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Control System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Leidos is seeking a Control Systems Engineer to support the availability, reliability, and ... This role is vital to ensuring continuous system uptime and operational excellence across multiple ...

Identify technical risks/issues and propose mitigations; support configuration and change control processes. System Engineer III * Lead systems engineering approach across lifecycle: requirements ...

Identify technical risks/issues and propose mitigations; support configuration and change control processes. System Engineer III * Lead systems engineering approach across lifecycle: requirements ...

Weapon System Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$103K - $181K/yr

This USN Program of Record provides the fire control solution and gun mount control to accurately ... Our system engineers bring critical skills to support the development, test, integration, and ...

Provide programming and systems analysis support for automation of SCM initiatives to RHS ... Perform root cause analysis for inventory control variance identification * Participate in special ...

... control system * Participating in Design Reviews, the Systems Engineering Working Groups and weekly Integrated Products Teams (IPTs) and Working Groups (WGs), and supporting Product Review Panels ...

... version control systems. - Strong documentation skills including VDDs, diagrams, SOPs ... Engineer, etc.). - SAFe Agile certification. $125,000 - $170,000 a year apply for this job

... version control systems. - Strong documentation skills including VDDs, diagrams, SOPs ... Engineer, etc.). - SAFe Agile certification. $125,000 - $170,000 a year apply for this job

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Control System Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$60.5K

$107.8K

$174K

How much do control system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for control system engineer in Virginia is $107,843.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,300.00 and $125,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel as a Control System Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with control theory and system design. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, MATLAB/Simulink, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These skills are essential for designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable automation systems that optimize performance and safety in various industries.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior control system engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and advanced certifications can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or large-scale manufacturing. Such roles often involve leadership responsibilities, complex project management, and working with advanced control technologies and software tools.

What are Control System Engineers?

Control System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that manage, regulate, and automate processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. They use principles of engineering, mathematics, and computer science to ensure that machinery and processes operate efficiently, safely, and within desired parameters. Their work often involves programming controllers, integrating sensors and actuators, and troubleshooting complex automated systems.

What does a control system engineer do?

A control system engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that manage machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and automation. They analyze system requirements, create control algorithms, and use tools like PLCs and SCADA systems to ensure efficient and safe operation. Strong knowledge of engineering principles, programming, and system testing is essential for this role.

How much do control engineers get paid?

Control System Engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can increase with specialized skills in automation, PLC programming, and certifications such as Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST).

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Control System Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can reach salaries of $300,000 or more, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or oil and gas. Senior engineers with leadership roles, specialized expertise, and working in competitive markets are more likely to achieve this level of compensation.

What is the difference between Control System Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectControl System EngineerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; certifications like CSCP or ISABachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and maintain control systems in manufacturing, energy, or industrial settingsDesign and implement automated systems and processes in manufacturing or production environments
Industry UsageCommonly employed in industries requiring control systems such as oil & gas, manufacturing, and utilitiesUsed in industries focusing on process automation, robotics, and production efficiency

Control System Engineers and Automation Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and certifications. While Control System Engineers focus on designing and maintaining control systems, Automation Engineers concentrate on implementing automated processes. Both roles are vital in industrial settings, often overlapping but with distinct primary responsibilities.

What are some common challenges Control System Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Control System Engineers frequently collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and software engineering backgrounds. One of the main challenges is ensuring smooth communication and integration across these disciplines, as each team may have different priorities, terminologies, and workflows. Additionally, coordinating timelines and requirements to align control system design with hardware and software constraints can be complex. Proactive communication, clear documentation, and regular cross-team meetings help overcome these hurdles and ensure project success.
Control Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

Leidos

Springfield, VA

$73K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 426 rated business services


Job description

Leidos is seeking a Control Systems Engineer to support the availability, reliability, and operational integrity of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) / SCADAthat underpin critical infrastructure and mission-critical facilities environments. This role is vital to ensuring continuous system uptime and operational excellence across multiple technical domains.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert with strongICSexperience, adept in troubleshooting complex systems and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams. The individual should be familiar with control system database configuration and management and be comfortable with core facilities control system principles.

This position would also at times support Chantilly if needed, but at least 75% of the candidates time would be Springfield, VA.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the deployment, operation, and monitoringofICSto support critical infrastructure and minimize downtime.

  • Perform advanced diagnostics, root cause analysis, and rapid troubleshootingto resolve system malfunctions.

  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and HVACteams to ensure seamless integration and performance of control systems by contributing to design and installation.

  • Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and project documentation to validate system design and ensure robust implementation.

  • Develop and deliver technical training programsto field staff, focusing on reliability, incident response, and best practices.

  • Build strong relationships with vendors, contractors, and service providersto coordinate technical support, manage warranties, and lead system upgrades.

  • Support implementation of procedural and policy changes across sites to improve operational consistency and compliance.

  • Contribute to projects spanning systems integration, system administration, andfield operationswith moderate to high impact.

  • Stay upto date with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and emerging technologiesinICSand critical infrastructure protection.

Basic Qualifications

  • US Citizenship and ability to obtain TS/SCI w/ Poly Clearance

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree and 5-8 yearsof relevant experience.

  • Proven experience supporting Industrial Control Systems (ICS)in high-availability or mission-critical environments.

  • Strong background in mechanical, electrical, or HVAC systems, with hands-on expertise integrating these withICSplatforms.

  • Demonstrated ability to create and deliver technical trainingfocused on system uptime and incident management.

  • Excellent communication and technical documentationskills.

  • Strong vendor management capabilities, including coordinating technical support and managing system enhancements.

  • Extensive experience with control system configuration and management. Preferably with Ignition.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Ignition

  • Experience with Tridium Niagara Framework (N4)

  • Experience in system administration, systems integration, or network installation in critical infrastructure settings.

  • Familiarity with Microsoft Windows environments and relevant industrial automation software.

  • Working knowledge of configuration management, document control, and system lifecycle support.

  • Certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Security+, CCNA, or similar.

  • Familiarity with ITIL frameworks or other service management practices.

  • Experience with policy implementation, procedure development, and cross-team collaboration in large-scale operations.

  • Experience with BACnet and Modbus protocols

  • Experience with DG Logik

  • Control Systems PE

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:May 1, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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