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Control System Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Windows System Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

... 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

Windows System Engineer

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

... 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

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

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

Apply Early

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

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

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Showing results 1-20

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.
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.
Windows System Engineer

Windows System Engineer

Latitude Inc

Chantilly, VA โ€ข On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Systems Engineer with strong Windows Server and Citrix administration experience to join a mission-critical program supporting a federal intelligence customer. This position is fully onsite and offers the opportunity to directly impact national security operations by ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of advanced geospatial and cloud-based systems.
We are looking for a self-starter who thrives in complex technical environments, brings expertise in Windows system administration, and has hands-on experience with Citrix in enterprise or government settings.

Key Responsibilities

- Take a leadership role in driving system changes, enhancements, and long-term improvements.
- Work closely with government and contractor stakeholders to troubleshoot and resolve complex incidents (INCs).
- Proactively recommend and implement configuration changes to enhance performance, scalability, and reliability.
- Deploy security patches, hotfixes, and updates across test and production environments.
- Maintain and update critical system databases with new data and configuration details.
- Develop, document, and update operational and security SOPs, troubleshooting guides, and technical diagrams.
- Ensure stability of mission-critical systems through monitoring, incident response, and remediation activities.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, IT, Computer Science, or related discipline.
- Active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain SCI post-hire.
- DoD 8570 Certification (Security+ or higher).
- Strong experience with Microsoft Windows Server and Windows administration.
- Hands-on experience with Citrix administration.
- Familiarity with cloud, SOA, and virtualization environments.
- Experience with AWS technologies (EC2, S3 Buckets, Reserved Instances, etc.).
- Knowledge of systems engineering and sustainment best practices.
- Proficiency with Git/GitLab or other version control systems.
- Strong documentation skills including VDDs, diagrams, SOPs.
- Familiarity with collaboration tools such as Jira and Confluence.

Preferred Qualifications

- Prior experience supporting geospatial products or programs.
- Citrix certifications.
- AWS certifications (Solutions Architect, Developer, DevOps Engineer, etc.).
- SAFe Agile certification.
$125,000 - $170,000 a year
apply for this job