Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on the design, programming, integration, and commissioning of advanced control and automation systems for electric utility and real-time grid management environments. The Controls Engineer develops complete design packages, programs and configures SCADA and related systems, supports testing and commissioning activities, and provides technical leadership across projects. The position is ideal for a professional with deep experience in electric utilities, solution architecture, and real-time grid management systems such as ADMS, DERMS, SCADA, and EMS.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive design packages, including requirements, specifications, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, SCADA screens, and communication architectures.
• Create, review, and maintain technical documentation, drawings, and testing procedures to ensure clarity, accuracy, and compliance with project standards.
• Perform QA/QC reviews on design and implementation deliverables and support factory testing activities to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Configure, program, and troubleshoot PLC, RTU, HMI, and SCADA systems used in electric utility and industrial automation environments.
• Work with communication protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, SEL Fast Messaging, and Mirrored Bits to ensure reliable data exchange and system interoperability.
• Lead complex controls and automation integration efforts, coordinating multiple systems and ensuring seamless operation across platforms.
• Develop detailed commissioning plans and test procedures to guide factory and field testing, startup, and system deployment activities.
• Execute factory acceptance tests, field testing, system startup, and commissioning, ensuring systems operate as designed and meet performance requirements.
• Troubleshoot existing systems, diagnose issues, and perform hardware and software upgrades to improve reliability, performance, and functionality.
• Support the development of cost estimates, proposals, bids, and change orders by providing technical input and scope definition.
• Coordinate technical activities for engineers and technicians, providing guidance, oversight, and support to ensure successful project execution.
• Participate in site visits and surveys to gather field data, assess existing systems, and define project requirements.
• Attend and contribute to client meetings, presenting technical solutions, addressing questions, and building strong working relationships.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience within the electric utilities sector.
• A minimum of 5 years specializing in solution architecture, particularly in controls and automation for utility or grid systems.
• A minimum of 5 years of direct involvement in real-time grid management, including ADMS, DERMS, SCADA, and EMS systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency with one or more vendor software systems such as Aspen Energy Analyzer, Aspen Utilities Planner, Aspen GDOT, Aspen One Engineering Suite, Aspen Plus, OSI Monarch, Siemens Spectrum Power, ABB MicroSCADA, General Electric PowerOn, General Electric Grid Solutions, General Electric Vernova, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure, OSIsoft PI System, Honeywell SCADA, Oracle Utilities Network Management System, Eaton CYME Grid Analysis, PcVue, Inductive Ignition, or similar platforms.
• Strong ability to interpret electrical and control schematics for complex systems.
• Hands-on experience with controls startup, calibration, and troubleshooting in industrial or utility environments.
• Industrial networking experience, including configuration and troubleshooting of communication networks for control systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or EPLAN for creating and modifying electrical and control drawings.
• Experience working with SCADA platforms and PLC systems for monitoring and control applications.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, reporting, and analysis.
• Familiarity with test, calibration, and electrical diagnostic tools used in commissioning and maintenance activities.
• Experience with SCADA systems, SEL devices, switchgear technologies, ADMS, and tools such as Aspen Energy Analyzer and Siemens Spectrum.
• Hands-on experience with SEL tools (Schweitzer Engineering Labs), including configuration and integration.
• Experience with RTAC (Ruggedized Terminal Automation Controller) used to monitor and control complex systems and act as a data hub and protocol translator.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field with 7+ years of relevant experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with real-time grid management solutions such as ADMS, DERMS, SCADA, and EMS in utility or large-scale industrial environments.
• Exposure to or proficiency with multiple vendor ecosystems, including but not limited to Aspen, Siemens, ABB, General Electric, Schneider Electric, OSIsoft, Honeywell, Oracle, Eaton, PcVue, and Inductive Ignition.
• Experience with switchgear technologies and related protection and control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical integration efforts and coordinate multidisciplinary teams of engineers and technicians.
• Strong communication skills to effectively participate in client meetings, present technical concepts, and document solutions clearly.
• Ability and willingness to relocate, with relocation support available.
• Interest in contributing to a growing organization and supporting continuous improvement of processes and tools.

Work Environment

The role operates primarily during normal business hours, with a preference for a 7:00 AM start time to align with project and team schedules. The work involves a mix of office-based design and documentation tasks, as well as factory and field-based testing, startup, and commissioning activities. Candidates participate in a structured interview process, typically involving one or two interview sessions with a panel of three interviewers, with feedback captured in an internal system before an offer is extended. The organization offers core benefits and emphasizes growth, providing opportunities to work with advanced technologies such as SCADA systems, SEL equipment, RTACs, industrial networking, and a variety of vendor platforms for real-time grid management and automation. The environment supports professional development, collaboration, and technical excellence in a growing company.

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

The pay range for this position is $125000.00 - $187000.00/yr.

Core offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, paid time off, and tuition assistance. Employees also enjoy well-being programs and travel perks

This is a fully onsite position in Tysons,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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