Electrical & Controls Engineer
Job Description
Work onsite in McLean, VA supporting safe, reliable operation of power generation and facility systems. This Electrical & Controls Engineer role combines hands-on electrical maintenance leadership with industrial controls work, including logic program changes and troubleshooting across major plant platforms. You will supervise electricians and control technicians, coordinate switching and reconfiguration activities, and partner with client engineering teams to support planned and unexpected operational needs.
Compensation: $130,000 to $150,000 per year. Schedule: M-F 9+ hours, with occasional weekends and on-call coverage.
Responsibilities
- Craft and revise electrical switching procedures; coordinate all site power switching and reconfiguration tasks.
- Supervise and provide technical expertise to union members for performance repair, maintenance, and periodic testing of electrical equipment from 120VAC to 13.6VAC and 12VDC to 125VDC.
- Troubleshoot malfunctioning power delivery equipment; research and help procure replacement parts.
- Provide engineering input to new recap projects, including creating scope of work for soliciting bids from subcontractors.
- Master control algorithms for major plant industrial control systems, including SCADA (iFIX) and FOXBORO DCS; troubleshoot plant systems such as boilers, chillers, emergency generators, motors, pumps, valves, instruments air, MCC, and switchgears; implement logic program changes using these electronic platforms.
- Interface with the client engineering team to support planned and unforeseen tasks.
- Direct and supervise crew troubleshooting by analyzing electrical and control circuitry; use Fluke multimeter and O-Scope as primary troubleshooting tools.
- Apply knowledge of standard electrical tests including HIPOT and meg.
- Attend meetings and brief customers on current operation status; propose best-practice solutions for client consideration.
- Support preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities for electrical systems, including inspections, condition assessments, equipment inspections, and condition-related documentation.
- Review electrical drawings, schematics, and equipment documentation for accuracy and updates; assist with root cause analysis and corrective action recommendations.
- Support commissioning, testing, and startup of electrical equipment; coordinate with operations to minimize downtime.
- Participate in plant and building shutdowns, load bank testing, weather event coverage (as needed), and maintenance outages.
- Coordinate planning and scheduling of maintenance work orders; monitor maintenance backlog and track task completion, verify work completion, and maintain accurate records.
- Support preventive maintenance program development and implementation; prepare equipment history reports and maintenance performance metrics.
- Maintain engineering files, technical documentation, and maintenance records; prepare work orders, purchase requisitions, service requests, and material requests; assist with vendor coordination, contractor documentation, and procurement activities.
- Update CMMS with equipment data and maintenance records; prepare reports, spreadsheets, presentations, and engineering summaries; track maintenance budgets, equipment expenses, and project costs.
- Schedule meetings and inspections; maintain document control for electrical drawings, operating procedures, and technical manuals; support regulatory reporting and compliance documentation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or Electrical / Mechanical Engineering Technology from an accredited institution.
- 2–4 years of engineering experience in power generation, industrial facilities, manufacturing, utilities, or facility operations.
- Fundamental understanding of electrical power systems, motors, generators, transformers, switchgear, and protective devices.
- Knowledge of preventive maintenance principles.
- Basic understanding of electrical drawings, one-line diagrams, and schematics.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Flexibility to support weekends when scheduled or when unscheduled work is required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (or higher) U.S. Security Clearance.
- U.S. citizenship required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
Technologies
- SCADA (iFIX), FOXBORO DCS
- Fluke multimeter, O-Scope
- CMMS
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Benefits
- 401(k) and 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance, health insurance, vision insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
Additional Qualifications
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or ability to obtain.
- Familiarity with NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NEC, OSHA regulations, and electrical safety practices.
- Desirable: SCADA, PLCs (AB, Siemens, etc.), or industrial control systems experience.
- Knowledge of power plant equipment and facility management systems.
- Advantage: AutoCAD or electrical design software experience.
- Coursework or experience related to power engineering theory (motors, generators, industrial controls systems) and start/stop circuitry for motor control center.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
- Typical office and industrial power plant environment with no unusual hazards.
- Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Constant sitting while using a computer terminal; constant use of sight for reviewing documents and speech/hearing for communication.
- Constant mental alertness; ability to plan and organize and work under deadlines.
Safety and Quality Expectations
- Follow Amentum safety culture requirements, including completing training and self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, and participating in emergency response tasks and safety committees.
- Conform to Amentum Quality Policy and applicable Quality System documents and customer contracts; understand quality management and customer satisfaction responsibilities.
- Comply with operational, safety, quality, and environmental procedures and policies related to the role.