Project Engineer I Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Location: Reston, VA | Fort Washington, PA | East Windsor, NJ
Compensation: $93,000 - $126,000 Annually + Bonus Eligibility
Employment Status: Full Time | Direct Hire
Travel Required: Up to 50%

Who We Are
Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering world-class automation solutions across the District 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
• Customer Success
• Financial Strength

We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive long-term success for our employees, customers, and communities.

Job Summary
The Control Systems Project Engineer leads the design, execution, and delivery of complex control system projects while serving as the technical lead for assigned project teams. This role owns project scopes from design through commissioning, mentors junior engineers, supports engineering best practices, and collaborates with project managers and engineering leadership to deliver high-quality solutions safely, on schedule, and within budget in accordance with Thermo Systems' Quality Management System (QMS).

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline combined with relevant technical experience.
• Typically 4+ years of controls engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading project-related engineering activities or serving as a technical lead on automation projects.

Leadership & Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior engineers and project team members.
• Coordinate engineering activities and support project teams by helping prioritize workloads while maintaining quality standards.
• Support employee development through onboarding, training, coaching, and constructive feedback.
• Support Engineering Leadership with candidate interviews, resource planning, and team development initiatives, as needed.
• Promote engineering excellence by fostering collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and adherence to Thermo Systems' engineering standards and The Thermo Way.

Technical Responsibilities

• Demonstrate complete self-sufficiency in the field.
• Design, implement, and troubleshoot complex control systems, including PLC, HMI, SCADA, networking, and system integration.
• Lead startup, commissioning, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) activities while ensuring system performance and reliability.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and control documentation, identifying discrepancies between field conditions and design intent.
• Develop instrumentation specifications and provide technical solutions for complex control system applications.
• Apply Thermo Systems' Quality Management System (QMS) and engineering standards throughout project execution.
• Review engineering deliverables for technical accuracy, quality, consistency, and compliance with company standards.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Makes sound technical decisions and exercises good judgment independently.
• Builds strong relationships with customers, colleagues, and project partners.
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and ownership while effectively balancing competing priorities.
• Anticipates project risks and develops practical solutions to keep projects on track.
• Demonstrates the ability to mentor and develop engineers through technical guidance, knowledge sharing, and constructive feedback.
• Effectively delegates work, promotes collaboration, and maintains accountability for technical quality and project execution.
• Adapts quickly to changing customer and project requirements while maintaining professionalism under pressure.

Work Authorization & Other Requirements

• Proof of eligibility to work in the country where the position is located is required.
• Maintain a valid driver's license.
• Fit for Duty at all times.

What You’ll 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 complex, high-impact automation projects
• A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork

Learn more at www.thermosystems.com

Thermo Systems Culture

We model our three core values every day:

• Drive employee success through teamwork, growth, and trust
• Drive customer success through quality delivery and continuous improvement
• Drive financial strength

We foster an environment of integrity, professionalism, and shared success—where collaboration and personal accountability define how we work together.

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.

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.