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Control System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Thermo Systems

Control Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Works on control system projects; gains experience in hardware and software design, development ... Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or other pertinent curriculum ...

Thermo Systems LLC

Control Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Works on control system projects; gains experience in hardware and software design, development ... Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or other pertinent curriculum ...

Thermo Systems LLC

Control Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Works on control system projects; gains experience in hardware and software design, development ... Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or other pertinent curriculum ...

Leidos

Control Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

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 ...

Leidos

Control Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA

$73K - $132K/yr

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 ...

VTG

System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

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

VTG

System Engineer

Chantilly, VA

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

Thermo Systems

Works on a variety of control system projects. Leads individual project related tasks and/or complicated large-scale projects in their entirety. Provides engineering support on projects/tasks that ...

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All JobsControl System Engineer JobsControl System Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 Jul 2, 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 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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Control System Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in automation, robotics, or software development can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often found in industries like aerospace, defense, or large manufacturing firms, especially for those in senior or managerial roles.

What does a control system engineer do?

A control system engineer designs, develops, and maintains automated systems that regulate machinery and processes. They analyze system requirements, create control algorithms, and use tools like PLCs and SCADA software to ensure optimal performance and safety. This role often requires knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and software engineering principles, along with troubleshooting skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Control System 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-scale manufacturing. Senior engineers often have leadership roles, advanced degrees, and expertise in programming, system integration, and project management that contribute to higher compensation.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Control System Engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or oil and gas can reach annual salaries of $500,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working on complex projects, requiring expertise in automation, programming, and system integration, along with long hours or on-site responsibilities.

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.
What are popular job titles related to Control System Engineer jobs in VA? For Control System Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Control System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control System Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,843 per year, or $51.8 per hour.
Control Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

Thermo Systems

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Who We Are:
Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner, delivering world-class automation solutions in the District Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets. Our diverse leadership and dedicated engineering team are committed to excellence and consistent growth. Our unique company culture, known as "The Thermo Way," strengthens our team by fostering an environment where all members perform their best.
Our commitment to being unified, dynamic, and delivering excellence is evident in how we build trusting relationships through connection and camaraderie, ability to adapt, and focus on integrity and success. These values guide our daily operations and interactions, setting the standard for our team's behavior. As we continue to grow and evolve, "The Thermo Way" supports our goals of becoming a world-class organization, ensuring employee success, customer success, and financial strength.
Job Summary:
Works on control system projects; gains experience in hardware and software design, development, integration, testing, and installation support. Listens, takes direction, and seeks guidance from the assigned project leads, the supervisors, and company leadership.
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor of Science; Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or other pertinent curriculum combined with relevant technical experience.
  • Typically, 0-2 years of experience

Duties and Responsibilities:
Technical Responsibilities:
  • Develop basic troubleshooting skills.
  • Accumulate field experience.
  • Demonstrate the ability to assist other project members during installation, start-up, and commissioning.
  • Acquire Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) experience.
  • Read and interpret piping & instrumentation diagrams and wiring diagrams.
  • Develop basic understanding of Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) applications.
  • Practice procedures outlined in the company's Quality Management System (QMS).
  • Demonstrate the ability to proof-read self-generated documentation.
  • Develop basic understanding of control system design.
  • Develop basic understanding of Information Technology (IT) system, network infrastructure, and computer system design, as it relates to control system integration.

Customer Service:
  • Communicate in an effective, positive, and proactive manner with customers.
  • Follow customer specific site standards and procedures.
  • Always conduct business in professional manner.
  • Provide excellent customer care and support.
  • Be patient, attentive, and responsive to customers in solving their problems.
  • Always follow up and honor commitments with customers.

Project Responsibilities:
  • Complete assigned tasks accurately, on schedule, and under budget.
  • Understand the scope of work assigned to you, identify when issues arise that are beyond that scope, and communicate those issues to the assigned project lead.
  • Provides accurate feedback on status of assigned tasks.

Required Skills and Abilities:
  • Committed to personal development by gaining new skills and experiences.
  • Displays patience when working with others.
  • Listens closely and actively seeks knowledge from senior staff members.
  • Able to solve problems.
  • Maintain professional relations with co-workers, offer assistance to co-workers when possible, ask for help and guidance from coworkers when necessary, and always treat co-workers with respect.
  • Proficient in Microsoft operating systems and Office tools.
  • Possess and apply hands-on electrical and mechanical skills.
  • Proficient with multimeter, signal generators, and other hand tools.
  • Work safely, never endangering self, others, or property.
  • Know how and when to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Promotes a positive/collaborative team culture.

Travel required:
  • Overnight travel may be required up to 50%

On Call:
  • On call rotation participation may be required based on location and client needs.

Work Authorization/Other Requirements:
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the country where the position is located is required.
  • Maintain a valid driver's license.
  • Fit for Duty at all times

Culture:
Model Thermo Systems core values of employee success, customer success and financial strength by:
  • Seeking new and additional business through project change orders, additional services to existing customers, and referrals for new customers/projects. Drive financial success.
  • Be a good teammate, support your colleagues, promote a positive atmosphere for those around you. Drive employee success.
  • Go the extra mile for your customer, take ownership of their needs, over communicate. Drive customer success.
  • Foster an environment of integrity, trust, collaboration, professionalism, serving one another, leading by example, and assuming good intent each and every day.

What You'll Get:
  • Competitive salary, annual bonuses, 401(k) with company match, and business travel reimbursement: We appreciate our employees, and we make sure they know it.
  • Benefits: We offer full-time employees multiple healthcare packages, including low-cost options.
  • Casual Dress: Every day is "Casual Friday"; we want you to be comfortable when you come to work.
  • Training: We offer in-house and factory technical training to keep our staff sharp.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: We encourage academic advancement and professional credentialing.
  • Vacation/Sick Time: We believe work-life balance is essential. Ensuring our employees have time to truly relax and recharge is important to us.
  • Culture & Extras: We provide free lunches, regular team bonding & fun office events, and plenty of company swag.

Visit us at www.thermosystems.com to learn more!
Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

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