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Controls Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CEC Controls Company Inc

Controls Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$72.90K - $94.30K/yr

Electrical engineering degree with 1-2 years' experience or 2-5 years equivalent experience in ... controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, and standard electrical components ...

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

$86.90K - $112.40K/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 ...

Automationtechies

Field Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA

$81.70K - $105.70K/yr

You will be responsible for electrical and controls engineering projects involving electrical and instrumentation, coordination with electrical subcontractors, PLC/SCADA/HMI programming ...

Automationtechies

Field Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$81.70K - $105.70K/yr

You will be responsible for electrical and controls engineering projects involving electrical and instrumentation, coordination with electrical subcontractors, PLC/SCADA/HMI programming ...

Jewett Automation, LLC

Sr. Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Serve as the technical lead on large-scale projects, owning assigned controls engineering tasks and ensuring they are delivered on time and in alignment with project milestones. * Design and ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$82.60K - $106.90K/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 · Hybrid

$82.60K - $106.90K/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

$86.90K - $112.40K/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

$82.10K - $106.20K/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

$82.10K - $106.20K/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 ...

Tract Capital

Senior Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$111.60K - $147.30K/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 ...

Accelevation LLC

Electrical Controls Engineer

Sterling, VA

$79.50K - $106.30K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience) * 4+ years of experience in industrial automation and control systems ...

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Controls Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$54.5K

$95.7K

$129.9K

How much do controls engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,745 per year, or $46 per hour.

Lead Controls Engineer with Security Clearance

Optimum Governmental Solutions LLC

Manassas, VA

$83.40K - $107.90K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Controls Engineer to drive the design, implementation, and delivery of complex automation and control system solutions. This role combines deep technical expertise in Allen-Bradley PLCs and/or Ignition SCADA with hands-on leadership across projects in industrial and mission-critical environments. Data center experience is a plus
Key Responsibilities
Lead complex controls and automation projects from design through commissioning
Develop, validate, and implement high-quality PLC/SCADA-based solutions
Program and configure Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems (Ignition preferred)
Ensure engineering best practices are followed across multiple disciplines
Identify and manage technical risks throughout project lifecycles
Provide technical leadership, oversight, and mentorship to engineering teams
Collaborate with clients to design tailored automation and control solutions
Support system integration, testing, and commissioning activities
Develop and maintain project documentation and engineering artifacts
Analyze system data and performance to drive optimization and improvements
Ensure compliance with safety standards and resolve technical issues proactively
Partner with project leadership to deliver projects on time and within budget
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Math, or Physics
5–10+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or related field
Experience in industrial, manufacturing, utilities, or mission-critical environments
Data center experience is a strong plus
Preferred Certifications
FE/EIT Certification
NICET Certification
LEED Accreditation
DBIA Certification
Core Skills & Expertise
Strong hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLCs
Experience with SCADA systems (Ignition highly preferred)
PLC programming, HMI development, and system integration
Commissioning, troubleshooting, and startup support
Understanding of electrical systems, power distribution, and controls architecture
Ability to lead projects and mentor junior engineers
Experience with cost estimation, budgeting, and project delivery
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Effective communication and client-facing abilities
Tools & Technologies
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley platforms
Ignition SCADA, HMI systems
Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Visio, SharePoint, Engineering Document Management Systems (EDMS)
Project scheduling tools (e.g., SureTrak or similar)

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