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Controls Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents * Work at customer ... programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen ...

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$86K - $112K/yr

Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents * Work at customer ... programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen ...

Showing results 21-40

Controls Design Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$68K

$104.3K

$133.6K

How much do controls design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls design engineer in Washington is $104,302.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a controls design engineer do?

A Controls Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They create schematics, select control components, and program controllers to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely. Their work often involves collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate complex automation solutions. Additionally, they troubleshoot existing systems and optimize performance to meet project requirements.

How does a controls design engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

Controls Design Engineers frequently work cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure that control systems integrate seamlessly with the overall machinery or process. They often participate in design reviews, coordinate interface requirements, and troubleshoot issues that arise during system integration. Clear communication and teamwork are essential, as controls must align with both hardware constraints and operational objectives. This collaborative environment fosters learning and can open doors for career advancement into project management or specialized technical roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, control systems, and automation, generally supported by a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with PLC programming, CAD software (such as AutoCAD or EPLAN), and relevant industry certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and address complex technical challenges. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable design of automation systems that meet project requirements and industry standards.

What is the difference between Controls Design Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls Design EngineerElectrical Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing control systems for automation and machineryDesigning electrical systems, circuits, and components for various applications
CertificationsOften requires PLC, automation, or control system certificationsTypically requires electrical engineering licensure or degrees
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation firms, industrial settingsPower plants, electronics companies, consulting firms
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower, electronics, construction

Controls Design Engineers focus on creating control systems for automation and machinery, often requiring specialized certifications. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, designing electrical circuits and systems across various industries. While both roles involve electrical knowledge, Controls Design Engineers specialize in automation controls, making their work more application-specific.

Infographic showing various Controls Design Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,302 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Project Design Controls Engineer , Fleet Remediation Engineering, Fleet Remediation Engineering

Amazon

Herndon, VA • Hybrid

$85K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,098 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we're the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on.

We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain - and we're looking for talented people who want to help. You'll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You'll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers.

And you'll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
As a Controls Engineer within the Fleet Remediation Engineering (FRE) team, you will lead the design, specification, and implementation of Building Management System (BMS) and Electrical Power Monitoring System (EPMS) controls solutions for data center retrofit projects. You will bridge the gap between mechanical/electrical retrofit design and controls integration, ensuring that upgraded systems are properly monitored, controlled, and optimized across our existing fleet.

This role combines deep controls engineering expertise with the fleet remediation mission of evolving our data centers to meet ever-changing customer needs at hyper-scale.
Key job responsibilities
- Lead controls design and integration for mechanical and electrical retrofit projects across the existing data center fleet, ensuring BMS and EPMS systems are properly specified, programmed, and commissioned.
- Develop and maintain controls design standards, specifications, and scope of work (SOW) documents specific to fleet remediation retrofit projects, aligning with global design standards.
- Collaborate with FRE mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, construction teams, commissioning, and operations stakeholders to deliver integrated controls solutions that support retrofit objectives.
- Serve as the central technical authority for BMS/EPMS controls within FRE, managing and prioritizing controls scope across retrofit projects, legacy site enhancements, and capacity recovery initiatives.
- Perform controls design reviews on retrofit packages, identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities for optimization in monitoring and automation strategies.
- Coordinate with controls vendors and programmers on bid reviews, RFI support, controller drawings, MOPs, and code reviews, ensuring deliverables meet FRE standards.
- Develop and review control sequences of operation, control diagrams, point lists, and network architecture for retrofit applications including HVAC upgrades, power distribution modifications, and liquid cooling integrations.
- Interact with AWS cloud services and data analytics platforms to support data reporting, energy optimization, and operational intelligence initiatives.
- Anticipate roadblocks and risks in controls integration, providing escalation management and proactive solutions to maintain project timelines.
- Travel domestically and internationally as needed to support retrofit project initiatives, site surveys, and commissioning activities.
- Provide engineering judgment and design recommendations for controls scope despite uncertainty, particularly on legacy systems with limited documentation.
A day in the life
Each day you will interact with different teams responsible for all aspects of the data centers. You will prioritize your activities to support data center safety, remediation projects, capacity, and availability, focusing on the actions that are most impactful. You will have the opportunity to work on projects locally and globally.
About the team
Why AWS
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform

We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating - that's why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Mentorship & Career Growth
We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth's Best Employer. That's why you'll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture

When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there's nothing we can't achieve in the cloud.
Our team is dedicated to supporting new team members. Our team has a broad mix of experience levels and Amazon tenures, and we're building an environment that celebrates knowledge sharing and mentorship.


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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate, computer and electronic product manufacturing and software development

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US