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Control Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Winchester, VA · On-site

$65K - $97K/yr

Controls Engineers 1 are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery and processes. Controls Engineers work in various ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Richmond, VA · On-site

$68K - $102K/yr

Controls Engineers 1 are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery and processes. Controls Engineers work in various ...

Westrock

Sr. Eng, Process Control

Hopewell, VA · On-site

General Information Job ID ATR59800 Posting Job Title Process Control Engineer Locations VA Hopewell Employment Type Full Time Date Posted 11-Mar-2026 Relocation Support Yes Description ...

Draper Labs

Senior Guidance & Control Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$82K - $220K/yr

The Senior Guidance and Control Engineer develops software for cutting-edge space and defense systems used by the US Government and commercial customers as well as internal R&D projects. A Senior ...

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All JobsControl Engineer JobsControl Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Control Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$54.5K

$95.7K

$129.9K

How much do control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for control engineer in Virginia is $95,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a control engineer do?

A control engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that manage machinery and processes, often using programming languages like PLC or SCADA. They analyze system performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure safety and efficiency in industrial environments, requiring strong technical skills and knowledge of automation tools.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Control engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within engineering fields, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. Top-tier engineering managers or senior engineers in high-demand industries may approach these figures, especially with bonuses and stock options.

What are the common challenges a Control Engineer faces when integrating new automation systems with existing infrastructure?

Control Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new automation systems with legacy equipment or outdated infrastructure. These challenges include compatibility issues, communication protocol mismatches, and limited documentation for older systems. To overcome these obstacles, engineers must collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—such as IT, process engineers, and equipment vendors—to ensure seamless integration and minimal disruption to operations. Proactive troubleshooting, robust testing, and clear documentation are also crucial for successful implementation.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Control engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), can earn $200,000 or more annually. Senior engineers working in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or high-tech manufacturing often reach this salary level, particularly when working in managerial or specialized roles with significant responsibilities.

What are Control Engineers?

Control Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that manage and regulate the behavior of other devices or systems. They use principles from engineering, mathematics, and computer science to create automated processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy. Their work often involves designing control systems for machinery, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability of operations. Control Engineers may also program and troubleshoot controllers like PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and work closely with other engineering disciplines to optimize system performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Control Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, control theory, and process automation, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), SCADA systems, and industry-standard software such as MATLAB or Simulink is essential, with certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) being advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for designing solutions and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems in industrial environments.

What is the difference between Control Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectControl EngineerAutomation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering; similar certifications often applicable
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesManufacturing, robotics, process automation, software development
Employer & Industry UsageFactories, power plants, automation service providersManufacturers, tech companies, system integrators

Control Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for machinery and processes, while Automation Engineers often work on integrating automation solutions, including software and robotics, to improve efficiency. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in industrial settings, but Control Engineers tend to concentrate more on control hardware and systems, whereas Automation Engineers emphasize automation software and systems integration.

How much do control engineers get paid?

Control engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $120,000 annually.
What are the most commonly searched types of Control Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Control Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Control Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Control Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Control Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Control Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Control Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Control Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Control Engineer jobs in VA? For Control Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,745 per year, or $46 per hour.
Hardware Quality Assurance & Control Engineer

