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

Qualifications of the Controls Engineer:

• 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

Compensation for the Controls Engineer includes:

• 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

This job opens for applications on 5/22/2025. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

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