Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ITAC serves Process & Industrial clients with integrated engineering and construction services for complex capital projects. We also offer specialty services including power systems services and products, custom machine fabrication, and fall protection services and equipment. Founded in 1988 on a dream and a $5K loan, ITAC is a true success story. From humble beginnings to an ENR-Ranked Top Design Firm with a nationwide footprint and over 450 employees operating from 6 offices in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, we provide Fortune 500 companies with innovative design-build solutions. We specialize in power generation & utilities, chemicals, food & beverage, forest products, advanced manufacturing, and minerals & metals.

ITAC’s purpose is to make life better. For our employees, this means providing them with the resources and flexibility they need to have both a rewarding career and a fulfilling family life. ITAC is 100% employee-owned. Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and Direct Stock Ownership, every team member has the unique opportunity to be an owner who shares in the company’s growth and earnings. We offer our team a comprehensive benefits package and numerous employee incentives. Rooted in love, we serve and care for our employees like family.

We hire passionate and motivated people with an innovative mindset and the desire to grow. If the thought of challenging, fast-paced projects excites you, then you’ve come to the right place. At ITAC, you’ll be part of a collaborative team that works hard to make life better. For more information, visit itac.us.com.

As a Controls Engineer at ITAC, you will play a key role in the design and implementation of electrical & control systems for a variety of projects in industries such as power generation, pulp & paper, utilities, chemicals, food & beverage, and more. With our multidisciplinary approach, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines and different regions of the US to develop innovative design-build solutions that exceed client expectations.

Controls & Automation Engineering

• Program, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain Rockwell Allen-Bradley PLCs and associated control systems.
• Develop, modify, and optimize PLC ladder logic, control strategies, and automation solutions.
• Design and support HMI and SCADA applications for industrial processes.
• Maintain automation software backups and control system documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve PLC, HMI, communications, instrumentation, and control system issues.
• Support startup, commissioning, and validation of new equipment and automation systems.

Electrical Systems Design

• Develop electrical and controls engineering documentation, including:
• I/O Lists and Drawings
• Loop Diagrams
• Motor Elementary Drawings
• Conduit and Cable Schedules
• Panel Schedules
• Power Distribution Diagrams
• Control Panel Layouts
• Equipment Specifications
• Interpret and work from P&IDs, General Arrangements, Equipment Lists, and process documentation.
• Assist with the design and specification of:
• Motor Control Centers (MCCs)
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Industrial Control Panels
• Electrical Distribution Systems
• Support electrical equipment upgrades, installations, and modernization projects.

Process Improvement & Reliability

• Identify root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Analyze equipment and process data to improve reliability, productivity, and operational performance.
• Work closely with operations and maintenance teams to implement automation improvements.
• Improve alarm management, reporting systems, and operator interfaces.
• Participate in continuous improvement and reliability initiatives.
• Support planned outages, shutdowns, and maintenance activities.

Project Support

• Participate in the planning and execution of controls and electrical projects.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, contractors, vendors, and plant personnel.
• Support project schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables.
• Conduct testing, commissioning, and field verification activities.
• Perform quality reviews of engineering work and documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or electrical engineering.
• Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting Rockwell Allen-Bradley PLCs is required.
• Experience developing PLC ladder logic and supporting industrial control systems.
• Working knowledge of HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking.
• Experience with AC/DC motors, drives, VFDs, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Understanding of electrical drawings, schematics, and industrial automation documentation.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, or Modbus.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in both office and industrial plant environments.

Benefits

From internships to seasoned professionals, our growing company provides career opportunities for all levels of experience. We offer our team a comprehensive benefits package and numerous employee incentives. For life’s challenges, we also provide our employees and their immediate families with certified chaplains for around-the-clock encouragement and support. Rooted in love, we serve and care for our employees like family. ITAC provides benefits such as

• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• 401k & ESOP
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability
• Sick Time Off
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development
• Wellness Program
• Mentorship Program
• Safety Incentive Program
• 24/7 Chaplain Care
• Flexible Schedule & Remote Working