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Automation Direct Plc Programmer Jobs in Reston, VA

API Automation Engineer using Ready API Job Location: Bethesda, MD Job Type: Contract * 10+ years ... Excellent verbal and written communication skills for direct client interaction and collaboration ...

Automation Test Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$52 - $68.75/hr

Automation Test Engineer Duration: 6+ Months Location: Washington, DC Client ... Direct Client Duties include but are not limited to: Drive test automation strategy within the DHS ...

... direct hire career opportunities with Fortune Firms. Recently recognized as one of the fastest ... Automation Engineer Duration: 12+ months with a possible extension based on your performance ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

... automation and control systems that power our switchgear and switchboard solutions. Your expertise in PLC programming, HMI development, and system integration will directly support manufacturing ...

Rockwell Automation is a global technology leader focused on helping the world's manufacturers be ... Experience with PLC coding and HMI configuration. * Previous project engineering experience in a ...

Be Seen First

C. offices as needed and as directed by leadership to attend critical meetings, technical exchanges ... Automation & IaC Engineering: Develop and enforce Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) best practices ...

Urgent

Be Seen First

C. offices as needed and as directed by leadership to attend critical meetings, technical exchanges ... Automation & IaC Engineering: Develop and enforce Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) best practices ...

Urgent

Test Automation Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$53 - $70/hr

Experience designing and building test automation projects from the ground up * Experience working ... Direct hands-on experience implementing automated tests for acceptance and regression testing ...

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Automation Direct Plc Programmer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.1K

$83.9K

$116.5K

How much do automation direct plc programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation direct plc programmer in Reston, VA is $83,919.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,700.00 and $96,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Automation Direct Plc Programmer vs PLC Technician?

AspectAutomation Direct Plc ProgrammerPLC Technician
CredentialsTypically requires programming certifications and knowledge of PLC softwareUsually holds technical diplomas or certifications in PLC maintenance
Work EnvironmentPrimarily involved in programming, testing, and software developmentFocuses on installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of PLC systems
Industry UsageUsed in automation, manufacturing, and control system designCommon in industrial maintenance and repair roles

Automation Direct Plc Programmers focus on developing and implementing PLC software, while PLC Technicians handle installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of PLC hardware. Both roles are essential in automation industries but differ in their primary responsibilities and skill sets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automation Direct PLC Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Direct PLC Programmer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering, control systems, and proficiency in programming PLCs, often supported by a relevant technical degree or certification. Familiarity with Automation Direct software platforms, ladder logic programming, and industrial communication protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and troubleshoot system issues. These skills ensure reliable automation solutions, minimize downtime, and optimize manufacturing processes in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Automation Direct PLC Programmers when integrating new equipment into existing systems?

Automation Direct PLC Programmers often encounter challenges when integrating new equipment, such as ensuring compatibility between different hardware and software versions, adapting to varying communication protocols, and minimizing system downtime during installation. Troubleshooting unexpected issues and thoroughly testing new code within live production environments require both technical expertise and careful planning. Close collaboration with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams is essential to ensure seamless integration and ongoing system reliability.

What is an Automation Direct PLC Programmer?

An Automation Direct PLC Programmer is a professional who specializes in programming, configuring, and troubleshooting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) manufactured by AutomationDirect. These PLCs are used to automate machinery and industrial processes in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, energy, and material handling. The programmer uses software tools like DirectSOFT or Do-more Designer to create custom logic programs that control equipment based on specific operational requirements. Their work ensures systems run efficiently, safely, and reliably.
What are popular job titles related to Automation Direct Plc Programmer jobs in Reston, VA? For Automation Direct Plc Programmer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Direct Plc Programmer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Direct Plc Programmer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Automation Direct Plc Programmer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Automation Direct Plc Programmer job openings:
Tech Specialist 3 - Automation & Control Systems

Tech Specialist 3 - Automation & Control Systems

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

221st of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
Responsibilities
Technical Specialist provides advanced technical leadership in the development, implementation, final testing, startup, commissioning, calibration of instrumentation devices within BMS (Building Management Systems), EPMS (Electrical Power Management Systems), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems and (ICS) Industrial Control systems. This role is responsible for implementing multiple interconnected systems with advanced configurable integrations, ensuring optimal performance, interoperability, and security. The Technical Specialist understands sophisticated electrical and mechanical distribution systems. Assist in planning and execution of complex projects, providing strategic guidance and technical expertise. You will contribute to a safe working environment for co-workers and customers and help ensure the overall success of projects. Local, regional, and national travel may be required.
  • Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of complex BMS, EPMS and SCADA systems, focusing on advanced configurable integrations.
  • Perform basic TCP/IP configuration
  • Configure communication devices and troubleshoot communication link failure
  • Configure Modbus Gateway devices communication protocol and ability to use applications like Modscan for troubleshooting and monitoring
  • Understand the vendor's manuals and configure vendor's power meter, PDU, ATS, Generators, STS, UPS, and Battery systems etc.
  • Navigate through EPMS and SCADA applications for monitoring, trending, and retrieving of data
  • Safely open, close, rack-in and rack-out of breakers for points monitoring
  • Understand PLC applications to load and update projects
  • Understand PLC applications to configure the communication parameters
  • Prepares and review simple electrical sketches, CX plans, and data sheets
  • Perform simple routine electrical and mechanical calculations
  • Assists in review of supplier documentation for compliance with specifications
  • Basic knowledge of Commissioning, inspection, and testing of electrical components and systems
  • Knowledge of basic electrical and mechanical theories
  • Basic power systems familiarity with switchgear, transformers, circuit breakers, power panels, protection relays, UPS systems, power monitoring systems, text equipment, etc.
  • Perform Point to Point and functional startup scrips on EPMS/BMS systems
  • Manage the progress of startup and issues lists, standards and commissioning tools
  • Write Point to Point and functional startup scripts on EPMS/BMS/ICS systems
  • Manage the progress of startup and issues lists in CX Allow and other commissioning tools
  • Basic programming and troubleshooting skills of PLC and SCADA
  • Proficient with technical writing
  • Knowledge of advanced mathematics
  • Basic awareness of industry codes and standards
  • Good communication skills
  • Willing to travel to customer sites for startups

Qualifications
Education:
  • Requires 10 or more years of experience with installation, troubleshooting and/or testing of EPMS, BMS, Industrial instrumentation and/or SCADA systems
  • 10+ years of experience with a High School Diploma 8+ years of experience with an Associate's
  • Requires reliable attendance at customer site during work hours required by customer

Preferred Technologies:
  • Allen Bradley PLC, Ignition, Distech, Niagara, Siemens Desigo, Eaton Foreseer, Schneider EPO, Open Systems Interconnection (OSI), Wonderware, Instrumentation calibrator/simulator

Preferred Industry Certifications:
  • CCST certification, Security+ certification

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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Benefits

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M.C. Dean logo

About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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