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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$86K - $112K/yr

Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across ... programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen ...

Raya Workforce

Automation Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

Automation Engineer (Industrial Controls / PLC Systems) Location: Ashburn, VA (On-site) Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Compensation: Based on experience and current compensation About the ...

JPI

Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

Position Description JPI is seeking a Controls Engineer to support a federal client in project ... Conduct a comprehensive assessment of all existing building automation, energy management, and ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across ... programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen ...

JPI

Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

Position Description JPI is seeking a Controls Engineer to support a federal client in project ... Conduct a comprehensive assessment of all existing building automation, energy management, and ...

JPI

Controls Engineer

Washington, DC

$89K - $115K/yr

Description Position Description JPI is seeking a Controls Engineer to support a federal client in ... Conduct a comprehensive assessment of all existing building automation, energy management, and ...

CDM Smith

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$106K - $139K/yr

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to join a great team of motivated Automation engineers in our Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions! The successful candidate will be ...

CDM Smith

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

$106K - $139K/yr

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to join a great team of motivated Automation engineers in our Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions! The successful candidate will be ...

Albireo Energy

Automation Engineer - Jr

Gambrills, MD · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Automation Engineer - Data Centers (SCADA / Ignition / PLC ) We are seeking a Controls / Automation Engineer with hands-on experience in PLC programming, SCADA development, and system integration to ...

Albireo Energy

Automation Engineer - Jr

Gambrills, MD · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Automation Engineer - Data Centers (SCADA / Ignition / PLC ) We are seeking a Controls / Automation Engineer with hands-on experience in PLC programming, SCADA development, and system integration to ...

Generac

Senior Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

Formalized training and/or education in Industrial Automation, Engineering, Computer Science or MIS Preferred Qualifications * 5 + years' experience with three-phase AC power system controls and ...

Boeing

Senior Facilities Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

... and automation systems. Position Responsibilities: * Support technical troubleshooting and ... Experience as a controls engineer working with commissioning, testing and troubleshooting of ...

Boeing

Senior Facilities Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

... and automation systems. Position Responsibilities: * Support technical troubleshooting and ... Experience as a controls engineer working with commissioning, testing and troubleshooting of ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAutomation Controls Engineer JobsAutomation Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Automation Controls Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$52.1K

$111.2K

$159.1K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Washington, DC is $111,205.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $125,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation controls engineer?

Automation Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems that automate manufacturing and industrial processes. They typically work with hardware and software such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and robotic systems to ensure efficient and reliable operation of automated equipment. Their responsibilities include programming control systems, troubleshooting electrical and control issues, and collaborating with other engineers to optimize production processes. Automation Controls Engineers play a crucial role in improving productivity, safety, and quality in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy.

What does an automation controls engineer do?

Automation controls engineers help create the layout of electrical and mechanical control systems. In this role, you may help program an automation process, modify existing programming when necessary, and help ensure the company is using the safest and most productive system possible for its needs. You may also be responsible for creating training documentation to show employees how to control and adjust their operations. Most automation control engineers work in manufacturing plants and similar companies where physical automation is used to speed up production tasks. This job should not be confused with automation programming outside of the manufacturing sector, such as software programming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and automation, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure reliable system integration, efficient troubleshooting, and successful collaboration in complex industrial environments.

What are some common challenges automation controls engineers face when working on new system integrations?

Automation Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as compatibility issues between legacy equipment and new control systems, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, and software), and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Troubleshooting unforeseen problems during testing phases and maintaining clear documentation are also frequent hurdles. Proactive communication and thorough planning help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth integration projects.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectAutomation Controls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering; certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) may be preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in manufacturing, automation, and control system settingsWorks in various sectors including power, construction, and manufacturing, often focusing on electrical systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in automation, process control, and manufacturing industriesUsed across power generation, construction, and industrial sectors

Automation Controls Engineers focus on designing, programming, and maintaining control systems for automation processes, while Electrical Engineers have a broader scope involving electrical system design and analysis. Both roles require strong technical skills and often overlap in industrial settings, but their primary responsibilities and certifications differ.

More about Automation Controls Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Automation Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,205 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec

Reston, VA • Hybrid

$86K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:

  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

We have a Controls Engineer position in Reston, VA. This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up assistance. 

Please Note: This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, including H-1B sponsorship. 

Responsibilities 

    • Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process system requirements
    • Develops schematics detailing control system configuration and wiring, and design equipment panel layouts on AutoCAD software
    • Develop Sequence of Operation document detailing control strategies for the process under control. Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents
    • Work at customer site to perform the system checkout and start-up of the integrated control system
    • Develop the final record system documentation and provide system training to the customer
    • Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across multiple industries including both manufacturing production lines and data center building automation
    • Will act as technical lead on projects and guide lower level engineers and technicians
    • Will act as Project Manager on smaller projects ranging from $50K to $250K. This includes but not limited to:
      • Develops and executes implementation plans for the project
      • Assigns work to meet overall project deadlines
      • Ensures that all project team members clearly understand the scope of W-M responsibilities
      • Develops schedules for W-M and customer requirements
      • Evaluates progress on project and details changes
      • Responsible for all purchasing and subcontractor requirements
      • Responsible for development of costs and proposal of change orders to contract scope

    Minimum Requirements

    Education BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

    Experience Three to five years’ experience in areas below:

    • An in-depth understanding of control systems, components, logic programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Schnieder Modicon, Siemens, GE-IP) required. Experience with AutoCAD is also desired
    • Strong inter-personnel skills. Ability to communicate and work with both team members, subcontractors and clients
    • Ability to travel up to 50%

    Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, and ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.

    Working Environment Standard office environment, diverse industrial environments, frequent PC usage, facsimile/copy machines, phones.

    Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance 

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    #LI-WM1

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