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Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$86.90K - $112.40K/yr

This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$111.60K - $147.30K/yr

The Tract Capital Senior Controls Engineer owns controls discipline design for our behind-the-meter (BTM) generation solutions and integration into Tract's monitoring and command center operations.

Electrical Controls Engineer

Sterling, VA

$79.50K - $106.30K/yr

Electrical Controls Engineer Location: Sterling, VA - On Site About Accelevation We build what the future runs on. Accelevation designs, manufactures, and installs the physical infrastructure that ...

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$86.90K - $112.40K/yr

This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up ...

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$86.90K - $112.40K/yr

This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up ...

Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K - $115.10K/yr

Position Description JPI is seeking a Controls Engineer to support a federal client in project management and business operations initiatives. This role is responsible for documenting existing ...

Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K - $115.10K/yr

Description Position Description JPI is seeking a Controls Engineer to support a federal client in project management and business operations initiatives. This role is responsible for documenting ...

Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K - $115.10K/yr

Position Description JPI is seeking a Controls Engineer to support a federal client in project management and business operations initiatives. This role is responsible for documenting existing ...

Controls Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$85.50K - $110.60K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a top-notch Controls Engineers to join our talented team in Chantilly, VA . This position requires an active TS/SCI Clearance with Polygraph OR the interest ...

Controls Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$85.50K - $110.60K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a top-notch Controls Engineers to join our talented team in Chantilly, VA . This position requires an active TS/SCI Clearance with Polygraph OR the interest ...

Controls Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$85.50K - $110.60K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a top-notch Controls Engineers to join our talented team in Chantilly, VA . This position requires an active TS/SCI Clearance with Polygraph OR the interest and ability to ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$99.70K - $131.60K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple stakeholder deliverables, requirements and navigate challenging situations. Financially manage BMS and ...

Principal Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA

$52 - $66.50/hr

Role Overview We are looking for a Principal Controls Software Engineer with a passion for software design and extensive experience with power engineering, MathWorks Matlab/Simulink, Agile Scrum ...

BMS Controls Application Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$85.40K - $110.40K/yr

Controls Application Engineer Start Date: Immediate As a Controls Application Engineer, you will be responsible for developing BMS/SCADA applications at both a supervisory and controller level. You ...

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Engineer Controls Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$57.2K

$100.5K

$136.3K

How much do engineer controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer controls engineer in Reston, VA is $100,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,900.00 and $112,400.00 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Engineer Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Engineer Controls Engineer job openings:
PLC Controls Engineer with Security Clearance

PLC Controls Engineer with Security Clearance

Zachary Piper Solutions, LLC

Manassas, VA • On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is looking for a PLC Controls Engineer to join a design services company for mission critical systems. This is a full-time position and onsite in Manassas, VA. Essential Duties of the Controls Engineer: * Designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery, and processes.
* Originates design documents for small projects and in support of large programs.
* Lead programming / configuration team efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
* Program / Configure / troubleshoot - PLCs, RTUs, and/or HMI systems.
Qualifications of the Controls Engineer: * M.S. degree and 2 years of experience or B.S. and 4+ years of experience
* Required to have prior experience building and programing PLC from scratch
* Experience with Allen Bradley PLCs
* Proficient in programming languages such as ladder logic and structured text.
* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues.
Compensation for the Controls Engineer: * $90,000 - $130,000 (based on experience)
* Opportunity for additional income with OT hours.
* Comprehensive benefit package; Cigna Medical, Cigna Dental, Vision, 401k w/ ADP, PTO, paid holidays, Sick Leave as required by law, paid holidays
This job opens for applications on 4/3/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date. #LI-LS3 #LI-ONSITE Keywords: 401k, 401k match, pto, paid time off, holiday, medical, dental, health, culture, ts/sci, top secret, government clearance, security clearance, ssbi, secret clearance, dod clearance, department of defense, army, navy, military, marines, air force, automation engineer, control engineer, controls engineer, plc, programmable logic controller, plc programming, siemens, simatic, allen Bradley, allenbradley, allen-bradley, rockwell, automation, plant pax, schneider electric, modicon, tridium niagra, abb, ac500, ac 500, ac800m, ac 800, omcron, kmc, kmc controls, johnson control, johnson controls, control fx, apogee, desigo, distech, Schweitzer, ge intelligent, aveva, wonderware, intouch, ignition, ifix, cimplicity, wincc, factory talk, factorytalk, scada, citext, intellution, fix32, hmi32, vtscada, trihedral, osisoft, Design Build Institute of America, DBIA, Certified SCADA Security Architect, CSSA, SCADA Security Architect, Certified Automation Professional, CAP, automation professional, automation engineering, control system, control systems, control machinery, control processes, building automation, distributed control,