Freelance Control Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Control Systems Engineer
Location: Onsite in Reston, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Compensation: $72,000 - $82,000 per year + Annual Bonus Eligibility
Travel: Up to 60% travel may be required based on project needs
On-Call: On call rotation participation may be required based on location and client needs.

Who We Are
Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering premier class automation solutions across the Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets.

Guided by The Thermo Way, we are unified, dynamic, and committed to delivering excellence. Our culture is grounded in three core principles:

• Employee Success investing in our people and their growth
• Customer Success delivering reliable, high-quality solutions
• Financial Strength operating with discipline and long-term focus

We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive sustainable success.

The Opportunity

The Control Systems Engineer supports the design, development, integration, and deployment of industrial control systems across a variety of automation projects. This is an early-career engineering role focused on building foundational experience in control system design, PLC/HMI development, and system integration.

This role works under the guidance of senior engineers and project leaders to contribute to project execution across the full lifecyclefrom design through commissioning. You will gain hands-on experience in both software and hardware aspects of control systems while developing troubleshooting, testing, and field support capabilities.

This position is ideal for individuals with an engineering background who are eager to develop technical expertise, contribute to real-world automation projects, and grow into a fully independent Controls Engineer.

What Youll Do

• Support control system design, development, and integration activities
• Assist in installation, startup, commissioning, and system testing
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and system validation efforts
• Read and interpret P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation
• Document engineering work and maintain accurate project records in alignment with QMS

Technical Development

• Develop working knowledge of:
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
  • Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems
  • Control system architecture and design fundamentals
  • Industrial networking and IT infrastructure related to automation
• Build troubleshooting and diagnostic skills through field and lab experience
• Gain exposure to system integration across electrical, mechanical, and software components
• Develop the ability to review and validate technical documentation

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and customers
• Follow customer-specific standards, procedures, and site requirements
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and project managers to execute assigned work
• Provide accurate updates on task progress, risks, and constraints
• Escalate issues when work falls outside defined scope or requires additional support

Quality, Safety & Process

• Adhere to company policies, Quality Management System (QMS), and safety standards
• Promote and follow safe work practices, including proper use of PPE
• Deliver accurate, high-quality work with strong attention to detail
• Support continuous improvement of engineering and project execution processes

What Were Looking For

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline
• Typically, 02 years of relevant experience in automation, controls, or related field

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong desire to learn and grow within control systems engineering
• Foundational troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems
• Familiarity with PLC/HMI concepts or coursework is preferred
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and diagrams
• Proficiency with Microsoft operating systems and Office tools
• Hands-on aptitude with tools such as multimeters and basic instrumentation equipment
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to safety, quality, and accountability

Work Requirements

• Valid drivers license required
• Ability to travel to customer sites as needed
• Must be fit for duty and able to work in industrial environments
• Authorization to work in the country of employment required

What Youll Get

• Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
• In-house and external technical training opportunities
• Exposure to real-world automation systems and engineering projects
• A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This role may include both office-based engineering work and field work in industrial environments.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status.

Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.