Control Engineer

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.

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're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems, and use these skills to design and implement solutions that address customers’ most complex needs.

• Design / Engineering
  • Originates design documents for small projects and in support of large programs.
  • Prepare narrative design documents, requirements analysis, subsystem designs (CAD, panels, layouts, wiring, SCADA screens/hardware/communications), specifications, QA/QC, and technical reviews of designs.
  • Plan and design procedures and fixtures for integrated systems factory testing and resolution of internal/external comments.
• Programming
  • Lead programming/configuration team efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
  • Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs, RTUs, and/or HMI systems with protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, SEL Fast Messaging, or Mirrored Bits communications.
• Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning
  • Author testing/commissioning procedures, prepare test reports, originate test procedures, commission deployed systems, develop test fixtures and simulation devices, perform factory and field testing.
• Maintenance
  • Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators.
  • Perform hardware/software upgrades and replacements on existing systems.

• Estimates
  • Conduct surveys, inspections, tours of client sites as required.
  • Prepare cost estimates and supporting documents for small projects.
  • Assist senior engineers in preparing bids and proposals, cost estimates, and supporting documentation.
  • Evaluate and price change orders.
• Personnel Management
  • Assign technical tasks and coordinate with entry‑level engineers and technical staff.

• Reading electrical and control schematics and plans.
• Control system startup, configuration, and calibration.
• Testing and troubleshooting control systems.
• Basic electrical and machinist hand tools.
• Testing, calibration, or industry‑specific tools and software.
• Computer networks.
• CAD/CAE software (AutoCAD, EPLAN).
• Standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel).

• 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/RTUs on platforms such as SEL, Novatech, Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, Distech, Schneider, Tridium, ABB, GE.
• Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting SCADA solutions on platforms such as Ignition, OSI/Aspentech Monarch, Siemens WinCC, AVEVA InTouch, GE Digital, Rockwell Automation Factory Talk View, etc.

• Training courses in common power automation platforms.
• Certification in one or more PLC/Automation…