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Control System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Solvarus

System Engineer

Centreville, VA · On-site

Experience with Mission Planning, Control or Processing functions in support of space and ground ... Experience in requirements engineering, CONOPS development, verification, test, and system ...

Solvarus

System Engineer

Centreville, VA · On-site

Experience with Mission Planning, Control or Processing functions in support of space and ground ... Experience in requirements engineering, CONOPS development, verification, test, and system ...

Solvarus

System Engineer

Centreville, VA · On-site

Experience with Mission Planning, Control or Processing functions in support of space and ground ... Experience in requirements engineering, CONOPS development, verification, test, and system ...

Solvarus

System Engineer

Centreville, VA · On-site

Experience with Mission Planning, Control or Processing functions in support of space and ground ... Experience in requirements engineering, CONOPS development, verification, test, and system ...

ARCTICOM LLC

Senior System Engineer

Quantico, VA

$112K - $154K/yr

... and Control System (CAC2S), Air Defense System Integrator (ADSI), or Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS) STEM related bachelor's degree (math, engineering, statistics, physics, etc.

ARCTICOM LLC

Senior System Engineer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

... and Control System (CAC2S), Air Defense System Integrator (ADSI), or Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS) STEM related bachelor's degree (math, engineering, statistics, physics, etc.

Riverside

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 ...

Symbotic

System Engineer

Sutherland, VA · On-site

The System Engineer focuses on troubleshooting, maintaining, and stabilizing complex electro ... control hardware. * Support and execute preventive and corrective maintenance activities on ...

ARCTICOM LLC

Senior System Engineer

Quantico, VA

$110K - $151K/yr

About this position: Senior System Engineer Location - Remote The Essential Duties and ... and Control Systems such as Multisource Correlator Tracker (MSCT), Common Aviation Command and ...

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Control System Engineer information

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$60.5K

$107.8K

$174K

How much do control system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 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.
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
Principal Engineer - Control Systems

Principal Engineer - Control Systems

Bechtel

Reston, VA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Bechtel rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 352 rated engineering

Job description

Requisition ID: 290945
  • Relocation Authorized: None
  • Telework Type: Part-Time Telework
  • Work Location: Reston, VA

Extraordinary teams building inspiring projects:
Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place.
Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. We serve the Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; Energy; Mining & Metals, and the Manufacturing and Technology markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations.
Core to Bechtel is our Vision, Values and Commitments. They are what we believe, what customers can expect, and how we deliver. Learn more about our extraordinary teams building inspiring projects in our Impact Report.
Project Overview:
Several combined cycle power projects are currently planned to be developed and executed by Bechtel over the next 5-10 years. During the development phase of these projects, teams will be organized to support multiple projects concurrently.
Following project award, dedicated project teams will be formed and the Principal Engineer Electrical will have functional oversight for the combined cycle power projects.
Job Summary:
The Principal Engineer - Control Systems will support the development and execution of combined cycle power projects in the Control Systems discipline. In this role, you will utilize individual technical knowledge to interpret, organize, execute, and coordinate the engineering technical aspects for complex power projects. You will participate in project planning, proposal review, and will own the engineering elements of capital estimates. Your technical guidance and recommendations will ensure engineering aspects meet project requirements and remain within scope and budget.
In this role, you will be responsible for establishing the technical investigations and client interviews, to determine work scope and cost estimates for a project's control systems aspects. You will have oversight of design, development, modification, evaluation, and constructability reviews of control systems instrumentation and equipment. Your technical expertise will ensure the unique and complex requirements of a combined cycle power project's control systems design aspects are met.
"This position is designated as part-time telework per our global telework policy and will require at least three days of in-person attendance per week at the assigned office or project. Weekly in-person schedules will be determined by the individual and their supervisor, in consultation with functional or project leadership" #LI-JL1
Major Responsibilities:
  • Leads the design, development, modification and evaluation of control system components and processes utilizing relevant Engineering Department Procedures (EDPs), design standards and guides, and Bechtel Standard Application Programs (BSAPs)
  • Communicates complex technical issues and recommends solutions to upper management
  • Develops conceptual designs for Control Systems engineering projects or projects having specialized or unique requirements
  • Supports preparation of estimates, staffing needs and schedules
  • Interviews client personnel to determine their needs, develops scope for cost estimates for services and participates in proposal preparation and presentation
  • Prepares or oversees the preparation of discipline estimates and work plans in accordance with project scope, schedule, and budget, and supports implementation and assists with performance reporting
  • Coordinates with client representatives, as directed, to obtain their approval of on Control Systems aspects of the work

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Requires bachelor's or master's degree (or international equivalent) in Electrical or Control Systems Engineering or closely related field and 13-15 years of relevant experience
  • Must have at least 10 years prior experience working on control systems design for combined cycle fossil power plants

Required Knowledge and Skills:
  • Ability to develop logic diagrams and control philosophies for equipment and system operation on combined cycle power plants,
  • Ability to optimize selection and sizing of control valves for steam, water and gas services
  • Ability to select and specify instrumentation for measurement of process parameters including temperature, pressure and flow for steam, water and gas services
  • Experience with layout and design of control rooms and control room HMI equipment
  • Working knowledge of control system design codes and standards including ISA, IEEE, and ASME.
  • Ability to work with and read Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams
  • Experience with SCADA and DCS programming for power plant control systems
  • Willingness and ability to take business trips to India

Total Rewards/Benefits:
For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards
Diverse teams build the extraordinary:
As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.
We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.
Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com

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