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Contract Plc Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$86K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up assistance. Please Note: This ... Responsible for development of costs and proposal of change orders to contract scope Minimum ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up assistance. Please Note: This ... Responsible for development of costs and proposal of change orders to contract scope Minimum ...

Actalent

Controls Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$38 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience in PLC programming, programming, and electrical systems. * Strong troubleshooting skills ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling, VA. Pay and Benefits ...

Actalent

Controls Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$38 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience in PLC programming, programming, and electrical systems. * Strong troubleshooting skills ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling, VA. Pay and Benefits ...

Ramboll

Resident Engineer - Electrical

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensuring that the technical components meet the engineering requirements of the contract documents ... SCADA, PLC, RTU, DCS, LPS, SPD, grounding, instrumentation, communications, and security.

Ramboll

Resident Engineer - Electrical

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensuring that the technical components meet the engineering requirements of the contract documents ... SCADA, PLC, RTU, DCS, LPS, SPD, grounding, instrumentation, communications, and security.

Ramboll

Resident Engineer - Electrical

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensuring that the technical components meet the engineering requirements of the contract documents ... SCADA, PLC, RTU, DCS, LPS, SPD, grounding, instrumentation, communications, and security.

BAE Systems

Missile Test Engineer

Rockville, MD · Hybrid

$97K - $164K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a decades long sole source partner on multiple contracts on behalf of our customer, our program ... S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc. BAE Systems plc provides some of the world's most advanced ...

BAE Systems

SSBN Systems Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$118K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a decades long sole source partner on multiple contracts on behalf of our customer, our program ... BAE Systems, PLC provides some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defense, aerospace, and ...

BAE Systems

SSBN Systems Engineer

Potomac, MD · On-site

$118K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a decades long sole source partner on multiple contracts on behalf of our customer, our program ... BAE Systems, PLC provides some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defense, aerospace, and ...

BAE Systems

Missile Test Engineer-Rockville,Maryland

Rockville, MD · Hybrid

$97K - $164K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a decades long sole source partner on multiple contracts on behalf of our customer, our program ... S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc. BAE Systems plc provides some of the world's most advanced ...

Ramboll

Resident Engineer, Electrical

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensuring that the technical components meet the engineering requirements of the contract documents ... HMI, SCADA, PLC, RTU, DCS, LPS, SPD, grounding, instrumentation, communications, and security.

BAE Systems

Missile Test Engineer-Rockville,Maryland

Rockville, MD · Hybrid

$97K - $164K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a decades long sole source partner on multiple contracts on behalf of our customer, our program ... S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc. BAE Systems plc provides some of the world's most advanced ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Plc Engineer JobsContract Plc Engineer Jobs in Washington

Contract Plc Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$23.8K

$110.7K

$158K

How much do contract plc engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract plc engineer in Washington is $110,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $134,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a contract PLC engineer do?

A Contract PLC Engineer is a professional who specializes in programming, installing, and maintaining programmable logic controllers (PLCs) on a temporary or project basis. They are typically hired by companies to design, implement, and troubleshoot automated control systems in industries such as manufacturing, energy, or automotive. Their responsibilities may include writing PLC code, integrating hardware and software, testing systems, and providing technical support during the commissioning phase. Contract PLC Engineers often work on short- or medium-term assignments, allowing companies to address specific automation needs without hiring a full-time employee.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract PLC engineer?

To thrive as a Contract PLC Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and programming of PLC systems, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with leading PLC platforms like Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and SCADA systems, as well as proficiency in ladder logic and HMI programming, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working with clients and multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure efficient system integration, minimize downtime, and deliver successful automation solutions for clients.

What is the difference between Contract Plc Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectContract Plc EngineerControl Systems Engineer
CertificationsPLC programming, electrical or automation certificationsControl systems, automation, electrical engineering degrees
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, project sitesDesign offices, industrial plants, testing labs
Industry UsageManufacturing, process industries, automation projectsAutomation, robotics, process control industries

Contract Plc Engineers and Control Systems Engineers often share certifications and work in industrial environments. However, Contract Plc Engineers focus primarily on programming and maintaining PLC systems during specific projects, while Control Systems Engineers design and develop broader control systems, including hardware and software integration. Both roles are essential in automation industries but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges contract PLC engineers face when integrating with new client systems?

Contract PLC Engineers often encounter challenges such as limited documentation on existing client systems, varying hardware brands, and tight project deadlines. Adapting quickly to different programming standards and troubleshooting unfamiliar equipment are key aspects of the role. Effective communication with the client's in-house team is essential to understand system requirements and ensure a seamless integration, making strong interpersonal and technical skills valuable assets.

What are popular job titles related to Contract Plc Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Contract Plc Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Plc Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Plc Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Contract Plc Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Contract Plc Engineer job openings:

Contract Plc Engineer jobs near you

Controls Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc

Reston, VA • Hybrid

$86K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:

  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

We have a Controls Engineer position in Reston, VA. This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up assistance.

Please Note: This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, including H-1B sponsorship.

Responsibilities

    • Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process system requirements
    • Develops schematics detailing control system configuration and wiring, and design equipment panel layouts on AutoCAD software
    • Develop Sequence of Operation document detailing control strategies for the process under control. Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents
    • Work at customer site to perform the system checkout and start-up of the integrated control system
    • Develop the final record system documentation and provide system training to the customer
    • Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across multiple industries including both manufacturing production lines and data center building automation
    • Will act as technical lead on projects and guide lower level engineers and technicians
    • Will act as Project Manager on smaller projects ranging from $50K to $250K. This includes but not limited to:
      • Develops and executes implementation plans for the project
      • Assigns work to meet overall project deadlines
      • Ensures that all project team members clearly understand the scope of W-M responsibilities
      • Develops schedules for W-M and customer requirements
      • Evaluates progress on project and details changes
      • Responsible for all purchasing and subcontractor requirements
      • Responsible for development of costs and proposal of change orders to contract scope

    Minimum Requirements

    Education BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

    Experience Three to five years’ experience in areas below:

    • An in-depth understanding of control systems, components, logic programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Schnieder Modicon, Siemens, GE-IP) required. Experience with AutoCAD is also desired
    • Strong inter-personnel skills. Ability to communicate and work with both team members, subcontractors and clients
    • Ability to travel up to 50%

    Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, and ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.

    Working Environment Standard office environment, diverse industrial environments, frequent PC usage, facsimile/copy machines, phones.

    Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance

    #LI-Hybrid

    #LI-WM1