1

Control System Architect Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SME Systems Architect

Herndon, VA · On-site

$249K/yr

Build and operationalize robust data governance, data classification, and access control policies ... Expert-level knowledge of Risk Management Frameworks (RMF), A&A processes, system hardening, and IC ...

SME Systems Architect

Herndon, VA · On-site

$249K/yr

Build and operationalize robust data governance, data classification, and access control policies ... Expert-level knowledge of Risk Management Frameworks (RMF), A&A processes, system hardening, and IC ...

SME Systems Architect

Herndon, VA · On-site

$249K/yr

Build and operationalize robust data governance, data classification, and access control policies ... Expert-level knowledge of Risk Management Frameworks (RMF), A&A processes, system hardening, and IC ...

Salesforce Architect

Richmond, VA · On-site

$68.25 - $84.50/hr

... or System Architect * OmniStudio certifications or demonstrated advanced experience * MuleSoft experience and/or certifications * Experience with CI/CD pipelines, source control strategies, and ...

Salesforce Architect

Richmond, VA · On-site

$68.25 - $84.50/hr

... or System Architect * OmniStudio certifications or demonstrated advanced experience * MuleSoft experience and/or certifications * Experience with CI/CD pipelines, source control strategies, and ...

Salesforce Architect

Richmond, VA

$68.25 - $84.50/hr

... or System Architect * OmniStudio certifications or demonstrated advanced experience * MuleSoft experience and/or certifications * Experience with CI/CD pipelines, source control strategies, and ...

Salesforce Architect

Richmond, VA · On-site

$68.25 - $84.50/hr

... or System Architect * OmniStudio certifications or demonstrated advanced experience * MuleSoft experience and/or certifications * Experience with CI/CD pipelines, source control strategies, and ...

Salesforce Architect

Reston, VA · On-site

$71.75 - $89/hr

... or System Architect * OmniStudio certifications or demonstrated advanced experience * MuleSoft experience and/or certifications * Experience with CI/CD pipelines, source control strategies, and ...

Salesforce Architect

Richmond, VA · On-site

$68.25 - $84.50/hr

... or System Architect * OmniStudio certifications or demonstrated advanced experience * MuleSoft experience and/or certifications * Experience with CI/CD pipelines, source control strategies, and ...

Salesforce Architect

Richmond, VA

$68.25 - $84.50/hr

... or System Architect * OmniStudio certifications or demonstrated advanced experience * MuleSoft experience and/or certifications * Experience with CI/CD pipelines, source control strategies, and ...

Salesforce Architect

Richmond, VA · On-site

$68.25 - $84.50/hr

... or System Architect * OmniStudio certifications or demonstrated advanced experience * MuleSoft experience and/or certifications * Experience with CI/CD pipelines, source control strategies, and ...

Salesforce Architect

Reston, VA · On-site

$71.75 - $89/hr

... or System Architect * OmniStudio certifications or demonstrated advanced experience * MuleSoft experience and/or certifications * Experience with CI/CD pipelines, source control strategies, and ...

Overview We are seeking a seasoned and technically proficient Chief Engineer to lead engineering efforts on the AN/BYG-1 Submarine Combat Control System, a critical open-architecture system ...

Chief Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

Overview We are seeking a seasoned and technically proficient Chief Engineer to lead engineering efforts on the AN/BYG-1 Submarine Combat Control System, a critical open-architecture system ...

Showing results 41-60

Control System Architect information

See Virginia salary details

$76.9K

$214.9K

$237.5K

How much do control system architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for control system architect in Virginia is $214,904.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $236,500.00 and $236,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Control System Architect vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectControl System ArchitectControl Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications like PLC or SCADABachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign-focused, strategic planning, system architecture developmentImplementation, testing, troubleshooting of control systems
Industry UsageDesign firms, automation companies, large manufacturingManufacturing, process industries, automation projects

The Control System Architect primarily focuses on designing and planning control system architectures, ensuring integration and scalability. In contrast, Control Systems Engineers are more involved in implementing, testing, and maintaining these systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ in their focus within the control systems lifecycle.

Are control system architects in demand?

Control system architects are in high demand due to the increasing complexity of automation and industrial systems. They are valued for their expertise in designing and integrating control solutions using tools like PLCs, SCADA, and DCS, often requiring specialized certifications and strong problem-solving skills. The role offers good job prospects across manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Control System Architect jobs in Virginia?

For Control System Architect jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Control System Architect jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Control System Architect jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Control System Architect jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Control System Architect job openings:

Infographic showing various Control System Architect job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $214,904 per year, or $103.3 per hour.

