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Control System Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Develop detailed design documentation such as Concepts of Operations (CONOPs), Interface Control ... systems engineering experience. Level 1 Qualifications * A Bachelor's degree in a qualified ...

$90K - $120K/yr

Provide instrumentation specifications for automation and control system designs. * Review ... Deliver assigned engineering tasks accurately, on schedule, and within project scope. * Identify ...

... version control systems. • Strong documentation skills including VDDs, diagrams, SOPs. • ... Engineer, etc.). • SAFe Agile certification. Company : Company Summary Latitude is a Human ...

... version control systems. • Strong documentation skills including VDDs, diagrams, SOPs. • ... Engineer, etc.). • SAFe Agile certification. Company : Company Summary Latitude is a Human ...

The System Engineer Analyzes user's requirements, concept of operations documents, and high level ... Coordinate the resolution of action items from Configuration Control Board (CCB) meetings, design ...

System Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... control, and ensuring infrastructure remains secure, resilient and available around the clock. This opportunity will suit an engineer who enjoys troubleshooting complex production systems and working ...

The System Engineer Analyzes user's requirements, concept of operations documents, and high level ... Coordinate the resolution of action items from Configuration Control Board (CCB) meetings, design ...

... version control systems. • Strong documentation skills including VDDs, diagrams, SOPs. • ... Engineer, etc.). • SAFe Agile certification. Company : Company Summary Latitude is a Human ...

System Engineer 1

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$131K - $168K/yr

We are looking for a Systems Engineer to support dataflow to include monitoring of systems data ... Coordinate the resolution of action items from Configuration Control Board (CCB) meetings, design ...

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Showing results 1-20

Control System Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$69.1K

$123.2K

$198.8K

How much do control system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for control system engineer in Washington is $123,199.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $143,300.00 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 Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,199 per year, or $59.2 per hour.
Weapons System Engineer

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description

Are you enthusiastic about utilizing your analytical and technical skills to design and assess advanced weapon systems that support military warfare initiatives?

Are you a systems thinker with experience in systems engineering who is eager to make a significant impact on critical national defense programs?

Do you enjoy engaging with and enhancing intricate weapon systems?

If so, we believe this opportunity may be for you and we think you should apply to join our team at APL. We are seeking a highly motivated early career System Engineer for the development and evaluation of next generation solutions to our nation's premier precision strike system. We need creative and innovative thinkers that will push the boundaries through creativity, and collaboration across a team of engineers to develop enabling technologies for advanced weapon systems.

As a Systems Engineer you will...

  • Perform systems level technical analysis, trade studies, and analysis of alternatives
  • Participate in engineering team meetings and overall technical development efforts
  • Support the government sponsor in systems engineering activities such as developing requirements, identifying trade studies, developing interface control documents, developing system architectures, and assessing risks
  • Develop formal communication through systems engineering documents, reports and present results to senior level government sponsors

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

  • Have a B.S. degree in Operations Research/Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Science or related field
  • Have 1+ years of professional experience related to weapon system development
  • Have experience in early concept development, performance analysis, systems integration, or requirements engineering activities for complex systems
  • Have experience developing and customizing system modeling using UML/SysML and associated software
  • Have strong interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills and ability to interact with sponsor representatives
  • Have experience in system engineering principles and practices
  • Are willing and able to travel periodically to Government and contractor sites within the continental U.S.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

  • Have a Master's degree in Operations Research/Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Science or related field
  • Have 5+ years of professional experience related to military strike system
  • Have direct experience applying aspects of MBSE in support of system development
  • Have knowledge of DoD Planning, Programming and Budgeting, Acquisition Process/Lifecycle, Research and Development
  • Have experience in weapon control systems, U.S. Navy surface combatants/submarines, Tomahawk or other strike warfare systems
  • Have familiarity with software virtualization and computing infrastructure
  • Have demonstrated ability to interface effectively with government sponsors
  • Can obtain Top Secret clearance or hold an active Top-Secret clearance or above

#LI-AG1


About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttps://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually