Automation Controls Programmer Jobs in Washington, DC

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance

Position: Controls Engineer I
Location: Rochester, New York
Work Type: On-Site
Job Type: Full-Time
Experience Required: Minimum 1+ Years of Experience in Engineering or Machine Controls Environment
Position Overview

The Controls Engineer I is responsible for coordinating electrical and controls engineering activities with external suppliers and internal engineering teams to ensure new product platforms achieve required functionality, quality standards, and project schedules.
This position plays a critical role in the design, development, testing, validation, and support of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and motion control systems used in CNC machines, testing equipment, and manufacturing facilities.
The successful candidate will support both external and internal product development activities by creating controls specifications, validating control systems, developing PLC and CNC functionality, supporting service operations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires strong technical expertise in electrical controls, motion systems, machine automation, and project management within a highly technical engineering environment.
Schedule

Full-Time Position
Primarily On-Site
Occasional work-from-home flexibility may be available based on business needs and management approval
Domestic and international travel required (<10%)
Key Responsibilities

Coordinate electrical and controls engineering activities with external suppliers to ensure product requirements, costs, and schedules are achieved.
Develop detailed controls requirements, specifications, and validation plans for new equipment and systems.
Communicate technical requirements clearly and effectively to equipment suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Develop validation strategies to ensure motion control and machine performance requirements are achieved.
Apply applicable CE standards, including IEC 60204-1, and NEC requirements, including NFPA 79, to ensure equipment compliance.
Develop control diagrams and system architecture documentation illustrating relationships between PLC, NC, IPC, and other control systems.
Define electrical interface specifications and collaborate with system design engineers on motor selection, control integration, and mechanical interfaces.
Create, modify, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC programs to support operational requirements and new functionality.
Develop interface specifications between CNC platforms and software applications.
Identify electrical and controls-related spare parts requirements.
Support technical documentation, user manuals, engineering change activities, and cost reduction initiatives.
Plan, execute, monitor, and oversee testing activities, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Develop and utilize computer hardware and software systems to test electrical products and systems.
Collaborate with engineering, scientific, and technical teams to resolve system performance issues and testing challenges.
Manage cross-functional engineering projects, including project schedules, resource allocation, timelines, and risk assessments.
Develop procedures to support equipment upgrades, troubleshooting, machine optimization, and field service activities.
Support service and software teams by troubleshooting electrical, control system, and motion control issues.
Participate in customer site visits and field service activities to resolve complex technical problems.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on controls engineering, machine performance, and operational efficiency.
Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering required.
Master's Degree preferred but not required.
Minimum of one year of experience in engineering, automation, controls, or machine controls environments.
Strong knowledge of electrical controls, machine automation, and motion control systems.
Experience developing, modifying, and troubleshooting PLC and CNC programs.
Familiarity with CE regulations, IEC 60204-1, NEC, and NFPA 79 standards.
Strong understanding of electrical interfaces, machine controls, and industrial automation systems.
Experience supporting testing, validation, and engineering documentation activities.
Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting schedules and deadlines.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, suppliers, technicians, customers, and service personnel.
Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
Knowledge of statistical analysis and experimental design preferred.
Experience with project planning, scheduling, and risk management preferred.
Technical Skills

PLC Programming
CNC Programming
Machine Controls Engineering
Motion Control Systems
Electrical System Design
Hydraulic Systems
Pneumatic Systems
Industrial Automation
Control System Validation
Machine Safety Standards
CE Compliance (IEC 60204-1)
NEC/NFPA 79 Compliance
Electrical Interface Development
Project Management
Gantt Chart Development
Test Planning and Validation
Data Analysis and Reporting
Oscilloscopes
Digital Voltmeters (DVMs)
Spectrum Analyzers
Mechanical/Electrical Sensor Integration
Design Software
Development Software
Project Management Software
Spreadsheet Applications
Technical Documentation
Work Environment

Primarily office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
Frequent collaboration with suppliers, engineers, technicians, and manufacturing personnel.
Regular use of engineering software, testing equipment, and laboratory instrumentation.
Requires occasional travel to supplier facilities and customer locations.
Physical requirements include sitting, standing, walking, reaching, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
Fast-paced technical environment requiring strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Additional Information

No direct supervisory responsibilities; indirect supervision of laboratory technicians may be required.
U.S. work authorization required without employer sponsorship.
Position supports advanced machine development, automation, and precision manufacturing technologies.
Opportunity to contribute to innovative engineering projects involving CNC systems, motion control, and industrial automation.