Senior Automation And Controls Engineer

Job Title: Automation and Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Automation and Controls Engineer plays a key role in delivering high-quality automation projects on time and within budget while supporting the growth of a dynamic office. In this role, you provide technical leadership on instrumentation, controls, PLC, SCADA, HMI, and industrial network systems, build strong client relationships, and mentor junior engineers. You contribute across the full project lifecyclefrom design and development through testing, commissioning, documentation, and enduser trainingwithin a collaborative and growing automation practice.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop instrumentation, controls, PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for industrial and infrastructure projects.
• Create and maintain P&IDs, technical reports, design documents, and user requirements specifications that clearly define system functionality and performance.
• Review shop drawings and requests for information (RFIs) to ensure compliance with project requirements and industry standards.
• Plan and conduct Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), Site Acceptance Tests (SATs), and field inspections to validate system performance and reliability.
• Design industrial control networks, including Ethernet, CAT6, and fiber optic systems, to support robust and secure automation solutions.
• Lead testing, startup, and commissioning activities, ensuring smooth integration of automation systems into client operations.
• Develop comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals and enduser training programs to support successful system adoption.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing technical guidance, reviewing their work, and supporting their professional development.
• Provide technical leadership within the automation team, setting standards and promoting best practices in design, programming, and documentation.
• Support business development efforts through the preparation of proposals, participation in presentations, and active engagement with clients.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships and project scopes by understanding client needs and proposing valueadded solutions.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure projects are executed efficiently, safely, and in alignment with client expectations.

Essential Skills

• Extensive experience designing and developing instrumentation, controls, PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems.
• Proficiency in designing industrial control networks, including Ethernet, CAT6, and fiber optic systems.
• Strong automation and programming skills applicable to PLC and SCADA platforms.
• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent directly related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience, with flexibility to consider candidates with approximately 78 years of strong related experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or required, as applicable to project and jurisdictional needs.
• Demonstrated client-facing experience and mentorship capabilities, with at least 12 years of experience engaging directly with clients and supporting junior staff.
• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally as needed, with travel requirements varying based on project assignments, business needs, workload, and responsibilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing technical documents, reports, and client presentations.
• Ability to lead testing, startup, commissioning, and documentation efforts for complex automation projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience creating P&IDs, technical reports, design documents, and detailed user requirements specifications.
• Experience in reviewing shop drawings and RFIs and providing clear, actionable responses.
• Hands-on experience conducting FATs, SATs, and field inspections for automation and control systems.
• Skill in developing O&M manuals and structured enduser training programs.
• Proven ability to mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
• Experience supporting business development activities, including proposals, presentations, and client engagement.
• Ability to identify and pursue opportunities to expand existing client relationships and project work.
• Comfort working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with a focus on high-quality engineering solutions.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.

Work Environment

This position operates within a professional engineering environment that emphasizes strong work-life balance, collaborative culture, and long-term career growth. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a hybrid work arrangement that provides flexibility between office and remote work. The role includes approximately 20% travel, generally once a week or less, to visit client sites, with travel expenses covered and mileage credit provided. You will work alongside experienced engineering and technical experts, using modern automation, controls, and industrial networking technologies. The environment encourages ongoing professional development, knowledge sharing, and teamwork while maintaining a comfortable, business-appropriate dress code suited to both office and client-facing activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Fairfax, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $180000.00 - $190000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning on day one of employment Paid time off program Tuition assistance with eligible employees receiving 75% reimbursement for approved courses and most degree programs Retirement savings through the CDM Smith Capital Accumulation Plan Wellness programs and incentives Flexible and hybrid work schedules Adoption assistance Auto and homeowners insurance Commuter benefits Short- and long-term disability plans Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Flexible spending accounts (FSA) Group legal program Life and accident insurance New parent transition program Employee recognition programs Virtual physical therapy services

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Fairfax, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Fairfax,VA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.