Hardware Quality Assurance & Control Engineer

Research Innovations

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Hardware Quality Assurance & Control Engineer
Location: Alexandria
Clearance Requirement: Candidate must have the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance
Employment type: Full Time
Research Innovations, Inc. (RII) is breaking through the big, slow status quo with transformative technology that fundamentally improves the world. We build advanced software solutions for government and military missions, applying agile development and user-centered design to solve complex, mission-critical problems.
As a Hardware Quality Assurance & Control Engineer supporting Dragonfly Systems, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability, configuration control, and mission readiness of Dragonfly hardware products throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. You will serve as the quality authority from incoming inspection through final customer delivery, working closely with engineering, operations, supply chain, and production teams to maintain compliance with military standards, improve manufacturing processes, and drive continuous product quality improvements. This role is critical to scaling Dragonfly production while maintaining the performance, ruggedization, and operational reliability required by defense and national security customers.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
Incoming Inspection & Component Acceptance
  • Inspect and verify incoming hardware components, subassemblies, and critical system elements against procurement specifications and approved engineering baselines.
  • Validate component revision levels, serial numbers, firmware versions, and configuration data prior to production integration.
  • Identify, document, and disposition incoming non-conformances while coordinating resolution efforts with vendors, procurement, and engineering teams.
  • Maintain traceability records and quality documentation for all incoming hardware and materials.
Assembly & Integration Quality Oversight
  • Monitor and audit assembly workmanship for cable harness fabrication, RF interconnects, power distribution systems, and subsystem integration activities.
  • Verify proper connector installation, cable routing, torque specifications, and assembly processes to ensure system reliability in operational environments.
  • Inspect thermal management and active cooling installations for proper fitment, airflow performance, and mechanical integrity.
  • Perform and witness first-article inspections for new hardware configurations, manufacturing processes, and product revisions.
Functional Testing & RF Verification
  • Conduct and oversee post-assembly system verification and functional checkout activities.
  • Verify system startup, tuner operation, SDR functionality, RF signal paths, channel alignment, and antenna integration performance.
  • Confirm GPS, navigation, timing, and synchronization functionality across integrated systems.
  • Support RF performance validation, including bandwidth, tuner configuration, and signal collection performance requirements.
  • Ensure integrated hardware and software systems meet acceptance criteria prior to customer delivery.
Compliance, Testing & Final Acceptance
  • Maintain documentation supporting compliance with customer-required military and environmental standards.
  • Coordinate environmental, stress, acceptance, and qualification testing activities with engineering teams.
  • Identify and escalate manufacturing or integration practices that could impact ruggedization, EMI/EMC performance, or certification compliance.
  • Execute final acceptance test procedures (ATP) and verify complete system functionality prior to shipment.
  • Validate system configuration, labeling, documentation, packaging, and shipment readiness.
Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement
  • Initiate, investigate, and manage Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) throughout production and testing activities.
  • Lead root cause investigations and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with cross-functional teams.
  • Maintain quality metrics and provide reporting on production yield, defect trends, field returns, and quality performance indicators.
  • Develop and maintain inspection procedures, work instructions, quality checklists, and test documentation.
  • Support configuration management activities by ensuring engineering changes and product revisions are accurately reflected in manufacturing documentation.
  • Participate in design reviews and manufacturability assessments to improve future product quality and production scalability.

WHAT YOU HAVE DONE
  • 5+ years of experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Manufacturing Quality, or Hardware Test within defense, aerospace, telecommunications, electronics, or related industries.
  • Experience performing incoming inspections, assembly audits, final acceptance testing, and production quality verification for complex hardware systems.
  • Familiarity with RF systems, software-defined radios (SDRs), communications equipment, electronic systems, or sensor platforms.
  • Experience investigating hardware failures, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.
  • Working knowledge of configuration management, engineering change processes, and product lifecycle documentation.
  • Experience maintaining quality records, inspection reports, test documentation, and manufacturing traceability.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly documentation, bills of materials (BOMs), and technical specifications.
  • Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations teams.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple quality initiatives simultaneously.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

EVEN BETTER
  • Active U.S. Secret or Top Secret Security Clearance.
  • Experience supporting military, intelligence community, or defense technology programs.
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-704, MIL-S-901, DO-160, or similar military and aerospace standards.
  • Hands-on experience with RF testing, spectrum systems, SIGINT, Electronic Warfare (EW), or communications platforms.
  • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or equivalent quality certification.
  • Experience supporting low-rate initial production (LRIP), rapid prototyping, or scaling hardware production environments.
  • Familiarity with NCR, CAPA, First Article Inspection (FAI), and production quality management systems.
  • Experience using quality metrics and statistical analysis to drive manufacturing process improvements.
  • Background supporting ruggedized, deployable, or mission-critical hardware systems.
  • Experience participating in design reviews and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives.

#LI-TC1
At RII, we believe that diversity in our workforce is critical to our success. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We work to help your intellectual passions and creativity thrive. It's one of our core values: Let your geek flag fly.
We also offer all employees comprehensive benefits including: flexible work schedules, health insurance coverage, paid time off, 401k with a company match, paid parental leave, access to wellness programs and much more. You get this all from day one, and all paid for by RII.
It's all part of another of our core values: Stay human. It's why our comfortable and colorful offices such as our headquarters, include a community game room, pantry, massage chair, and an escape room, among other amenities. It's why we have community ambassadors and regular community events.
Research Innovations Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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