Automation Controls Programmer Jobs in Reston, VA

Controls Engineer

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 relevant controller type, confirming expertise in industrial control hardware and software.
• At least 2+ years of experience in, or a degree related to, the mission critical industry, with exposure to high-reliability facility operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field is preferred but not required.
• Experience working in mission critical facilities, such as data centers or other high-availability environments, is highly beneficial.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex control and integration issues.
• Attention to detail in reviewing technical drawings, specifications, and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects while maintaining clear communication with clients and internal teams.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying up to date on industry developments, standards, and technologies in controls and automation.
• Professional demeanor and ability to represent the organization positively at client sites and industry events.

Work Environment

This role is primarily onsite at client facilities in the Manassas, VA area, with occasional work at locations in the greater DC region. The Controls Engineer works within mission critical environments where safety, reliability, and uptime are essential, often interacting directly with operators, engineers, and other stakeholders in active facility settings. The work involves frequent use of SCADA platforms, PLC hardware and software, and field devices, as well as regular review of technical drawings and documentation. Hours typically follow standard business schedules, but may require flexibility to support testing, commissioning, and critical project milestones. The team culture emphasizes systems design, process adherence, and process controls, with a focus on optimizing client processes, increasing visibility into facility operations, and supporting mutual business growth in a small, collaborative, and technically focused group.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Washington, DC.

The pay range for this position is $60000.00 - $100000.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Washington,DC.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.