Control Engineer

Overview

About M.C. Dean

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber‑physical solutions for the nation’s most mission‑critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

Why Join Us?

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values—agility, expertise, and trust—we foster a collaborative and forward‑thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.

Control Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery, and processes. They work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity, building automation, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and transportation systems. They are technical experts in advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems, using these skills to design and implement solutions to solve our customer’s most complex needs.

Design / Engineering

• Originates design documents for small projects and supports large programs.
• Creates narrative design documents.
• Analyzes requirements.
• Develops subsystem designs (CAD / panels / layouts / wiring / SCADA screens / hardware / communications).
• Prepares specifications.
• Performs QA/QC and technical reviews of designs.
• Plans and designs procedures and fixtures for integrated systems factory testing.
• Resolves internal/external comments.

Programming

• Leads programming / configuration team efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
• Programs / configures / troubleshoots PLCs, RTUs, and/or HMI systems.

Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning

• Authors testing / commissioning procedures.
• Prepares test reports.
• Origins test procedures.
• Commissioning of deployed systems.
• Develops test fixtures and simulation devices.
• Performs factory and field testing.

Maintenance

• Performs troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators.
• Performs hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Estimates
  • Conducts surveys, inspections, tours, etc. of client sites as required.
  • Prepares cost estimates and supporting documents for small projects.
  • Assists senior engineers in preparation of bids and proposals cost estimates and supporting documentation.
  • Evaluates and prices change orders.
• Personnel Management
  • Assigns technical tasks and coordinates with entry‑level engineers.
  • Assigns tasks and coordinates with technical staff.

Field Experience

• Experience in reading electrical and control schematics and plans.
• Experience in control system startup, configuration, and calibration.
• Experience in testing and troubleshooting control systems.
• Experience using basic electrical and machinist hand tools.
• Experience using testing, calibration, or industry‑specific tools and software.

Tools / Software

• Experience in computer networks.
• Experience in CAD/CAE Software (AutoCAD / EPLAN).
• Standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.).

Requirements

• Attend regular in‑person meetings with customers outside of assigned office.
• Proficient in programming languages such as ladder logic and structured text.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues.
• Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs or DDCs from at least 1 platform:
  Siemens (SIMATIC), Allen‑Bridge (Rockwell Automation—Plant Pax preferred), Schneider Electric (Modicon), Tridium Niagara Framework, ABB (AC500, AC800M), Omron, KMC Controls, Johnson Controls Metasys, Honeywell WEBS, Johnson Control FX,…