ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Thermo Systems

Control Systems Project Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Control Systems Project Engineer Location: Onsite in Reston, VA Employment Status: Full Time | Direct Hire Compensation : $90,000 - $120,000 per year + Annual Bonus Eligibility Travel : Field based ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsControl Systems Engineer JobsControl Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Control Systems Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$60.5K

$107.8K

$174K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems 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 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 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 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.

More about Control Systems Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Control Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Control Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Control Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Control Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Control Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Control Systems Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Control Systems Engineer jobs in VA? For Control Systems Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Control Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Systems Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $107,843 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Lead Control Systems Engineer

RoviSys Building Technologies

Richmond, VA

$80K - $130K/yr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Lead Controls Systems Engineers are responsible for designing and leading building automation projects. Day to day tasks will be determined by the specific requirements of each project


Team Leadership & Sales Support

  • Provide technical guidance for a project team of 2-5 engineers
  • Identify and assign tasks within the project team
  • Lead customer meetings
  • Assist with proposal generation by estimating hardware costs and the engineering effort required for a project
  • Maintain relationships with existing customers

 Instrumentation & Electrical Design

  • Create instrument lists by examining P&ID drawings
  • Research instrumentation (temperature transmitters, pressure transmitters, flow meter, valve actuators, etc…) and select devices appropriate for the project
  • Research and select controls hardware appropriate for the project
  • Compile submittal documentation for controls and instrument hardware
  • Create panel layouts and electrical schematics for controls enclosures
  • Procure project hardware
  • Provide technical support for panel fabrication technicians
  • Inspect completed control enclosures

System Design and Configuration

  • Lead customer design review meetings
  • Configure user interface and HMI screens
  • Configure DDC, PLC and/or DCS control algorithms
  • Execute internal functional and quality control testing
  • Draft system documentation
  • Assist is customer demonstrations and acceptance testing

Onsite System Startup

  • Install project software and configuration onto site systems
  • Participate in point to point loop checks for all instrumentation
  • Perform software calibration and tuning
  • Conduct functional tests of all systems
  • Troubleshoot installation discrepancies
  • Support additional customer testing
  • Program field modifications as required
  • Train customer representatives on operations and maintenance of system

Technical Experience

  • Bachelors Degree in a technical field or related Technical Degree
  • 3+ years of experience in related field/industry
  • Controls Experience in at least one of the following:
    • Rockwell: FactoryTalk Suite, RS Logix/Studio 5000, familiarity with PlantPAx DCS
    • Aveva System Platform
    • Inductive Ignition Perspective
    • Distech: Experience with BACnet and LON Distech controllers, Eclypse Controllers
  • Other useful technologies include:
    • Johnson Controls: Facility Explorer or Metasys controllers
    • Tridium: Niagara N4
    • SQL
    • Scripting languages (VBA, Python, etc.)
    • Knowledge of Kepware OPC server, ThinManager, VMware is preferred.

HVAC Experience/Knowledge:

  • Basic understanding of HVAC systems in large building automation systems.
  • Understanding of sequence of operations and P&IDs for HVAC and plant utilities.
  • Experience with functional testing, including the ability to create, maintain, and execute test plans.
  • Experience with specifying instrumentation and control valves for HVAC systems

  • Competitive Base Salary: $80,000–$130,000, depending on experience 

  • Performance Bonuses: Bonus structure designed to reward results 

  • Travel Perks: Travel incentives + per-diem packages for field assignments 

  • Full Benefits Package: Medical, dental, and vision coverage 

  • Retirement Ready: 401(k) with company match 

  • Time Off: Generous PTO which includes vacation, holidays, and unlimited personal time 

  • Grow With Us: Ongoing training, certifications, and professional development support 

Apply