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Controls Systems Engineer information

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$62.3K

$109.4K

$148.4K

How much do controls systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls systems engineer in Washington 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 is the difference between Controls Systems Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectControls Systems EngineerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like CSCP or ISABachelor's in Engineering, certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, control system designManufacturing, process industries, robotics, and system integration
Industry UsageHeavy industry, process control, manufacturingAutomation, robotics, process optimization

Controls Systems Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for industrial processes, while Automation Engineers concentrate on implementing automation solutions, including robotics and software. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments, but their primary focus differs: control system design versus automation implementation.

What are Control Systems Engineers?

Control Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that manage, regulate, and automate processes in industries such as manufacturing, power generation, and transportation. They use principles of engineering, mathematics, and computer science to ensure that machines and processes operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. Their work often involves programming controllers, designing feedback loops, and integrating sensors and actuators to optimize system performance.

What are some common challenges a Controls Systems Engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Controls Systems Engineers frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams, which can pose coordination challenges due to differing design methodologies and project timelines. Ensuring seamless integration of control systems with various hardware and software components often requires effective communication and adaptability. Additionally, troubleshooting issues that arise during commissioning or operation—often under tight deadlines—demands strong problem-solving skills and a thorough understanding of both the control systems and the larger system architecture.

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

To thrive as a Controls Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, typically with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and relevant certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills help you work effectively with cross-functional teams and troubleshoot complex systems. These skills are vital for designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable automation solutions that optimize safety and efficiency in industrial environments.
What cities in Washington are hiring for Controls Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Controls Systems Engineer job openings:
Critical Environment Industrial Controls Systems Engineer

Critical Environment Industrial Controls Systems Engineer

Microsoft

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Overview
In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day and we need you as a Critical Environment Industrial Controls Systems Engineer (CE IE). In the CEIE role, you will have an opportunity to work alongside a dynamic team of industry professionals across the Information Technology (IT) and Critical Environments (CE) spectrum within Microsoft 24x7x365 mission-critical datacenters.
Microsoft's Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers our cloud services. As a CO+I CE IE, you will perform a key role in delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's online services including Bing, Office 365, Xbox, OneDrive, and the Microsoft Azure platform. As a group, CO+I is focused on the personal and professional development for all employees and offers trainings and growth opportunities including Career Rotation Programs, Diversity & Inclusion trainings and events, and professional certifications.
Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 200 datacenters in 32 countries and millions of servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide.
With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
  • Maintaining ICS availability, data quality, service and change management, reporting, and the security of all ICS systems in the Data Centers.
  • Site level ICS program and project management, and both govern and directly participate in the execution of global initiatives related to ICS systems.
  • Managing, servicing, and governing Microsoft's electrical and mechanical industrial control systems (ICS) to include servers, applications, networks, and device infrastructure deployed within Microsoft's 24x7x365 mission-critical datacenters.
  • Governing logical and physical access, approval, and permissions related to all ICS systems, networks, workstations, and servers that provide datacenter monitoring and controls.
  • Empowering a culture of safety and security in global datacenter operations by complying with CO+I's safety programs and policies and completing compliance knowledge assessments.
  • Developing positive working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
  • Embody our culture and values

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity, or related field AND 2+ years technical experience in software engineering, network engineering, service engineering, systems engineering, or industrial controls OR equivalent experience.

Background Check Requirements:
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
  • Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or applicable field experience in Critical Environments, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical
  • 3+ Years of experience in an operational, mission-critical, 24x7x365 facility
  • 1.5+ Years of experience in the design and/or commissioning of Industrial Controls Systems (ICS) in datacenter critical environments including the Modbus and BACnet protocols.
  • 2+ Years of experience with the operation and maintenance of building electrical systems (Power distribution, grounding, fire alarm, and related controls systems) and mechanical systems (HVAC, Chilled Water, DX Refrigerant, Evaporative, and related controls systems)
  • Project management experience with a focus on agile methodologies.
  • Knowledge of construction techniques and terminology including the ability to read and interpret blueprints, construction drawings and documents is essential.
  • Ability to manage, prioritize and successfully execute multiple concurrent mission-critical infrastructure projects.
  • Ability to balance competing demands for resources and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Proven ability to deliver projects on-time and adherence to deadlines.
  • Provide meaningful and timely reporting for weekly success metrics.
  • Established understanding of Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS) and/or Branch Circuit Monitoring (BCM) and/or Building Automation Systems (BAS), and/or Battery Monitoring Systems (BMS)

Service Engineering IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,100 - $202,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $133,800 - $219,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

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Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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