Controls Engineer – Field Service (PLC / Industrial Automation)

Location: Virginia/Northern Virgina (Field-Based– Candidates in Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke, Charlottesville, or surrounding areas encouraged to apply)

Company: Lord & Company – E.W.P. Group

Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role

Lord & Company/E.W.P. Group is seeking a Controls Engineer to support PLC-based industrial automation systems throughout Virginia.

Candidates located anywhere in Virginia are encouraged to apply. Engineers based in Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke, or Charlottesville may be especially well positioned for this role.

This role combines hands-on field commissioning, troubleshooting, and PLC/HMI programming for municipal and industrial automation projects. The position works closely with customers, contractors, consulting engineers, and internal teams to deliver reliable automation solutions and ensure successful system operation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys both technical programming work and field-based problem solving.

What You'll Work On

• Startup and commissioning of PLC-based control systems
• Troubleshooting electrical controls, instrumentation, and communication networks
• PLC programming and modifications for industrial automation systems
• HMI and SCADA configuration and support
• Control panel checkout and system validation
• Instrument calibration and system verification
• Customer training following system startup
• Coordination with general contractors, consulting engineers, and facility personnel
• Documentation of field work through service reports

Technologies Used

Candidates with experience in any of the following technologies are encouraged to apply:

PLC Platforms

• Allen-Bradley / Rockwell
• GE
• Modicon
• ABB

HMI / SCADA

• FactoryTalk
• Wonderware / AVEVA
• VTScada

Other Technologies

• Industrial networking
• Instrumentation and process control
• Control panels and electrical troubleshooting
• Industrial automation and system integration
• Telemetry Applications (radio, fiber, cellular)

What We're Looking For

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or related technical field
• OR equivalent industry experience
• 1–5 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or field service
• Experience with PLC programming, SCADA systems, or industrial control systems
• Strong electrical troubleshooting ability
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Willingness to travel throughout Virginia
• Ability to work independently without on-site supervision

Travel Expectations

This is a field-based position supporting projects throughout Virginia.

• Travel is typically Monday–Friday with weekends at home, depending on project schedules.
• Expected Travel: =50%

About the Company

Lord & Company is part of E.W.P. Group, an employee-owned company headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

Since 1982, Lord & Company has provided control systems, monitoring systems, and industrial automation solutions for municipalities and industrial customers.

As an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company, our employees share in the long-term success of the organization.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Company vehicle provided
• Commission sharing opportunities
• Company-paid employee medical insurance
• Company-paid dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)

Experience

• Industrial Automation / Process Controls: 1 year (Preferred)
• PLC Programming or Controls Engineering: 1 year (Preferred)

Alternate Titles

Candidates with experience as the following may be a good fit:

• Controls Engineer
• Automation Engineer
• PLC Programmer
• Field Controls Engineer
• Industrial Automation Engineer

Work Location

Field-based role supporting customer facilities across Virginia.