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Controls Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CEC Controls Company Inc

Controls Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$72K - $94K/yr

The Controls Engineers are given the opportunity to work on projects from the initial planning ... Electrical engineering degree with 1-2 years' experience or 2-5 years equivalent experience in ...

M Force

Controls Software Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA

$100K - $120K/yr

This role will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams while managing software ... controls engineers during system integration Lead or support software development efforts for ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$86K - $112K/yr

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... Rated as a top System Integrator Giant We have a Controls Engineer position in Reston, VA. This ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$86K - $112K/yr

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... Rated as a top System Integrator Giant We have a Controls Engineer position in Reston, VA. This ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$82K - $106K/yr

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... Rated as a top System Integrator Giant We have a Controls Engineer position in Reston, VA. This ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA · Hybrid

$82K - $106K/yr

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system ...

Qualdoc

Automation & Controls Engineer

Henrico, VA · On-site

$100K/yr

Automation & Controls Engineer Location: Henrico, VA Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire ... Support engineering change control activities and technical documentation updates. * Assist with ...

Tract Capital

Senior Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline. * 7+ years in industrial controls/OT engineering, SCADA integration, or mission ...

Nvidia

Data Center Operations Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA

$85K - $111K/yr

Work together with Controls engineering to prioritize and coordinate the resolution of critical UI, stability, and interoperability issues affecting data center operations. * Lead operational cleanup ...

Actalent

URGENT OPENING - Controls Engineer

Winchester, VA · On-site

$93K - $95K/yr

Controls Engineer As a Controls Engineer, you will troubleshoot and resolve automation and control ... Additionally, you will lead engineering updates, changes, testing, and commissioning of automation ...

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All JobsControls Engineering JobsControls Engineering Jobs in Virginia

Controls Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$54.5K

$95.7K

$129.9K

How much do controls engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineering in Virginia is $95,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is controls engineering?

Controls engineering is a specialized field of engineering that focuses on designing, developing, and implementing systems that manage, command, direct, or regulate the behavior of other devices or systems. Controls engineers use principles from electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering to automate processes, improve efficiency, and ensure safety in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy. Their work often involves programming controllers, designing feedback systems, and integrating sensors and actuators to achieve precise control over machinery and processes.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Controls engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within engineering fields. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership positions in large corporations may approach high six-figure incomes, but reaching $500,000 is rare for controls engineering professionals alone.

What does a controls engineer do?

A controls engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems used in manufacturing, automation, and industrial processes. They work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and software to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often requiring knowledge of electrical engineering and programming. Controls engineers typically analyze system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements to optimize operations.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Controls engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and specialized certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or stock options, and typically requires years of expertise and a strong technical background in automation systems and control theory.

How does a Controls Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

Controls Engineers frequently work alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure seamless integration of automated systems. They are responsible for developing and implementing control strategies that meet project specifications, which often involves coordinating with design, installation, and commissioning teams. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as Controls Engineers must align their solutions with the overall project goals and troubleshoot cross-disciplinary issues that arise during development and testing phases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and industry certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems in industrial environments.

How much do control engineers get paid?

Control engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can increase with specialized skills in automation, PLC programming, and certifications such as Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST).
What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineering jobs in Virginia? For Controls Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Engineering jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
Controls Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineering job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,745 per year, or $46 per hour.
Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

CEC Controls Company Inc

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$72K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Overview:

CEC Controls is currently seeking a Controls Engineer to join our team in the Chesapeake, VA office. The Controls Engineers are given the opportunity to work on projects from the initial planning stages to field installation and commissioning for the Water-Wastewater and Manufacturing Industry. Demonstrated trouble shooting skills are necessary.

This is an ideal opportunity for an individual with solid experience as a systems integrator, who is looking for career growth with a major organization.

Responsibilities:

  • Design automation control systems from customer specifications.
  • Responsible for programming automation and control systems involving PLCs and HMI’s.
  • Specify electrical equipment and materials including PLCs, automation control components and instrumentation based on calculations, customer specifications, and engineering principles.
  • Develop electrical and P&ID drawings.
  • Troubleshoot hardware and software issues.
  • Design and debug Data Acquisition systems (SCADA).
  • Power-up, Debug, and Calibration of Water/Wastewater, automotive and/or manufacturing Control Systems.
  • Follow all company processes, check lists, and support the development of standardized design platforms.

Skills & Qualifications:

  • Electrical engineering degree with 1-2 years’ experience or 2-5 years equivalent experience in Automation Programming of PLC's.
  • 2+ years of PLC and HMI/SCADA programming experience. • Proficient in programming PLC's; (Rockwell, Siemens, GE, Modicon, Emerson Control Wave, etc.)
  • Proficient in programming HMI/SCADA systems; (FactoryTalk, Maple, VTSCADA, Wonderware, Ignition, etc.)
  • Industrial electrical hands-on experience and troubleshooting, including 480VAC 3-phase, 120 VAC, 24VDC systems, and VFD’s.
  • Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, and modifying automation controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, and standard electrical components.
  • Experience with process control instrumentation; flow meters, pressure transmitters, & level transmitters a plus.
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills, using a logical and systematic approach. • Has a working knowledge of industry standards and regulations (NEC, IEEE, NFPA, & OSHA, etc)
  • Ability to read, revise and create new PLC logic, HMI/SCADA programs, and VFD parameters.
  • Attention to detail to maintain accurate drawings, files, bill of materials, correct spare parts and equipment specifications.
  • Travel up to 25%. The current project workload requires less.
  • Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship from CEC Controls is required.

Physical Requirements:

  • Able to climb a 2-story ladder.
  • Can walk a mile in 20 minutes.
  • Be able to cover, on foot, a reasonable distance on a job site.
  • Able to lift 30 lbs. without difficulty.

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