spectrum Power

• ABB MicroSCADA

• GE PowerOn

• GE Grid Solutions / GE Vernova

• Schneider Electric EcoStruxure

• OSIsoft PI System

• Honeywell SCADA

• Oracle Utilities Network Management System

• Eaton CYME Grid Analysis

• PcVue

• Inductive Ignition

• Similar utility automation platforms

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to think creatively when resolving technical challenges.

• Experience working in collaborative team environments.

• Strong interest in information systems and automation technologies.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and project responsibilities.

Education & Experience

Master's Degree

• Electrical Engineering

• Automation Engineering

• Related Engineering Discipline

Required Experience: 5+ years

OR

Bachelor's Degree

• Electrical Engineering

• Automation Engineering

• Related Engineering Discipline

Required Experience: 7+ years

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods.

• Ability to reach and extend arms as needed.

• Manual dexterity sufficient for keyboard and equipment operation.

• Ability to listen, comprehend, and communicate technical information effectively.

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply written information.

• Ability to identify and solve technical problems using logical reasoning.

• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Tysons, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $93000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

Fully vested 401k with a 5% match. PTO starts at 10 days/year. Holidays - we observe 9 holidays per year; if employees are scheduled to work on a holiday they receive 2x their hourly rate, plus 8 hours Holiday Pay. Sick Days - Employees receive 2 paid sick days per year in addition to usable points and PTO. We also have a monthly 2h appointment allowance. You are eligible to join the Company's benefits plan on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. The Company benefits program offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance and disability coverage.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tysons,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.