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Plc Scada Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Automation / EI&C Engineer - PLC, SCADA & Controls Location: Richmond, VA OR Minneapolis, MN OR Seattle, WA Compensation: $50 to $80/hour, depending on experience Travel: Approximately 20 to 25 ...

New

... SCADA monitoring and control, displaying data, alarming, and historical data collection for report ... PLC Application Engineers must have knowledge and experience with PLC hardware and programming ...

VA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

PLC Programmer Allen-Bradley Controls | Data Center Construction | Mission Critical Systems ... Integrate PLC systems with HMI and SCADA platforms * Develop and support FactoryTalk View ...

Configure SCADA solutions and local Historians and configure integrations to 3rd party systems such ... Migrate existing PLC programming to Emerson Rx3i, including configurations and logic files.

Automation Engineer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Automation Engineer Our client is a well-established systems integrator with more than 40 years of ... Design, develop, program, and commission PLC and SCADA systems for municipal water and wastewater ...

Automation Engineer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Automation Engineer Our client is a well-established systems integrator with more than 40 years of ... Design, develop, program, and commission PLC and SCADA systems for municipal water and wastewater ...

Provide higher-level support for all PLC, HMI, and Robotic systems and programming for all PLC/Scada/Database Systems. * Maintain accurate records for all automation programs and all changes to these ...

Understanding of control systems, components, PLC programming, SCADA programming and their applications Physical Demands of Position Requirements Above all else, attention to all applicable safety ...

Understanding of control systems, components, PLC programming, SCADA programming and their applications Physical Demands of Position Requirements Above all else, attention to all applicable safety ...

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Plc Scada Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$20.8K

$96.9K

$138.3K

How much do plc scada engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for plc scada engineer in Virginia is $96,908.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PLC SCADA engineer?

PLC SCADA Engineers are professionals who specialize in designing, programming, and maintaining automation systems that use Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. They create solutions to monitor, control, and optimize industrial processes in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and utilities. Their work includes developing control logic, configuring hardware and software, integrating various devices, and troubleshooting issues to ensure efficient and safe operations. These engineers often work on-site or remotely to support both new installations and ongoing maintenance.

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

To thrive as a PLC SCADA Engineer, you need expertise in industrial automation, strong programming skills for PLCs, and a degree in electrical, electronics, or automation engineering. Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI design tools, and relevant certifications like Siemens or Rockwell Automation is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshooting complex issues. These skills are vital to ensure reliable automation solutions, minimize downtime, and support efficient industrial operations.

What are some common challenges faced by PLC SCADA engineers when integrating new automation systems into existing infrastructure?

PLC SCADA Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new and legacy equipment, minimizing downtime during installation, and maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols. Integrating new systems requires careful planning, thorough testing, and close collaboration with operations and IT teams to address potential communication or data integrity issues. Successfully navigating these challenges typically involves strong troubleshooting skills, a deep understanding of both hardware and software, and proactive engagement with other engineering disciplines.

What is the difference between Plc Scada Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectPlc Scada EngineerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires PLC and SCADA certifications, technical diplomas or degrees in control systems or electrical engineeringRequires degrees in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering; certifications in automation systems are common
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process control environmentsFactories, production lines, and sometimes office-based design or programming roles
Industry UsageHeavy industries like manufacturing, oil & gas, water treatmentManufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and broader industrial sectors

While both roles involve control systems, a Plc Scada Engineer specializes in programming and maintaining PLC and SCADA systems, focusing on real-time control and monitoring. An Automation Engineer has a broader scope, including designing, implementing, and optimizing entire automation processes across various systems.

Are PLC SCADA engineers in demand?

PLC SCADA engineers are in high demand due to the ongoing need for automation in manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Their skills in programming, system integration, and troubleshooting with tools like ladder logic and HMI software are highly valued, leading to strong job prospects across various industries.

Is PLC SCADA engineer in demand?

PLC SCADA engineers are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, energy, and automation due to the increasing reliance on industrial control systems. Skills in programming, troubleshooting, and working with tools like Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Wonderware enhance employability, and the role often requires certifications and experience with real-time systems.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Plc Scada Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Plc Scada Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Plc Scada Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $96,908 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Automation Engineer (35609)

STSI (Staffing Technical Services Inc.)

Richmond, VA • On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Automation / EI&C Engineer – PLC, SCADA & Controls
Location: Richmond, VA OR Minneapolis, MN OR Seattle, WA
Compensation: $50 to $80/hour, depending on experience
Travel: Approximately 20 to 25%
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO
If you’re the kind of Controls Engineer who wants to do more than just write PLC code, this could be a great fit.
Job Summary: We’re looking for an Automation Engineer to join an established engineering organization designing custom water and wastewater treatment systems for major industrial and municipal clients.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys the full controls picture, from reviewing P&IDs and developing I/O through PLC/HMI/SCADA programming, instrumentation, electrical and control design, testing and commissioning.
The ideal candidate is someone who can bridge the gap between Automation, Electrical and Instrumentation. You don't need to be an expert in everything, but the more of the controls package you can own, the better.
What You'll Actually Be Doing
You’ll work as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team delivering custom projects from concept through startup. Your work may include:
  • Developing PLC, HMI and SCADA applications
  • Reviewing P&IDs, I/O lists, electrical schematics, instrumentation and automated valve lists
  • Developing control strategies, sequences and interlocks
  • Supporting control panel and electrical design
  • Working with instrumentation, VFDs and process control equipment
  • Supporting industrial network design, including distributed and redundant architectures
  • Developing and maintaining controls documentation
  • Working directly with engineers, project teams and customers to resolve technical issues
  • Supporting factory acceptance testing (FAT), panel checkouts and commissioning
  • Providing controls support both remotely and at customer/project sites

The Technical Environment
Experience with one or more of the following is valuable:
  • Rockwell / Allen-Bradley
  • Siemens
  • Schneider
  • Emerson
  • PLC / HMI / SCADA
  • Industrial networking
  • VFDs
  • Process instrumentation
  • Electrical and control panel design
  • Process controls
You don't need to know every platform listed above. We're more interested in your controls fundamentals, problem-solving ability, and willingness to learn new systems.
What Makes This Role Different?
You aren't just handed a PLC program and told to code it.
You'll have the opportunity to understand the process, participate in the engineering and controls design, develop the automation system, work through testing and ultimately help bring the system online.
Projects can support a variety of industries, including water/wastewater, food and beverage, microelectronics and municipal applications, so the engineering challenges can vary considerably from project to project.
It's also primarily an engineering office role, rather than a constant travel position. When travel is required, it's generally tied to a specific need such as FAT, panel checkout, customer meetings, site visits, or commissioning.
What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent technical education/experience
  • 5+ years of relevant engineering or controls experience
  • Hands-on PLC programming experience
  • Experience with HMI and/or SCADA
  • Understanding of instrumentation, VFDs and process controls
  • Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics and I/O documentation
  • Understanding of industrial networking
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively with engineering teams and customers
  • Valid driver's license and passport
  • Willingness to travel approximately 20 to 25% when projects require it

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these characteristics.

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About STSI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Wheaton, IL, US

Year founded

1998