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Controls Engineer Manager Jobs in Washington, DC

Senior Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

The Tract Capital Senior Controls Engineer owns controls discipline design for our behind-the-meter ... Relationship Management: Cultivate trust, collaboration, and long-term partnerships, while building ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer serves as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system ... Experience managing technical projects through the full lifecycle, including initiation, planning ...

Senior Facilities Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

Analyze and resolve Building Management System alarms, faults, and unattended conditions; determine ... Experience as a controls engineer working with commissioning, testing and troubleshooting of ...

Analyze and resolve Building Management System alarms, faults, and unattended conditions; determine ... Experience as a controls engineer working with commissioning, testing and troubleshooting of ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

You will be responsible for troubleshooting, project management, and maintaining the building ... Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

You will be responsible for troubleshooting, project management, and maintaining the building ... Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

You will be responsible for troubleshooting, project management, and maintaining the building ... Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

You will be responsible for troubleshooting, project management, and maintaining the building ... Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

You will be responsible for troubleshooting, project management, and maintaining the building ... Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ...

Principal Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$52 - $66.50/hr

You will report to the Senior Manager Control Application Software Development. As a hands-on ... Serve as the Principal controls SW developer designing Fluence's energy storage system control SW ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

You will be responsible for troubleshooting, project management, and maintaining the building ... Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA

$99K - $131K/yr

You will be responsible for troubleshooting, project management, and maintaining the building ... Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple ...

Showing results 21-40

Controls Engineer Manager information

See Washington, DC salary details

$62.3K

$109.4K

$148.4K

How much do controls engineer manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer manager in Washington, DC is $109,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $122,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the common challenges a controls engineer manager faces when leading a multidisciplinary team?

As a Controls Engineer Manager, one of the primary challenges is effectively coordinating between electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to deliver integrated automation solutions. Balancing project timelines, resource allocation, and ensuring clear communication across disciplines requires strong leadership and organizational skills. Additionally, keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and maintaining compliance with industry standards can present ongoing challenges. Fostering a collaborative environment and facilitating continuous learning are key to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring successful project delivery.

Where do controls engineer managers get paid the most?

Controls engineer managers tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with a strong manufacturing, automation, or industrial sector, such as certain states or countries with advanced industrial infrastructure. Factors like experience, certifications, and expertise in PLCs, SCADA, or robotics can also influence compensation levels.

What is the difference between Controls Engineer Manager vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls Engineer ManagerControls Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, management experience, possibly certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, technical certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, oversees control systems developmentDesigns, develops, and tests control systems, often working independently or in small teams
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, industrial facilities, often in supervisory rolesManufacturing plants, automation companies, industrial sectors, technical roles

The Controls Engineer Manager oversees control systems projects and manages teams, focusing on leadership and strategic planning. In contrast, the Controls Engineer primarily designs and implements control systems. The manager role involves more coordination and management, while the engineer role emphasizes technical expertise and hands-on work.

How much do controls engineer managers make?

Controls engineer managers typically earn between $90,000 and $140,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often oversee teams, manage automation projects, and require strong knowledge of control systems and leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls engineer manager?

To thrive as a Controls Engineer Manager, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and several years of engineering experience. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and certifications like PE or PMP are highly valuable. Leadership, project management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These competencies ensure successful project delivery, system reliability, and efficient team performance in complex industrial environments.

What is a controls engineer manager?

Controls Engineer Managers are professionals who oversee teams responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining control systems used in manufacturing, automation, and industrial processes. They ensure that control systems operate efficiently, safely, and meet all technical requirements. In addition to technical expertise, they manage personnel, budgets, and project timelines, serving as a bridge between engineering teams and upper management. Their work is crucial for optimizing production processes, minimizing downtime, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineer Manager jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Controls Engineer Manager jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Controls Engineer Manager jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Manager job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,339 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Tract Capital