Principal Systems Architect - C5ISR

Mclean, VA • On-site

$200K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Principal Systems Architect - C5ISR
Work Type: Onsite Primary
Location: McLean, VA
Salary: $200,000-$230,000
Overview
Our client, a federal contractor supporting U.S. defense and homeland security missions, is seeking a hands-on Principal Systems Architect - C5ISR to lead the architecture, integration, testing, and technical execution of advanced C4ISR/C5ISR, border/perimeter surveillance, and Counter-UAS systems.
The ideal candidate will translate customer mission needs into scalable system architectures and top-level designs integrating technologies such as sensors, communications, command-and-control, networking, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and edge computing. This role works closely with engineering teams, customers, Program Managers, Business Development, and external partners from concept through deployment and operational acceptance.
Key Responsibilities
Systems Architecture & Technical Leadership
  • Lead end-to-end system architecture and provide hands-on technical direction across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Define system components, interfaces, integration requirements, technical standards, and architecture roadmaps.
  • Evaluate technical tradeoffs related to performance, cost, reliability, scalability, cybersecurity, and deployability.
  • Provide system-level design guidance as needed.

Systems Engineering & Product Development
  • Translate customer and operational requirements into system designs, technical specifications, and traceable engineering requirements.
  • Guide integrated hardware and software systems from concept through development, production, deployment, and sustainment.
  • Manage system interfaces, technical dependencies, configuration baselines, and architectural risks.
  • Apply sound systems-engineering principles across complex, multi-domain, and multi-vendor solutions.

Systems Integration, Verification & Test
  • Lead system-level integration, verification, validation, testing, demonstrations, field trials, and customer acceptance activities.
  • Develop integration and test plans, procedures, verification methods, and acceptance criteria.
  • Resolve interface, interoperability, performance, and system-level technical issues through hands-on troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
  • Support integration laboratories, test ranges, field deployments, and operational demonstrations as required.

Customer & Business Development Support
  • Serve as a senior technical authority during customer engagements, demonstrations, technical reviews, proposals, and business development activities.
  • Translate customer mission needs into executable technical solutions, system concepts, architectures, and technical approaches.
  • Collaborate with Program Managers, Business Development, engineering teams, customers, subcontractors, and technology partners.
  • Provide technical input to proposals, solution development, program planning, and customer presentations.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience architecting, developing, integrating, and testing complex defense, aerospace, C4ISR/C5ISR, surveillance, communications, or other mission-critical systems.
  • Demonstrated experience translating operational and customer mission needs into top-level system architectures and engineering designs.
  • Demonstrated experience taking integrated hardware/software systems from concept through architecture, development, integration, testing, deployment, and operational acceptance.
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering, sensors, communications, networking, distributed computing, software architecture, and system integration.
  • Proven experience integrating multi-vendor and multi-domain systems.
  • Strong understanding of requirements management, requirements traceability, interface definition, verification, validation, and acceptance testing.
  • Ability to personally contribute technically while providing architecture, development, integration, and testing leadership.
  • Must be a US citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
  • Must be able to work on-site in McLean, VA.
  • Must be willing and able to travel to Gilbert, AZ and other customer/program locations as required, generally approximately once every one to two months.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with C4ISR/C5ISR, border surveillance, perimeter security, ISR, persistent surveillance, Counter-UAS, or related mission systems.
  • Experience with sensors including radar, EO/IR, and acoustic systems.
  • Experience with RF systems, sensor fusion, tracking, geospatial systems, AI/ML, computer vision, and automated detection/classification.
  • Experience with Counter-UAS detection, tracking, identification, and/or defeat systems.
  • Experience with edge computing, tactical communications, mesh networking, autonomous/unmanned systems, or disconnected and low-bandwidth operational environments.
  • Experience with command-and-control systems, persistent surveillance hardware, and integrated mission systems.
  • Experience with system integration laboratories, test ranges, field trials, and operational deployments.
  • Familiarity with U.S. Department of War, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or other U.S. government mission environments.
  • Experience with MBSE/SysML and digital engineering.
  • Experience incorporating cybersecurity into complex system architectures.
  • Experience with cloud and hybrid-cloud architectures.
  • Experience working across mechanical, electrical, radar, communications, software, networking, sensor, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and systems engineering disciplines.

Benefits
Compensation for this position is location-dependent and determined by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, technical expertise, security clearance, skills, geographic location, and the specific requirements of the company's programs and contracts.
McLean, VA 22102: $200,000-$230,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits
Eligible employees (30+ hours/week) may enroll in benefits starting the first of the month after hire. Offerings include:
  • Multiple Medical, Dental, and Vision plan options
  • Prescription coverage with mail-order option
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life, and Voluntary Insurance
  • 401(k) with John Hancock (eligible after 6 months)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Wellness and Employee Discount programs
  • Paid Time Off (2 weeks), 3 Sick Days (prorated), and Paid Holidays, including Winter Break (Dec 24-31)
  • Semi-monthly payroll (10th & 25th)