What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Control Systems Technician II position at Thermo Systems LLC?
Lead Control Systems Technician II
Location: Onsite in Reston, VA
Employment Status: Full Time | Direct Hire
Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 per year Annual Bonus Eligibility
Travel: Up to 100% time spent onsite at customer locations and possible overnight travel up to 60%.
Who We Are
Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering premier class automation solutions across the Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets.
Guided by The Thermo Way, we are unified, dynamic, and committed to delivering excellence. Our culture is grounded in three core principles:
- Employee Success – investing in our people and their growth
- Customer Success – delivering reliable, high-quality automation solutions
- Financial Strength – operating with discipline and long-term focus
We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive sustainable success.
The Opportunity
The Lead Control Systems Technician II supports installation, startup, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of industrial control systems at customer sites.
This is a hands-on field role supporting critical infrastructure environments including data centers, life sciences facilities, and energy operations. You will work alongside engineering and project teams to deliver high-performance PLC, HMI, and instrumentation solutions that meet safety, quality, and schedule expectations.
This role is ideal for experienced controls professionals who thrive in field-based environments, value accountability, and take ownership of technical execution.
What You’ll Do
Core Responsibilities
- Lead and support installation, startup, and commissioning of control systems
- Perform instrument loop checks, calibrations, and panel wiring
- Conduct Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and site commissioning activities
- Troubleshoot and repair PLC and HMI systems
- Read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams
- Identify and resolve field discrepancies between drawings and site conditions
- Support control system integration including networking and IT infrastructure coordination
- Accurately document field work, redlines, and system updates
- Ensure adherence to project scope, schedule, and budget
Collaboration & Communication
- Coordinate with engineers, project managers, and subcontractors
- Communicate proactively with customers regarding site progress and technical issues
- Escalate scope changes, risks, or delays to project leadership
- Provide guidance and direction to junior technicians when assigned
Quality, Safety & Process
- Adhere to Thermo Systems Quality Management System (QMS)
- Follow all site-specific safety and compliance standards
- Maintain detailed service documentation and commissioning records
- Identify opportunities to improve field execution and efficiency
What We’re Looking For
Education & Experience
- Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Computer Information Systems, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience)
- 3–7 years of industrial control systems experience
- 3 years in a Lead Control Systems Technician or similar advanced field role
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) startup and troubleshooting
- Strong experience with Human-Machine Interface (HMI) configuration and troubleshooting
- Instrumentation wiring, calibration, and loop checks
- Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and site commissioning experience
- Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, and panel layouts
- Working knowledge of industrial networking and control system integration
- Time management and ability to prioritize multiple field tasks
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel extensively
Preferred: Accredited control systems certifications or manufacturer-specific PLC/HMI training.
What You’ll Get
- Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
- 401(k) with company match
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options
- Paid time off and sick leave
- Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
- In-house and factory technical training opportunities
- Exposure to complex, high-impact automation projects
- Business travel reimbursement
- A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork
Learn more at www.thermosystems.com
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This is a field-based role requiring extended time at customer project sites. Work may include industrial environments, equipment rooms, construction areas, and data center facilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status.
Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.
Salary : $90,000 - $110,000