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Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

Controls Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site +1

$90K - $125K/yr

You belong at SEH SEH is currenting searching for a Controls Engineer to join our talented Mechanical/Electrical team! Why our employee-owners love SEH: * "I was on vacation last week and had zero ...

Nuclear Engineer

Massanutten, VA

$92K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

Nuclear Engineer

Grottoes, VA

$90K - $107K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

Nuclear Engineer

Charlottesville, VA

$93K - $112K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

Nuclear Engineer

Mcgaheysville, VA

$92K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

Nuclear Engineer

Waynesboro, VA

$94K - $113K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

Nuclear Engineer

Louisa, VA

$89K - $107K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

Nuclear Engineer

Orange, VA

$94K - $113K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lyndhurst, VA

$94K - $113K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

As a Data Center Project Engineer, you will be a part of a creative, diverse team tasked with ... You will work alongside partner teams such as Operations, Networking, Controls, Security, and ...

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As a Data Center Project Engineer, you will be a part of a creative, diverse team tasked with ... You will work alongside partner teams such as Operations, Networking, Controls, Security, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Engineer Controls Engineer information

See Charlottesville, VA salary details

$54.6K

$95.8K

$130K

How much do engineer controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer controls engineer in Charlottesville, VA is $95,807.00, 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 strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industry certifications such as ISA or Siemens are highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable automation solutions in complex industrial environments.

What are some common challenges Controls Engineers face when working on automation projects?

Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation technologies with existing systems, troubleshooting complex hardware and software issues, and ensuring that all control systems meet safety and regulatory requirements. Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers—is essential to resolve technical problems efficiently. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly evolving industry standards and technologies is crucial for long-term success in this role.

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

AspectControls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, automation facilitiesPower plants, electronics, telecommunications, industrial facilities
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower systems, electronics, telecommunications

Controls Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for automation and manufacturing processes, while Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems, power distribution, and electronic devices. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in industrial environments, but their primary responsibilities and areas of expertise differ.

What are Controls Engineers?

Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems used to control machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They work with hardware and software to ensure automated systems operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. Controls Engineers often program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), develop control algorithms, and troubleshoot automation issues. Their work is critical in optimizing production processes and integrating new technologies within industrial environments.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior controls engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation and control systems, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-paying roles are often found in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and energy, where complex systems and advanced technical expertise are required.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior control engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and advanced certifications, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-paying roles often involve leadership responsibilities, working in industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or large manufacturing, and may require expertise in PLCs, SCADA systems, and programming languages such as Python or C++.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced control engineers, especially those in senior leadership roles or working in specialized industries like aerospace or oil and gas, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What exactly does a controls engineer do?

A controls engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that automate machinery and processes. They work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and software to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often collaborating with electrical and mechanical teams. Skills in troubleshooting, programming, and understanding system integration are essential in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA? For Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Charlottesville, VA are:
What cities near Charlottesville, VA are hiring for Engineer Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Charlottesville, VA with the most Engineer Controls Engineer job openings:

Controls Engineer

Sehinc

Charlottesville, VA • On-site, Remote

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Imagine being an employee-owner of a company guided by engaged and empowered team members like yourself. Where a culture of respect, flexibility, and accountability aren't just ideals - they're our foundation, and diverse backgrounds and perspectives are valued as drivers of innovation and growth. Join us, as together, we are Building a Better World for All of Us.

You belong at SEHSEH is currenting searching for a Controls Engineer to join our talented Mechanical/Electrical team!

Why our employee-owners love SEH:

  • "I was on vacation last week and had zero concerns that my colleagues would help out with anything that came into my inbox!" - GIS Analyst

  • "What company has a CEO who cares enough to seek out one-on-one conversations ranging from 'How are you?' to 'What do you think would help the company?' SEH, that's who. " - Civil Engineering Technician

  • "Having the feeling that my voice matters and believing that SEH truly cares about the employees is so satisfying!" - Sr Financial Analyst

  • "It feels good having colleagues and supervisors that provide support and resources for growth and learning!" - Civil Engineer

  • "This is the first company I've worked for with a true entrepreneurial spirit." - Sr Mechanical Engineer

Why you'll love SEH:

  • Collaborate on amazing projects of varying size and complexity that positively impact communities

  • Being 100% employee-owned means we all share in the company's success

  • Career development through continued education, licensure/certification, skills, and technical training

  • Work arrangements that promote work/life balance

  • Flexible holidays enable individuals to tailor their festivities

  • Paid Family Leave provides time to care for loved ones, whether family by birth or family by choice

This Opportunity:

  • This remote position can be located in the Charlottesville, VA area, or surrounding areas or Remote in Minnesota. This opportunity is also open to candidates wanting to work Hybrid residing in the following areas: St Paul, MN, Duluth, MN, Minnetonka, MN, Mankato, MN, Rochester, MN, Brainerd, MN, or Hudson, WI.

  • Work with clients to assess plant control systems and develop the project approach.

  • Prepare project design/bidding documents including P&ID drawings, system network drawings, controls specifications, process narratives, and software and hardware selection.

  • Program PLCs, OITs and SCADA systems, tune processes for proper operation, and work with clients on the implementation of process control narratives.

  • Work directly with plant staff to implement new control strategies in existing systems to improve plant performance, and to incorporate new processes and instruments into the control system programming.

  • Team with outside integration companies to support overall project goals.

  • Manage project deliverables for client expectations.

  • Work directly with clients to diagnose and correct system faults, process control issues, and programming issues..

  • Preform Commissioning activities as directed

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics or related from an accredited college.

  • Technical experience in preparing design documents for bidding and supporting construction administration services.

  • PLC ladder logic programming, tag development, HMI/OIT system development.

  • Knowledge of process controls system commissioning and controls system commissioning.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ability to work alone and with a team of professionals and clients.

  • Ability to travel as needed for team meetings, client consultations, on-site project visits, control system startups, and onsite support.

  • GE/Emmerson PME PLC programming experience is required

  • GE/Emmerson Cimplicty programming experience is required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Ignition (with Gold Certification).

  • 5 to 15 years professional experience.

  • Licensed Professional Engineer, or ability to become licensed.

  • Experience with water and wastewater utilities

  • Project management experience, or interest in learning


Who We Are

Better Places. Clean Water. Renewing Infrastructure. Improving Mobility. SEH is an employee-owned engineering, architectural, planning, and environmental company, offering a wide variety of services. We've been helping government, industrial, and commercial clients find solutions to complex challenges since 1927. Our 900+ employee-owners across the US unite behind our core purpose of Building a Better World for All of Us.

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $90,000 and $125,000 based on skill set and experience. Check out our full benefits package at SEH Hiring Journey.

Due to current business and operational considerations, unable to hire employees residing in the following states at this time: AK, AR, CA, CT, DE, HI, KY, MA, RI, VT, and PR.Candidates willing to relocate should indicate this in their application.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

SEH is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We take affirmative action to ensure that all employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.

Notice to Third Party Agencies: SEH does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed Service Agreement by SEH's Talent Director, SEH reserves the right to pursue and hire these candidates without financial obligation to recruiters or agencies.

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