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Controls Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Tate

Design Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Job Title: Design Engineer Job Type : Full-time, Exempt Duration of role : Permanent Location ... controls a plus. * Must be proficient with SolidWorks. * AutoCAD and Revit experience a plus ...

Tate Access Floors Inc

Design Engineer

Columbia, MD

$70K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Design Engineer Job Type : Full-time, Exempt Duration of role : Permanent Location ... controls a plus. * Must be proficient with SolidWorks. * AutoCAD and Revit experience a plus ...

Tate Access Floors Inc

Design Engineer

Columbia, MD

$70K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Design Engineer Job Type : Full-time, Exempt Duration of role : Permanent Location ... controls a plus. * Must be proficient with SolidWorks. * AutoCAD and Revit experience a plus ...

Carrier Corporation

Controls Field Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$79K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Controls Field Engineer is responsible for the successful overall software design of projects, database creation, as well the implementation of the controls design and standards used in the ...

Carrier Corp

Controls Field Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$79 - $158/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Controls Field Engineer is responsible for the successful overall software design of projects, database creation, as well the implementation of the controls design and standards used in the ...

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All JobsControls Design Engineer JobsControls Design Engineer Jobs in Washington

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.

What are popular job titles related to Controls Design Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Controls Design Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Controls Design Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Controls Design Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Controls Design Engineer jobs in WA?

For Controls Design Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Controls Design Engineer jobs near you
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.

Controls Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec

Reston, VA • On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:
  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

We have a Controls Engineer position in Reston, VA. This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up assistance.
Please Note: This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, including H-1B sponsorship.
Responsibilities
  • Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process system requirements
  • Develops schematics detailing control system configuration and wiring, and design equipment panel layouts on AutoCAD software
  • Develop Sequence of Operation document detailing control strategies for the process under control. Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents
  • Work at customer site to perform the system checkout and start-up of the integrated control system
  • Develop the final record system documentation and provide system training to the customer
  • Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across multiple industries including both manufacturing production lines and data center building automation
  • Will act as technical lead on projects and guide lower level engineers and technicians
  • Will act as Project Manager on smaller projects ranging from $50K to $250K. This includes but not limited to:
    • Develops and executes implementation plans for the project
    • Assigns work to meet overall project deadlines
    • Ensures that all project team members clearly understand the scope of W-M responsibilities
    • Develops schedules for W-M and customer requirements
    • Evaluates progress on project and details changes
    • Responsible for all purchasing and subcontractor requirements
    • Responsible for development of costs and proposal of change orders to contract scope

Minimum Requirements
Education BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
Experience Three to five years' experience in areas below:
  • An in-depth understanding of control systems, components, logic programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Schnieder Modicon, Siemens, GE-IP) required. Experience with AutoCAD is also desired
  • Strong inter-personnel skills. Ability to communicate and work with both team members, subcontractors and clients
  • Ability to travel up to 50%

Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, and ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.
Working Environment Standard office environment, diverse industrial environments, frequent PC usage, facsimile/copy machines, phones.
Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-WM1
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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