Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

Automationtechies is partnering with an established natural gas energy company in search of a Senior Controls Engineer to join their team near Alexandria, VA. This is a permanent opportunity for an experienced controls professional ready to lead the design, programming, and commissioning of PLC and SCADA systems that keep critical natural gas infrastructure operating safely and reliably, with work spanning gas plants, gate stations, compressor stations, and field facilities.

This role offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Overview:

• Design industrial control systems for natural gas facilities, including control panel layouts, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and loop drawings developed from P&IDs.

• Develop and modify PLC programs to automate operations at gas plants, gate stations, compressor stations, and field facilities.

• Configure and maintain SCADA systems for real-time monitoring, alarming, and control.

• Integrate PLCs, instrumentation, and field devices over serial and Ethernet networks using industrial communication protocols, ensuring secure and reliable communications.

• Lead automation projects from concept through startup, testing, validation, and commissioning while meeting safety, regulatory, schedule, and operational requirements.

• Partner with Gas Control, Operations, Production Engineering, vendors, and contractors to develop control system solutions and resolve technical challenges.

• Diagnose and resolve PLC, SCADA, networking, and instrumentation issues and provide technical guidance to operations and maintenance teams.

• Develop and maintain engineering standards, operating procedures, and troubleshooting documentation, and recommend improvements that enhance reliability, efficiency, and performance.

• Participate in a rotating 24/7 on-call support schedule; no travel required.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience designing and supporting industrial control systems required, with natural gas, propane, oil and gas, petrochemical, or other process industry experience strongly preferred.

• Strong experience with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial automation required.

• Experience developing control panel designs, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and PLC programs from P&IDs required.

• Solid understanding of process control theory, instrumentation, and industrial communication protocols.

• Experience supporting startup and commissioning of industrial automation systems required; experience with compressor stations, gas plants, or pipeline facilities a plus.

• Familiarity with gas flow measurement, custody transfer, and control system integrity standards a plus.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Visio, Project, and PowerPoint.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to perform in a fast-paced operational environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Automationtechies is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship or immigration status where protected by law, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Work Authorization and Visa Sponsorship

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available for this position, either now or in the future.