Arlington, VA • On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Tract Capital adopts a unique approach to digital infrastructure investment. Leveraging experience and strategic insights honed over three decades of creating successful companies in the space, we excel in nurturing and advancing leading-edge digital infrastructure enterprises. Our team of specialized experts are united by a singular purpose: to support the growth of digital infrastructure. Tract Capital goes beyond simple investment by acting as a strategic partner and catalyst for innovation within the sector. We ensure our engagements not only generate strong financial results but also develop essential digital infrastructure to meet growing demands. Tract Capital has introduced multiple digital infrastructure strategies, including horizontal powered land, vertical development, and product development.
The Tract Capital Senior Controls Engineer owns controls discipline design for our behind-the-meter (BTM) generation solutions and integration into Tract's monitoring and command center operations. This role develops controls standards and BOD, coordinates with vendors and product teams, and ensures OT systems meet reliability, cybersecurity, and operational requirements for mission-critical environments.
How will you make a difference?
  • Own controls discipline design and Basis of Design (BOD) for BTM generation systems, including PLC/RTU architecture, network design, telemetry points, alarms, and historian requirements.
  • Coordinate with Power Generation equipment (Reciprocating Engines, Turbines, Fuel Cells, Batteries etc.) vendors on control panels, engine controllers, switchgear controls, and ancillary skids to ensure consistent interfaces and robust fault handling.
  • Define integration requirements to our monitoring systems (dashboards, alarm priorities, escalation paths, and runbooks) and ensure clear demarcation of responsibilities during incidents.
  • Partner with Product and Security to align cybersecurity requirements (segmentation, access control, logging, secure remote access) with customer and enterprise standards.
  • Support commissioning, controls validation, and site acceptance testing; troubleshoot issues related to sequencing, protection interfaces, and communications.
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), modes of operation (MOPs), and change-control practices for controls modifications and setpoint management.
  • Establish KPIs for controls performance and reliability (nuisance alarm rate, comms uptime, MTTR) and drive continuous improvement.
  • Support after-action reviews and root cause analysis for controls-related events; implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 7+ years in industrial controls/OT engineering, SCADA integration, or mission-critical controls for generation/power systems.

Required Qualifications
  • Proven ownership of controls discipline design and Basis of Design (BOD) for complex industrial or mission-critical power systems (PLC/RTU architecture, networks, alarms, historian).
  • Demonstrated experience integrating controls/OT systems with centralized monitoring or command center platforms, including alarm prioritization and runbook alignment.
  • Hands-on experience supporting commissioning, controls validation, and site acceptance testing, including troubleshooting sequencing, protection interface, and communications issues.
  • Track record establishing and maintaining SOPs, MOPs, and change-control practices for controls logic, setpoints, and configuration changes.
  • Experience defining and tracking controls performance KPIs (e.g., nuisance alarm rate, communications uptime, MTTR) and driving corrective actions through post-incident reviews and root cause analysis.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with generation controls, paralleling/synchronizing systems, and integration with protection relays and switchgear.
  • Experience implementing OT security best practices (IEC 62443 concepts, secure remote access, network hardening).
  • Familiarity with common industrial protocols (Modbus, DNP3, OPC-UA) and time synchronization practices.
  • Experience supporting 24/7 operations environments and incident response workflows.

Required Traits
  • Integrity and Ethical Standards: Build trust, ensure fairness, and foster long-term, transparent relationships with suppliers.
  • Effective Communication: The ability to clearly convey expectations and requirements to suppliers and negotiation parties, while understanding their needs and concerns. Comfortable delivering written and verbal presentations to internal leadership teams.
  • Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Ability to understand the emotions, cultural nuances, and motivations of others, while effectively managing one's own emotions during high-pressure negotiations.
  • Strategic Thinking: Recognize how supplier relationships and negotiations align with the broader organizational goals, while aiming for outcomes that benefit both parties.
  • Critical Thinking Skills: Finding innovative solutions and being flexible in addressing unexpected challenges.
  • Analytical Ability: Make data-driven decisions, assess cost structures, and identify potential risks, ensuring informed and strategic outcomes.
  • Influence and Persuasion: Able to effectively advocate for their position, build consensus, and secure favorable agreements without compromising relationships.
  • Operational Paranoia: Anticipate risks, identify vulnerabilities, and proactively implement mechanisms to prevent and minimize disruptions and safeguard safety, security, availability, and scale.
  • Relationship Management: Cultivate trust, collaboration, and long-term partnerships, while building a broad network that provides valuable benchmarking, industry insights, and alternative sourcing options.

Location and Travel
  • Work location is flexible to Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, Austin, TX, or Alexandria, VA.
  • Regular travel, as needed, to offices as well as to meet with Vendors.

Expected Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 Salary + Discretionary Bonus.
#LI-Hybr
Tract Capital Employment
Tract Capital employees enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401K program, standard paid holidays, and unlimited PTO.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the organization's ongoing needs.
Tract Capital is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance applying for any of our open positions, please contact us at info@tractcapital.com.