Controls Engineer (Data Center)

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Controls Engineer to support a leading organization in the industrial automation and critical-infrastructure sector in Sandston, VA. The Controls Engineer will be responsible for designing, programming, commissioning, and maintaining advanced automation, PLC, and SCADA systems for complex, multi-discipline environments. Responsibilities of the Controls Engineer:

• Originate design documents for small projects and support large-scale automation programs

• Develop narrative design documents, requirements analyses, and subsystem designs (CAD, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, SCADA screens, hardware, and communications)

• Prepare engineering specifications and perform QA/QC reviews of design work.

• Plan and design procedures, fixtures, and tools for integrated systems factory testing

• Lead programming/configuration efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications

• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs, RTUs, and HMI systems

• Author testing and commissioning procedures; perform testing, troubleshooting, and system deployment

• Prepare test reports and originate test procedures for internal and field activities

• Commission deployed automation and SCADA systems in field environments

• Develop test fixtures and simulation tools for system validation

• Perform factory and field testing, including diagnostics and verification

• Execute hardware/software upgrades and system replacements

• Conduct site surveys, inspections, and client facility tours as needed for estimates

• Prepare cost estimates for small projects and assist senior engineers with proposal efforts

• Support evaluation and pricing of change orders

• Assign technical tasks and coordinate activities with entry-level engineers and technical staff

• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of experience

• Experience reading electrical and control schematics and plans

• Hands-on experience with control system startup, configuration, calibration, and troubleshooting

• Proficiency using hand tools, testing/calibration equipment, and automation-specific software

• Experience with computer networks and CAD/CAE software (AutoCAD, EPLAN)

• Proficiency with standard office software (Word, Excel, etc.)

• Strong skills in ladder logic and structured text programming

• Ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues

• Proficiency designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs or DDCs from at least one platform, including:

o Siemens SIMATIC, Allen-Bradley Rockwell (PlantPAx preferred), Schneider Modicon, Tridium Niagara, ABB (AC500, AC800M), Omron, KMC Controls, Johnson Controls (Metasys / FX), Honeywell WEBS, Siemens Desigo/Apogee, Distech, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, GE Intelligent Platforms

• Preferred proficiency designing, programming, and troubleshooting SCADA solutions from at least one platform, including:

o AVEVA/Wonderware InTouch or System Platform, Ignition, GE Digital (iFIX, CIMPLICITY), Siemens WinCC, Rockwell FactoryTalk View, AVEVA Citect, Intellution FIX32/HMI32, VTScada, AVEVA OSIsoft PI Historian

• Preferred certifications: DBIA, CSSA, CAP, EIT, PLC/automation vendor certifications, SCADA vendor certifications

• Salary range: $90,000-$120,000 depending on experience

• Full benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, Paid Holidays, Sick Leave as required by law

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