Automation Engineer

Location: Ashburn, VA (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Compensation: Based on experience and current compensation

We are partnering with a specialized engineering and field services organization that supports mission-critical infrastructure environments, including large-scale data centers and critical facilities.

This role is focused on delivering high-reliability automation and control systems that support backup power and fuel-related infrastructure where system uptime is essential to ongoing operations.

With rapid growth in cloud computing, AI, and digital infrastructure, this sector continues to expand significantly, creating strong long-term demand for skilled automation professionals.

This is a hands-on Automation Engineer role responsible for the design, development, programming, and support of PLC-based control systems used in industrial and mission-critical environments.

The role combines engineering design, system development, and real-world troubleshooting, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance.

• Automation System Design & Development
  Design and build PLC-based control systems tailored to industrial applications and critical infrastructure environments.
• Control Panel Engineering
  Develop and maintain electrical schematics and panel layouts using CAD tools, ensuring alignment with industry standards and compliance requirements.
• PLC Programming & Troubleshooting
  Program, test, debug, and optimize PLC systems. Provide both remote and on-site troubleshooting support for operational systems.
• Process Flow & Documentation
  Create and maintain process flow diagrams, control logic documentation, and system updates aligned with version control practices.
• Field Support & System Optimization
  Collaborate with field teams and stakeholders to support commissioning, issue resolution, and continuous system improvement.
• Technical Training & Support
  Assist in developing technical documentation, user guides, and troubleshooting manuals for operational teams.

• 5 8 years of experience in industrial automation / controls engineering
• Strong expertise with Siemens PLC platforms (TIA Portal, S7-1200/1500, HMI systems)
• Experience with control panel design and electrical schematics (2D CAD)
• Hands-on experience with I/O configuration, industrial networking, and communication protocols (Modbus TCP/IP, RS232)
• Familiarity with UL508A standards and industrial compliance practices
• Working knowledge of networking and system-level troubleshooting
• Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, field-oriented mindset

• On-site role supporting industrial and mission-critical facilities
• Blend of engineering design + hands-on troubleshooting
• Exposure to systems supporting backup power and fuel infrastructure
• High accountability environment where system uptime is critical

• Engineers who can own systems end-to-end, not just execute tasks
• Strong PLC troubleshooting capability in live environments
• Ability to work across design, programming, and field support
• Detail-oriented, structured, and reliable under pressure

• Work within a high-growth infrastructure sector (data centers / critical facilities)
• Exposure to complex, real-world automation systems
• Opportunity to contribute to systems where failure is not an option
• Long-term growth aligned with automation + infrastructure demand