Automation Engineering Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Job Title: Controls & Automation Engineering Manager - Direct Power Generation

Location: Richmond, Virginia

Starting Compensation Range: $200,000 - $240,000 per year

The Controls & Automation Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the design, integration, and lifecycle management of automation, controls, and monitoring systems supporting mobile and modular distributed power plants utilizing natural gas turbines and natural gas reciprocating engines. These systems are deployed in both grid-interconnected and behind-the-meter applications serving data centers, utilities, oil & gas, and industrial customers.

You'll provide technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle, including front-end engineering and design (FEED), system integration, commissioning, remote monitoring, operations support, and continuous fleet optimization. The Manager establishes controls standards across the fleet and ensure automation systems deliver safe, reliable, and highly available power generation.

What You Will Do: 

Controls & Automation Leadership

• Lead Controls & Automation Engineering function supporting distributed power generation projects across the full project lifecycle
• Develop and maintain company standards for controls architecture, automation, instrumentation, SCADA, and communication systems
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to controls engineers, programmers, and system integrators
• Ensure consistency, cybersecurity, reliability, and scalability across all automation platforms

Front-End Engineering & Design (FEED)

• Lead controls engineering during project development and conceptual design
• Define control philosophies, system architecture, and communication strategies for modular power plants
• Support project feasibility studies, engineering reviews, and technical due diligence
• Evaluate control system alternatives to optimize reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle cost

Control System Design & Integration

• Lead engineering and integration of:
  • PLC-based control systems
  • Distributed Control Systems (DCS), where applicable
  • SCADA systems
  • Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI)
  • Energy Management Systems (EMS)
  • Generator control systems
  • Turbine and reciprocating engine controls
  • Protective relay interfaces
  • Synchronization and load-sharing controls
  • Plant sequencing and automation
  • Utility interconnection controls
  • Remote monitoring and diagnostics
  • Communications networks utilizing industrial Ethernet and fiber optic infrastructure
• Ensure seamless integration between generation equipment, balance-of-plant systems, electrical infrastructure, and customer facilities

SCADA, EMS & Fleet Monitoring

• Develop and maintain enterprise SCADA architecture for remote fleet monitoring and operational visibility
• Support Energy Management System (EMS) integration for plant optimization and dispatch
• Develop dashboards, alarming strategies, reporting tools, and performance analytics
• Ensure secure and reliable communications between field assets and centralized operations

Commissioning & Startup Support

• Lead controls commissioning activities, including PLC programming validation, I/O checkout, loop testing, system integration, and functional testing
• Support startup and synchronization of generation equipment
• Verify plant automation sequences and performance under normal and contingency operating conditions
• Resolve commissioning issues in collaboration with engineering, OEMs, and field operations

Operations Support & Continuous Improvement

• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for operating assets
• Analyze control system performance and identify opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, and availability
• Support software updates, configuration management, and lifecycle planning for automation systems
• Lead root cause investigations related to control system events and equipment performance

Cybersecurity & System Reliability

• Develop automation standards aligned with recognized industrial cybersecurity best practices
• Support secure remote access solutions for field assets
• Coordinate with IT and Operations to maintain network integrity and system availability
• Maintain documentation and change management for control system modifications

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Mechanical and Electrical Engineering to develop integrated plant designs
• Support Commercial Engineering during customer presentations and technical solution development
• Coordinate with Project Management to meet engineering and commissioning schedules
• Collaborate with Field Operations during startup, maintenance, and long-term operations
• Work in coordination with team to achieve Continuous Improvement goals and objectives
• Perform other related duties as assigned 

What We’re Looking For: 

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Minimum eight years of experience designing and implementing industrial automation systems within power generation or heavy industrial facilities
• Experience with natural gas turbines, reciprocating engines, or utility-scale generation facilities
• Experience with synchronization, generator controls, load sharing, and utility interconnection
• Experience leading multidisciplinary controls projects from design through commissioning
• Professional Engineer (PE) license, preferred
• Experience with Emerson, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider Electric, GE, or Caterpillar control platforms, preferred
• Experience with Energy Management Systems (EMS) and remote operations centers, preferred
• Experience supporting mission-critical facilities such as data centers, preferred
• Knowledge of IEC, IEEE, ISA, and NFPA standards, preferred
• Thorough knowledge of natural gas turbines, reciprocating engines, or utility-scale generation facilities
• Thorough familiarity with synchronization, generator controls, load sharing, and utility interconnection
• Experience leading multidisciplinary controls projects from design through commissioning
• Familiarity with industrial cybersecurity standards and best practices
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Valid driver’s license
• Excellent driving record
• Willingness to travel and work hours required for job and customer demand
• Frequent travel is required – overnight or out town via car or airplane

What Success Looks Like In This Role: 

• Handling large volumes of work in a fast-paced environment
• Coordinating multiple competing tasks and demands
• Strong organizational skills
• Defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions  
• Prioritizing tasks and delegating them when appropriate
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Promotion of a positive customer experience
• Upholding the Core Values of Integrity, Commitment, Excellence and Teamwork by embracing The Carter Way

Physical Requirements: 

• Regularly required to stand; walk and talk or hear
• Frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Occasionally lift and /or move up to 20 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus

Competitive Compensation and Benefits: 

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k), $0.75 to $1.25 match up to 6%
• Life and disability insurance 
• In-house training instructors/programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee referral bonus program
• Tool allowances and tool loans
• Discounts on cellular phone service, computers, and vehicles
• Opportunities for overtime
• Shift differential (if applicable)

You’ll gain access to real learning, real advancement, and a real future in a company that’s reshaping what it means to lead in our industry. If you're looking for purpose, possibilities, and a team that wins together - you belong at Carter Machinery. 

Come build what matters and build your future with us. 

Actual base pay may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, education, geographic location, and other relevant business considerations. In addition to base pay, the compensation package may include participation in performance-based incentive programs (e.g., discretionary or non-discretionary plans), as well as overtime eligibility depending on the role.

Carter Machinery Co. Inc. is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals – including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, or any other characteristic protected by law – are encouraged to apply. 

Carter Machinery is a drug-free workplace.