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Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Richland, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Control Systems Engineer information

See Richland, WA salary details

$63.8K

$113.7K

$183.4K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems engineer in Richland, WA is $113,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,800.00 and $132,200.00 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 is a control systems engineer?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Richland, WA?

The most popular types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Richland, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Control Systems Engineer jobs in Richland, WA?

For Control Systems Engineer jobs in Richland, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Richland, WA are hiring for Control Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Richland, WA with the most Control Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Control Systems Engineer job openings in Richland, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,700 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Lead Automation & Control Systems Engineer 1

Sargent & Lundy

Richland, WA • On-site, Remote

$118K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

This position allows for a hybrid arrangement with a mix of work from home and in the office.

As a member of a multi-disciplined project team, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your background in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering and PLC/HMI design by performing the following duties:

  • Work on project teams with other discipline engineers involved in the design of new Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based control systems, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and other industrial control system platforms
  • Prepare specifications and design media for the procurement and implementation of software, instrumentation, and control system platforms
  • Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training in our Automation Lab, you will increase your knowledge and skills in Automation/Control Systems Engineering
  • Develop your career via peer learning by way of S&L's systems of process and associated "Communities of Practice"
  • Travel to client offices and project sites, as required

Must be a U.S. Citizen; Dual citizenship with a country other than the U.S. does not qualify.

Essential skills and experience:

  • Must be able to obtain US Government security clearance
  • BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program; MS degree preferred
  • 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in instrumentation and controls or automation and control systems engineering
  • Proven ability to interface with craft for troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Experienced with designing, programming, documenting, and/or testing automated machinery or processes at industrial facilities
  • Experienced with industrial communication design (Ethernet IP is preferred and a familiarity with Modbus and Profibus is a plus)
  • Experienced with producing P&IDs, Control System Narratives, I/O Lists, Cause and Effect or Logic Diagrams, Wiring Diagrams, Factory Acceptance Test Procedures, and Software documentation including O&M manuals

Valued, but not required skills and experience:

  • Professional Engineer (PE) License
  • Experienced with programming Rockwell RSLogix 5000 and RSView
  • Fabrication, Construction, and Instrumentation & Control System Testing

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

$118,023 - $180,313
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Sargent & Lundy’s Government Services Division provides cutting-edge engineering design and consulting support to the management and operating contractors for US Department of Energy (DOE) sites and national laboratories. Specifically, we support the DOE Environmental Management Directorate as well as the National Nuclear Security Administration laboratories and sites. What does this mean? You can be a part of multi-discipline design teams supporting projects cleaning up the environmental damage associated with the legacy nuclear weapons production complex and/or preserving our country’s nuclear deterrent. Sargent & Lundy’s personnel design facilities, systems, and equipment that treat, store, and dispose of nuclear waste as well as systems that safely handle and process nuclear material. This mission-critical work is meaningful and challenging–work you can be proud of.


Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.


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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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