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Controls Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$161K - $171K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer POSITION: Perform quality control on own work and work of Designer level ... controls into design drawings and specifications; perform field verification and take-offs of ...

Design Engineer CRI is looking to hire a Design Engineer in the Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland ... and controls for assigned projects. * Provide engineering support to construction forces.

... controls impacts, and detailed thermal/moisture response of facade assemblies * Guides design ... Professional engineering licensure preferred * Typically 10+ years of experience * Modeling ...

... controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers ... In this Design Engineer Principal Position, as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will be ...

... controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers ... Responsibilities Design Engineer, Associate Essential responsibilities and activities include but ...

... controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers ... Development of Engineering Installation Design Packages including the creation of Block Diagrams ...

About the Job We are seeking a Senior Digital Design Engineer to develop HDL based digital designs ... S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons ...

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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 Jun 18, 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.

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 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.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,302 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Electrical Design Engineer

Electrical Design Engineer

EXP

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$161K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Description
JOB LOCATION: Fairfax, VA
POSITION: Electrical Design Engineer
POSITION: Perform quality control on own work and work of Designer level staff, including drawings, RFI answers, and submittal reviews; collaborate with Sr. Engineer to determine content of drawings and specifications to meet the scope of work; travel to project sites to review progress of work and document via written field reports; successfully solve complex problems within time and budget constraints; apply general knowledge of NEC, other applicable codes, and standards into designs; implement knowledge of lighting, photometrics, and lighting controls into design drawings and specifications; perform field verification and take-offs of existing systems for renovation projects with minimal assistance; act as single point of contact with project managers for project scope definition, schedule, and budget requirements; manage a multi-project workload and oversee the design work of other engineers, ensuring project coordination, quality, budget adherence, and team communication; have a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals and advanced concepts to execute all required aspects of electrical engineering; assist the design team to develop the Basis of Design (BOD), Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), and Construction Documents (CD) that meet project requirements within the allocated schedule and budget, using best practices; collaborate with the electrical designers team to verify designer's work quality regarding specifications, reports, code application, submittal review, equipment selection, deliverables, and drawings; write complex and detailed studies and reports for Electrical systems on projects; contribute to revisions of company design standards and master specifications for specific Market Sectors; have proficiency in designing electrical systems, including planning, development, and testing; have expertise in using AutoCAD for creating precise 2D and 3D electrical schematics and layouts; have familiarity with Revit for building modeling tasks and coordinating with other engineering disciplines; have strong understanding of electrical systems, load calculations, and equipment selection; have knowledge of PLC programming for automation and control systems; have experience with simulation tools such as SKM Power Tools, Electrical Transient and Analysis Program (ETAP), Agi32, Visual, Dialux, Dynamo, CadnaR, MATLAB, circuit analysis and design; have experience with drafting tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation, BlueBeam for project development and design; have experience with data management tools such as Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Procore, Onebox, SmartSheet, PlanGrid, SmartGrid, FieldWire, ProjectWise, Deltek, SAP, Microsoft Project for project management and coordination; excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders; have experience with preliminary engineering activities, such as project development, programming, or schematic design phase of work, focusing on large-value or high-risk work; visit project locations to ascertain existing conditions, perform feasibility studies, test factory-built systems prior to shipment, and conduct field investigations as required; and have familiarity with international codes, standards, procedures, and specifications applicable to public safety engineering.
REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field plus 5 years of related experience. Required skills: Experience in SKM Power Tools for harmonic analysis, short circuit analysis, and arc flash hazard analysis; Experience in Electrical Transient and Analysis Program (ETAP) utilized for power system modeling, load flow analysis, and protection coordination; Experience in AutoCAD to create detailed electrical schematics and control panel layouts; Experience in Microstation for professional electrical diagrams and complex design projects; Experience in Revit to build information modeling (BIM) and coordinating with other disciplines; AGI32, Visual, Elum Tools, Dialux experience used for lighting design, photometric calculations, and simulations; ComCheck, Sustainability Works to ensure compliance with energy codes and promotes energy efficiency; Have a current Professional Engineer License that is valid for application in Virginia and states outside of Virginia. Up to 10% domestic travel required. Must live within normal commuting distance of the worksite.
Full time. The pay range for this role is $161,782 to $171,782. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location. This may be different in other locations due to differences in the cost of labor.
In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees, including health insurance, vacation time, and 401(k) retirement benefits.
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With a mission to understand, innovate, partner and deliver, EXP provides engineering, architecture, design and consulting services to the world's built and natural environments.
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