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Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

JASINT

Systems Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD

$147K - $192K/yr

We are seeking a mission-focused Systems Engineer with hands-on experience supporting Global Command and Control System (GCCS) and Joint Planning and Execution Services (JPES) environments. This role ...

JASINT

Systems Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$147K - $192K/yr

We are seeking a mission-focused Systems Engineer with hands-on experience supporting Global Command and Control System (GCCS) and Joint Planning and Execution Services (JPES) environments. This role ...

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All JobsControl Systems Engineer JobsControl Systems Engineer Jobs in Maryland

Control Systems Engineer information

See Maryland salary details

$59.2K

$105.6K

$170.3K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems engineer in Maryland is $105,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $122,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Control Systems Engineers in senior or specialized roles, especially in industries like aerospace, defense, or oil and gas, can earn $500,000 or more annually with experience, bonuses, and stock options. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive expertise in automation, programming, and system integration.

What are some common challenges faced by Control Systems Engineers in fast-paced industrial environments?

Control Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected system faults under tight deadlines, integrating new automation technologies with legacy equipment, and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including process engineers, IT specialists, and maintenance staff—is essential to address these issues efficiently. Staying current with evolving industry standards and cybersecurity practices also plays a critical role in maintaining reliable and safe control systems.

What does a control systems engineer do?

A control systems engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that manage the behavior of machinery and processes. They analyze system requirements, create control algorithms, and use tools like MATLAB or PLCs to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely. This role often involves testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automation systems in manufacturing, aerospace, or industrial environments.

What is the difference between Control Systems Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControl Systems EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test control systems in manufacturing, automation, or robotics industriesDesign, develop, and test electrical systems in power, electronics, or communication sectors
Industry UsageCommon in automation, robotics, manufacturing, and process controlWidespread across power generation, electronics, telecommunications, and industrial sectors

Control Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining automated control systems, while Electrical Engineers work on broader electrical systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but their industry applications and daily tasks differ.

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

To thrive as a Control Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering along with expertise in control theory and system dynamics. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and programming languages such as ladder logic or MATLAB/Simulink is typically required, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the design, implementation, and optimization of safe, efficient, and reliable automated systems in industrial environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Control Systems Engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and work in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or large-scale manufacturing. Senior engineers with specialized skills in automation, robotics, or software integration often reach this salary level.

What are control systems engineers?

Control systems engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that control and automate the operation of equipment or processes. They use principles from engineering, mathematics, and computer science to ensure that machinery and processes operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. Control systems engineers work in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and automotive, where automated control and precision are essential. Their responsibilities often include creating and testing control algorithms, integrating sensors and actuators, and troubleshooting system issues.

What Is a Control Systems Engineer?

A control systems engineer’s duties include designing, building and maintaining instrumentation, monitors, and other equipment used to control complex systems. Some examples of these control systems include navigation networks, production machinery gauges, and computer system monitors. It is the control systems engineer’s job to maintain safe and efficient field operation of the equipment and to ensure the safety of those utilizing the equipment. These skilled engineers are typically well versed in mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering concepts and design.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Control Systems Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in industries like aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and company size, with senior engineers and those in managerial positions often reaching this level.
More about Control Systems Engineer jobs
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What cities in Maryland are hiring for Control Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Maryland with the most Control Systems Engineer job openings:
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Control Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Systems Engineer job openings in Maryland as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,571 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Control Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 59 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you interested in working on our nation's most advanced hypersonic and ballistic missile systems?
Do you want to be a part of a highly motivated team of GN&C subject matter experts that respond to our sponsor's most critical and impactful missile system challenges?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking an experienced GN&C engineer with expertise in feedback control systems to design, model, and evaluate missile systems. These weapon systems come with an enormous GN&C challenge: They fly VERY fast, with short time-constant nonlinear dynamics through an atmosphere with many disturbances.
Our sponsors look to our team to be independent GN&C subject matter experts in support of multiple ballistic and hypersonic weapon systems. As part of this role, we independently evaluate real flight test performance of existing systems and influence the designs and capabilities of next generation systems. This is a critical role to ensure these systems meet both existing and future warfighter needs, and we need your help to do it!
As a Control Systems Engineer at APL, you will...
  • Conduct autopilot and control trade studies, designs, and analyses for next generation missile systems, including algorithm design, performance prediction and assessment against sponsor objectives, using fidelity (e.g. physics-based) and low fidelity (e.g. parameterized) system models.
  • Provided technical leadership to teams of varying size and mentor junior staff to ensure that our team maintains deep knowledge across classical, modern, and advanced feedback control design for missile systems.
  • Present work to a broad internal audience as well as sponsors and external organizations at working groups, post-flight briefings, and program reviews.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering,or Physics (or closely related technical field).
  • Have at least 5 years work experience in strategic weapon systems, including hypersonic or ballistic missile systems
  • Have demonstrated experience in and design and analysis of autopilot, classical, and modern control systems, using linear and nonlinear flight dynamics models.
  • Have an interest and willingness to work on nuclear and hypersonic missile systems
  • Have conducted analysis and development using MATLAB, Simulink, and C++.
  • Have a strong sense of curiosity to understand how and why a system works and the ambition to follow up on that curiosity.
  • Have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and are skilled at developing relationships across diverse teams.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level 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 PhD and/or relevant work experience in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or closely related technical field.
  • Have at 10 years or more work experience in strategic weapon systems, including hypersonic or ballistic missile systems
  • Have demonstrated succesful technical leadership of a team
  • Have experience and interest in related fields such as guidance and navigation systems, or 6 degree-of-freedom modeling and simulation.
  • Currently hold an active Secret or higher level clearance.

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 at https://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 contact Accessibility@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
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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