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Controls And Automation Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Raya Workforce

Automation Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

Automation Engineer (Industrial Controls / PLC Systems) Location: Ashburn, VA (On-site) Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Compensation: Based on experience and current compensation About the ...

Moog, Inc.

Automation Engineer

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

You will primarily focus on industrial automation (equipment, controls, robotics) in collaboration with IT, Safety, Facilities, Industrial Engineering, and Manufacturing Operations. Experience with ...

Cadence Inc

Principal Automation Engineer

Staunton, VA · On-site

$122K - $169K/yr

Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering preferred. * 10+ years of experience developing and implementing automation solutions within a manufacturing environment. * Demonstrated ...

Cadence Inc

Principal Automation Engineer

Staunton, VA · On-site

$122K - $169K/yr

Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering preferred. * 10+ years of experience developing and implementing automation solutions within a manufacturing environment. * Demonstrated ...

Moog

Automation Engineer

Blacksburg, VA

$90K - $125K/yr

You will primarily focus on industrial automation (equipment, controls, robotics) in collaboration with IT, Safety, Facilities, Industrial Engineering, and Manufacturing Operations. Experience with ...

Acuity INC

Gateway Automation Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

... controls, telemetry, and migration readiness * Support automation touchpoints for developer portal ... workflows, API catalog updates, API documentation, access request routing, and self-service ...

Acuity INC

Gateway Automation Engineer

Reston, VA

... controls, telemetry, and migration readiness * Support automation touchpoints for developer portal ... workflows, API catalog updates, API documentation, access request routing, and self-service ...

ALTEN Technology USA

Automation Engineer

Richmond, VA

$90 - $140K/hr

As an Automation Engineer you will be responsible for; ● Read, interpret, and comment on engineering documents, including Controls, P&IDs, GAs, process design guidelines, Electrical Schematics, I/O ...

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Controls And Automation Engineer information

What is the difference between Controls And Automation Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls And Automation EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, control systems, or automation engineering; certifications like PLC programming or control system design are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure may be required for certain roles
Work EnvironmentDesigning, programming, and testing control systems in manufacturing, industrial, or automation settingsDesigning electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry in various industries
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automation, and process control industriesWidespread across power, construction, manufacturing, and consulting sectors

Controls And Automation Engineers focus on designing and implementing control systems and automation solutions, while Electrical Engineers have a broader scope including power systems and electrical infrastructure. Both roles require electrical knowledge but differ in specialization and application areas.

What are Controls and Automation Engineers?

Controls and Automation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that automate processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Their main goal is to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability by implementing control systems like PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and robotics. They work closely with other engineering disciplines to integrate hardware and software solutions, troubleshoot system issues, and ensure optimal operation of automated processes. These engineers play a vital role in modern industrial settings by enabling advanced automation and data-driven decision-making.

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

To thrive as a Controls and Automation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation systems, and process control, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial network protocols is essential, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills set top performers apart in this field. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges Controls and Automation Engineers face when integrating new systems into existing processes?

One common challenge Controls and Automation Engineers encounter is ensuring that new automation systems are compatible with existing legacy equipment and processes. This often requires careful planning, extensive testing, and sometimes custom interface development to avoid disruptions in production. Additionally, balancing the need for increased automation with maintaining system reliability and safety standards can be complex. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as IT, production, and maintenance, is crucial to address these integration hurdles effectively.
What are popular job titles related to Controls And Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Controls And Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls And Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Controls And Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Controls And Automation Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Controls And Automation Engineer job openings:
Controls And Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls And Automation Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Automation Engineer

Raya Workforce

Ashburn, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Automation Engineer (Industrial Controls / PLC Systems)

Location: Ashburn, VA (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Compensation: Based on experience and current compensation

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with a specialized engineering and field services organization that supports mission-critical infrastructure environments, including large-scale data centers and critical facilities.

This role is focused on delivering high-reliability automation and control systems that support backup power and fuel-related infrastructure—where system uptime is essential to ongoing operations.

With rapid growth in cloud computing, AI, and digital infrastructure, this sector continues to expand significantly, creating strong long-term demand for skilled automation professionals.

Position Overview

This is a hands-on Automation Engineer role responsible for the design, development, programming, and support of PLC-based control systems used in industrial and mission-critical environments.

The role combines engineering design, system development, and real-world troubleshooting, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities
  • Automation System Design & Development
    Design and build PLC-based control systems tailored to industrial applications and critical infrastructure environments.
  • Control Panel Engineering
    Develop and maintain electrical schematics and panel layouts using CAD tools, ensuring alignment with industry standards and compliance requirements.
  • PLC Programming & Troubleshooting
    Program, test, debug, and optimize PLC systems. Provide both remote and on-site troubleshooting support for operational systems.
  • Process Flow & Documentation
    Create and maintain process flow diagrams, control logic documentation, and system updates aligned with version control practices.
  • Field Support & System Optimization
    Collaborate with field teams and stakeholders to support commissioning, issue resolution, and continuous system improvement.
  • Technical Training & Support
    Assist in developing technical documentation, user guides, and troubleshooting manuals for operational teams.
Required Qualifications
  • 5–8 years of experience in industrial automation / controls engineering
  • Strong expertise with Siemens PLC platforms (TIA Portal, S7-1200/1500, HMI systems)
  • Experience with control panel design and electrical schematics (2D CAD)
  • Hands-on experience with I/O configuration, industrial networking, and communication protocols (Modbus TCP/IP, RS232)
  • Familiarity with UL508A standards and industrial compliance practices
  • Working knowledge of networking and system-level troubleshooting
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, field-oriented mindset
Work Environment & Expectations
  • On-site role supporting industrial and mission-critical facilities
  • Blend of engineering design + hands-on troubleshooting
  • Exposure to systems supporting backup power and fuel infrastructure
  • High accountability environment where system uptime is critical
What They’re Looking For
  • Engineers who can own systems end-to-end, not just execute tasks
  • Strong PLC troubleshooting capability in live environments
  • Ability to work across design, programming, and field support
  • Detail-oriented, structured, and reliable under pressure
Why This Role Stands Out
  • Work within a high-growth infrastructure sector (data centers / critical facilities)
  • Exposure to complex, real-world automation systems
  • Opportunity to contribute to systems where failure is not an option
  • Long-term growth aligned with automation + infrastructure demand