Entry Level Process Control Engineer Jobs in Blacksburg, VA

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.
Job Overview
Control Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery, and processes. Control Engineers work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity, building automation, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Control engineers use these skills to design and implement solutions to solve our customer's most complex needs.
Design / Engineering

• Originates design documents for small projects and in support of large programs.

o Narrative Design Documents
o Requirements Analysis

• o Subsystem Designs (CAD / Panels / Layouts / Wiring / SCADA Screens/ Hardware / Communications)

o Preparation of Specifications
o Perform QA/QC and technical reviews of designs
o Plans and Designs Procedures and Fixtures for Integrated Systems Factory Testing
o Internal/External Comment Resolution

• Programming

o Lead programming / configuration team efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
o Program / Configure / troubleshoot PLCs, RTUs, and/or HMI systems.

• Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning

o Author testing / commissioning procedures
o Preparation of test reports
o Originates test procedures
o Commissioning of deployed systems
o Development of test fixtures and simulation devices
o Perform Factory and Field Testing

• Maintenance

o Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators.
o Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems.
Responsibilities
Managerial Responsibilities

• Estimates

o Conducts any surveys, inspections, tours, etc. of client sites, as required.
o Prepares cost estimates and supporting documents for small projects.
o Assists senior engineers in preparation of Bids and Proposals cost estimates and supporting documentation.
o Evaluation and pricing of change orders

• Personnel Management

o Assigns technical tasks and coordinates with entry-level engineers
o Assigns tasks and coordinates with Technical Staff
Field Experience

• Experience in reading electrical and control schematics and plans
• Experience in control system startup, configuration, and calibration
• Experience in testing and troubleshooting control systems
• Experience using basic electrical and machinist hand tools
• Experience using testing, calibration, or industry-specific tools and software

Tools / Software

• Experience in computer networks
• Experience in CAD/CAE Software (AutoCAD / EPLAN)
• Standard Office Software (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)

Qualifications
Requirements

• Proficient in programming languages such as ladder logic and structured text.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues.
• Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs or DDCs from at least 1 of the following platforms:

o Siemens (SIMATIC)
o Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) (Plant Pax preferred)
o Schneider Electric (Modicon)
o Tridium Niagara Framework
o ABB (AC500, AC800M)
o Omron
o KMC Controls
o Johnson Controls Metasys
o Honeywell WEBS
o Johnson Control FX
o Siemens Desigo/Apogee
o Distech Controls
o Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
o GE Intelligent Platforms
Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting SCADA solutions from at least 1 of the following platforms:
o AVEVA (formerly Wonderware) InTouch, System Platform
o Ignition by Inductive Automation
o GE Digital (iFIX, CIMPLICITY)
o Siemens WinCC
o Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View
o AVEVA (formerly Schneider Electric) Citect SCADA
o Intellution FIX32/HMI32 (Historical) by GE Digital
o VTScada by Trihedral Engineering Limited
o AVEVA (OSIsoft PI) Historian

• Attend regular in-person meetings with customers outside of assigned office.
• Possess driver's license and vehicle for transportation to customer sites. This position may require ongoing or intermittent use of a company vehicle. Selected candidates must possess an acceptable driving record in accordance to our policy

Preferred Licenses / Certifications

• Design Build Institute of America (DBIA)
• Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA)
• Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
• Engineer in Training (EIT) In relevant in field
• Certification in one or more PLC / Automation Platform, such as: Schneider, Rockwell, Siemens, Niagara, etc.
• Certification in one or more SCADA platform, such as: AVEVA, Rockwell, Iconics, Ignition, etc.

Education / Experience

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field 3 years of experience
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field with 5 years of experience

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.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Relocation assistance.
• 401K Retirement Plan.

What does YOUR future look like?
Join the Automation Systems Business Unit at M.C. Dean, where innovation meets impact. As the cornerstone of Building Intelligence™, we're not just engineering the future; we're redefining it. With projects that span critical infrastructure to smart city technologies, our work is at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driving sustainability, efficiency, and digital transformation.
Here, your expertise contributes to a legacy of excellence, engaging with over 700 customers across diverse sectors like power, transportation, and data centers, supported by a culture recognized for safety and innovation. At M.C. Dean, every project is a step towards creating a more connected, sustainable, and resilient world. Our operational groups in Industrial Controls, Energy Management, Power Systems, Building Automation, Transit, and Cybersecurity applications are leading the charge, each playing a crucial role in our mission.
Are you ready to be part of a team that's not just preparing for the future but actively shaping it? Hit the apply button and join us in making a difference, one innovative solution at a time.