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Control Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Manassas, VA · On-site

$83K - $108K/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 ...

Draper Labs

Senior Guidance & Control Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$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 ...

Draper

Senior Guidance & Control Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$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 ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 4 (BMS and EMCS)

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

As a Control Engineer 4, you will serve as the Lead Control Engineer on Building Management and Energy Management System projects supporting mission-critical facilities. This role requires expert ...

Draper

Principal Guidance & Control Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$95K - $245K/yr

The Principal 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 ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 5 (BMS and EMCS)

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

As a Control Engineer 5 , you will serve as the Lead Control Engineer on Building Management and Energy Management System projects supporting mission-critical facilities. This role requires expert ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3 - Manassas, VA

Manassas, VA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Paid maternity leave Responsibilities Controls Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery and processes.

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All JobsControl Engineer JobsControl Engineer Jobs in Washington

Control Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$62.3K

$109.4K

$148.4K

How much do control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for control engineer in Washington is $109,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $122,300.00 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 in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and automation. They work with sensors, actuators, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often using tools like MATLAB or SCADA software. Control engineers also troubleshoot system issues and optimize performance to meet operational requirements.

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 $500,000?

Control engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and specialized certifications can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, especially in senior or executive roles within large corporations or high-demand industries. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires years of expertise in designing and managing complex control systems.

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 ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in manufacturing, automation, or process control environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Control engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and specialized certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or large manufacturing. Senior-level engineers in these fields often work on complex projects and may have leadership responsibilities that contribute to higher compensation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Control Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Control Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Control Engineer jobs in Washington? For Control Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Control Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Control Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Control Engineer jobs in WA? For Control Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Engineer job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,379 per year, or $52.6 per hour.
Control Engineer 1

Control Engineer 1

M.C. Dean, Inc

Manassas, VA • On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 352 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
Your Future at M.C. Dean
We're seeking people driven to excellence and inspired to have a meaningful impact powering, automating, integrating, and securing the world's most critical infrastructure and facilities. This translates into fulfilling opportunities for employees driven to excel in a meaningful career. As an employee at M.C. Dean, you will join forces with more than 5,800 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability. Together, we transform the way complex, large-scale systems are designed, delivered, and sustained-enhancing client outcomes, improving lives, and changing the world for the better.
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 industries including industrial controls, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and implement solutions to our customer's complex needs.
Responsibilities
Design / Engineering
  • Originates design documents for small projects and in support of large programs
    • Narrative Design Documents
    • Requirements Analysis
    • Subsystem Designs (CAD / Panels / Layouts / Wiring / SCADA Screens / Hardware / Communications)
    • Preparation of Specifications
    • Perform QA/QC and technical reviews of designs
    • Plans and Design Procedures and Fixtures for Integrated Systems Factory Testing
    • Comment Resolution
  • Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning
    • Author testing / commissioning procedures
    • Preparation of test reports
    • Originates test procedures
    • Commissioning of deployed systems
    • Development of test fixtures and simulation devices
    • Perform Factory and Field Testing
  • Maintenance
    • Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators
    • Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems

Qualifications
Education / Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering or related field with 0+ years of experience

Abilities
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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