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Controls Engineer Project Manager Jobs in Washington, DC

Controls Engineer

Washington, DC

$89K - $115K/yr

Description Position Description JPI is seeking a Controls Engineer to support a federal client in project management and business operations initiatives. This role is responsible for documenting ...

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About the Role We seek a Project Controls Engineer to provide scheduling support services to our ... This position will work with a team of professionals, including client project managers ...

Senior Project Controls Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

About the Role We seek a Project Controls Engineer to provide scheduling support services to our ... This position will work with a team of professionals, including client project managers ...

Senior Facilities Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

... managing projects that involved cross-functional or cross-business unit teams * 5+ years of ... Experience as a controls engineer working with commissioning, testing and troubleshooting of ...

Senior Facilities Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

... managing projects that involved cross-functional or cross-business unit teams * 5+ years of ... Experience as a controls engineer working with commissioning, testing and troubleshooting of ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Controls Engineer Project Manager information

See Washington, DC salary details

$51K

$121.3K

$169.9K

How much do controls engineer project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer project manager in Washington, DC is $121,300.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $146,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls engineer project manager?

A Controls Engineer Project Manager is a professional who oversees the design, implementation, and management of automation and control systems within projects. They combine technical expertise in controls engineering—such as programming PLCs, designing control panels, and integrating industrial systems—with project management skills like budgeting, scheduling, and team coordination. Their role ensures that automation projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget, while meeting all technical and quality standards. They often act as the main point of contact between clients, engineers, and other stakeholders.

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

AspectControls EngineerControls Engineer Project Manager
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like PLC or SCADASame as Controls Engineer, plus project management certifications (e.g., PMP)
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and troubleshoot control systemsOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and coordinates schedules
Employer & IndustryManufacturing, automation, process industriesManufacturing, automation, industrial sectors with project oversight

Controls Engineer and Controls Engineer Project Manager share similar technical credentials and work environments. However, the Project Manager role emphasizes project oversight, team coordination, and client communication, making it more managerial in scope. Both roles are vital in automation industries but differ mainly in responsibilities and focus areas.

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

To thrive as a Controls Engineer Project Manager, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation systems, and project management, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and PMP certification. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, AutoCAD, and project management software such as MS Project is commonly required. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive teams, manage stakeholders, and ensure project delivery. These skills and qualifications are vital for overseeing complex automation projects, maintaining technical standards, and achieving project goals on time and within budget.

How does a controls engineer project manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during project execution?

A Controls Engineer Project Manager frequently works alongside electrical engineers, software developers, mechanical engineers, and project stakeholders to ensure that control systems meet project requirements and deadlines. Collaboration often involves organizing regular meetings, facilitating clear communication of technical specifications, and addressing integration challenges between different system components. Strong teamwork and leadership skills are essential, as the Project Manager must coordinate tasks, resolve conflicts, and ensure all team members are aligned toward project goals. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and helps maintain project timelines and quality standards.
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Project Manager job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, 12% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,300 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Sr. Project Engineer/Project Manager

Kelly Services

Sterling, VA

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Senior Project Engineer/PM– Electrical CommissioningLocation: Sterling, VA
Industry: Mission Critical/Data Center
Job SummaryWe are seeking a self-motivated, energetic Senior Project Engineer to plan and execute commissioning of electrical systems within mission-critical environments. The ideal candidate brings both theoretical and practical knowledge in commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting complex electrical systems and controls. You will review project information, coordinate and execute daily field activities, maintain documentation, and help manage schedules and resources. As a technical leader, you will mentor junior engineers, assess systems, and provide high-level technical expertise.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Commission electrical distribution equipment and controls (data center environments; high/medium voltage systems)
  • Review system designs for compliance with client goals
  • Prepare commissioning plans and procedures
  • Conduct commissioning activities from design phase through occupancy, per client/industry best practices
  • Attend and document factory testing of equipment
  • Conduct functional and performance testing of equipment
  • Analyze test results and prepare comprehensive reports
  • Perform thermographic surveys and analyze findings
  • Document all field procedures and observations with templates/online apps
  • Make technical recommendations based on system performance
  • Coordinate field activities with Project Manager and teams
  • Prepare and contribute to commissioning project schedules and documentation
  • Draft test procedures for various equipment and systems
  • Attend and occasionally lead project coordination and scheduling meetings
  • Maintain daily commissioning reports
  • Train and guide Associate Project Engineers and Project Engineers
  • Respond promptly and professionally to client/team inquiries
  • Comply with company, client, and project safety requirements
Typical Equipment Knowledge:
  • Generators & Paralleling Switchgear
  • Transformers (High/Medium/Low Voltage)
  • UPS & Battery Systems
  • Switchgear (High/Medium/Low Voltage)
  • Main Switchboards (MSB), PLC Controls
  • Automatic/Semi-Automatic Switching Controls
  • Electrical Power Monitoring System (EPMS)
  • Automatic/Static Transfer Switches (ATS/STS)
  • Power Distribution Units (PDU), Busways, Remote Power Panels (RPP)
  • Grounding & Lighting Control Systems

QualificationsEducation/Experience:
  • BSc/MSc in Electrical Engineering plus 5+ years of mission-critical project experience
    OR
  • 7+ years of electrical commissioning experience with mission-critical projects
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Strong experience in mission-critical facility commissioning
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, analytical, and proactive problem-solver
  • Effective written/verbal communicator and relationship builder
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks with limited supervision and mentor junior engineers
  • Familiarity with ASHRAE or BCxA commissioning guidelines preferred
  • Knowledge of InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA) specifications
  • Distributed control system experience desirable
  • Good understanding of BMS and/or EPMS
  • Skilled in use and application of test instrumentation
  • Team player with a client-focused mentality
Certification/Licenses:
  • Professional Engineers (PE) License or commissioning certification a plus (not required)

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
  • Walk up to 5 miles per day
  • Carry up to 50 lbs
  • PPE required daily
  • Must be on-site

Ready to make a big impact?
Apply today and join a team where your leadership and expertise drive success on mission-critical projects.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
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