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Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Radford, VA

Lead Electrical Engineer

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$140K - $146K/yr

Lead Electrical Engineer Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537341 Work type: Administrative ... controls and communication systems; and providing customer service concerning technical issues.

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field. * 2 years of experience designing dry type transformers. * Strong understanding ...

New

Control Engineer 6

Christiansburg, VA · On-site

$155K - $194K/yr

... electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

Senior Maintenance Engineer - Electrical

Dublin, VA · On-site

$92K - $121K/yr

Associate Electrical Engineering degree with significant experience in an Industrial Maintenance environment with knowledge of industrial automation, robotics, and controls. Preference given to past ...

Electrical Design Engineer

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

Are you passionate about electrical engineering and eager to contribute to the dynamic, exciting industry of high reliability and space electronics? Our engineers at VPT work in a cross functional ...

OR Associate degree in Electrical Engineering with significant industrial maintenance experience supporting automation, controls, robotics, and manufacturing systems. * Experience supporting ...

Electrical Design Engineer

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

Are you passionate about electrical engineering and eager to contribute to the dynamic, exciting industry of high reliability and space electronics?Our engineers at VPT work in a cross functional ...

Are you passionate about electrical engineering and eager to contribute to the dynamic, exciting industry of high reliability and space electronics?Our engineers at VPT work in a cross functional ...

Engineering & Science Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No The Opportunity Step into a role where precision meets innovation. As a Factory Electrical Test Enginee r, you will play a critical role in ...

Engineering & Science Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No The Opportunity Step into a role where precision meets innovation. As a Factory Electrical Test Enginee r, you will play a critical role in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer information

See Radford, VA salary details

$40.8K

$89.3K

$124K

How much do electrical engineer controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical engineer controls engineer in Radford, VA is $89,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $101,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an electrical engineer controls engineer?

Electrical Engineer Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems used to operate electrical equipment and machinery. They apply principles of electrical engineering and automation to ensure that processes run efficiently, safely, and reliably. These engineers often work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and other devices to manage manufacturing processes, building systems, or industrial equipment. Their role may also involve troubleshooting, system integration, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical engineer controls engineer?

To thrive as an Electrical Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, control systems design, and automation, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical or related engineering fields. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or Siemens/Rockwell credentials is often required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for designing reliable control systems, troubleshooting issues efficiently, and ensuring seamless integration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

How do electrical engineer controls engineers typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Electrical Engineer Controls Engineers often work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, software developers, and production staff. Their role requires frequent communication to ensure that control systems are properly integrated with mechanical designs and software interfaces. Collaboration is essential during project planning, system commissioning, and troubleshooting phases, as each department’s input impacts the overall functionality and safety of automated systems. This team-based environment also provides opportunities to learn from other engineering disciplines, broadening your technical expertise.

What is the difference between Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectElectrical Engineer Controls EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, controls certifications (e.g., PLC programming)Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certifications (e.g., CAD, HVAC)
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, automation facilities, manufacturingDesign offices, manufacturing plants, HVAC systems
Employer & Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, energy sectorsAutomotive, aerospace, HVAC, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonElectrical Engineer Controls Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer

The main difference between Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer and Mechanical Engineer lies in their focus areas. Electrical Engineers Controls Engineers specialize in automation, control systems, and electrical circuitry, often working with PLCs and sensors. Mechanical Engineers focus on mechanical systems, design, and thermodynamics. Both roles require engineering degrees but differ in technical skills and industry applications, making them distinct yet sometimes overlapping in manufacturing environments.

What do electrical engineer controls engineers do?

Electrical controls engineers design, develop, and maintain 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 circuitry, programming, and system integration.
Infographic showing various Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer job openings in Radford, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,253 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Lead Electrical Engineer

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Virginia Tech
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

$140K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Lead Electrical Engineer

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537341
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: VP Facilities
Department: Virginia Tech Electric Service
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Engineering

Job Description

Reporting to the VTES Engineering Manager, the Lead Electrical Engineer will design and maintain electrical distribution and substation systems. Responsibilities include: oversight of the designing, writing specifications, preparing cost estimates and managing and coordinating multiple electric utility distribution system projects of varying types and complexity; designing, coordinating and directing installation, maintenance and operation activities related to substations, control systems, primary and secondary distribution systems, and street lighting systems to ensure a cost effective, safe and reliable electrical system; designing, testing, troubleshooting and supervising the installation of relaying, controls and communication systems; and providing customer service concerning technical issues. Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Required Qualifications

Advanced degree(s) in electrical engineering or related field OR bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and related work experience equivalent to an advanced degree.
Extensive experience with electrical distribution systems.
Working knowledge of National Electrical Code and National Electrical Safety Code.
Must have or be able to obtain a Virginia Responsible Land Disturber Certificate within 3 months of employment.
Experience using personal computers and a variety of office software.
Valid driver's license.
Must have the ability to analyze and resolve technical problems.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Solid understanding of substation relaying, metering, and control systems.
Experience with SEL protective relay systems.
Enhanced relay coordination experience.
Extensive experience using AutoCAD.
In-depth Knowledge of substation relaying, metering, and computer control systems.
Experience utilizing and understanding electrical and civil engineering drawings.
Previous supervisory experience.

Pay Band

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Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Budget max up to $117,000 commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

October 5, 2026

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
This position has been designated by the university as essential to university operations. As emergency personnel, you will be required to report to work during emergency situations and authorized closings.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at opshr-g@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: August 20, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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