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Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Control Systems Engineer information

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$60.5K

$107.8K

$174K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 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 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 skills in automation, programming, and certifications such as PE or PMP, along with extensive industry experience.

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 machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and energy. They analyze system requirements, create control algorithms, and use tools like MATLAB or PLCs to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of automation are essential for this role.

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.

Is QC engineer a good career?

A QC (Quality Control) engineer focuses on inspecting and testing products to ensure they meet quality standards, often working in manufacturing or production environments. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement, especially with skills in testing methods, quality management systems, and relevant certifications like Six Sigma. Job satisfaction depends on interest in quality assurance and attention to detail.

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 leadership roles in industries like aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing. High salaries often involve specialized skills in automation, programming, and system integration, along with working in senior or managerial positions.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,843 per year, or $51.8 per hour.
Control Systems Project Engineer 1

Control Systems Project Engineer 1

Thermo Systems

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Who We Are:
Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner, delivering world-class automation solutions in the District Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets. Our diverse leadership and dedicated engineering team are committed to excellence and consistent growth. Our unique company culture, known as "The Thermo Way," strengthens our team by fostering an environment where all members perform their best.
Our commitment to being unified, dynamic, and delivering excellence is evident in how we build trusting relationships through connection and camaraderie, ability to adapt, and focus on integrity and success. These values guide our daily operations and interactions, setting the standard for our team's behavior. As we continue to grow and evolve, "The Thermo Way" supports our goals of becoming a world-class organization, ensuring employee success, customer success, and financial strength.
Job Summary:
Works on a variety of control system projects. Leads individual project related tasks and/or complicated large-scale projects in their entirety. Provides engineering support on projects/tasks that are led by others. Assumes ultimate responsibility for the assigned projects/tasks. Takes direction and seeks guidance from assigned project leads, the supervisors, and company leadership.
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor of Science; Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or other pertinent curriculum combined with relevant technical experience.
  • Typically, 4+ years total experience.
  • Proven Track Record: 2+ years as Lead Control Systems Engineer or equivalent.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Technical Responsibilities:
  • Completely self-sufficient in the field.
  • Lead and assist with start-up and commissioning of control systems.
  • Lead and perform Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).
  • Experienced in reading and interpreting piping & instrumentation diagrams and wiring diagrams. Able to provide feedback regarding field conditions versus drawings.
  • Experienced with Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) applications.
  • Demonstrates deep understanding of the company's Quality Management System (QMS).
  • Provide review of standard documents generated by others for technical, grammatical, and aesthetic content.
  • Firm understanding of complex control system design.
  • Provide instrumentation specifications for complex control systems.
  • Demonstrate thorough understanding of Information Technology (IT) system, network infrastructure, and computer system design, as it relates to control system integration.

Customer Service:
  • Communicate in an effective, positive, and proactive manner with customers.
  • Follow customer specific site standards and procedures.
  • Always conduct business in professional manner.
  • Provide excellent customer care and support.
  • Be patient, attentive, and responsive to customers in solving their problems.
  • Always follow up and honor commitments with customers.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the customer needs and actively seeks to service those needs.

Project Responsibilities:
  • Complete assigned tasks accurately, on schedule, and under budget.
  • Understand the scope of work assigned to you, identify when issues arise that are beyond that scope, and communicate those issues to the assigned project lead.
  • Lead individual project related tasks and/or small to mid-sized projects in their entirety.
  • Take on the role of the customer's main contact on those projects that the employee is assigned to lead.
  • Communicate in an effective, positive, and proactive manner with customers and trade partners.
  • Anticipates possible issues that may arise during a project and proactively plans solutions.
  • Seeks opportunities for new work with customers and contractors.
  • Delivers detailed feedback on project and task assignments.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of project contracts and specifications.
  • Ability to identify and manage risks.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Where applicable, directs and oversees junior or subordinate staff members regarding construction, operations, and/or maintenance tasks and assignments at a project site.

Required Skills and Abilities:
In addition to Control Systems Project Engineer I skills and abilities:
  • Is decisive in decision making.
  • Builds relationships with customers.
  • Shows initiative by seeking out new responsibilities.
  • Anticipates possible issues that may arise during a project.
  • Uses resources efficiently to complete project tasks.
  • Actively works to promote a positive/collaborative team culture.

Travel required:
  • Overnight travel may be required up to 50%

On Call:
  • On call rotation participation may be required based on location and client needs.

Work Authorization/Other Requirements:
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the country where the position is located is required.
  • Maintain a valid driver's license.
  • Fit for Duty at all times

Culture:
Model Thermo Systems core values of employee success, customer success and financial strength by:
  • Seeking new and additional business through project change orders, additional services to existing customers, and referrals for new customers/projects. Drive financial success.
  • Be a good teammate, support your colleagues, promote a positive atmosphere for those around you. Drive employee success.
  • Go the extra mile for your customer, take ownership of their needs, over communicate. Drive customer success.
  • Foster an environment of integrity, trust, collaboration, professionalism, serving one another, leading by example, and assuming good intent each and every day.

What You'll Get:
  • Competitive salary, annual bonuses, 401(k) with company match, and business travel reimbursement: We appreciate our employees, and we make sure they know it.
  • Benefits: We offer full-time employees multiple healthcare packages, including low-cost options.
  • Casual Dress: Every day is "Casual Friday"; we want you to be comfortable when you come to work.
  • Training: We offer in-house and factory technical training to keep our staff sharp.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: We encourage academic advancement and professional credentialing.
  • Vacation/Sick Time: We believe work-life balance is essential. Ensuring our employees have time to truly relax and recharge is important to us.
  • Culture & Extras: We provide free lunches, regular team bonding & fun office events, and plenty of company swag.

Visit us at www.thermosystems.com to learn more!
Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

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