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Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Complete Logistical Services

Controls Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$58.25 - $86.50/hr

Controls Engineer at Complete Logistical Services Complete Logistical Services is excited to announce a job opening for a dedicated and skilled Controls Engineer. This full-time position offers the ...

Tract Capital

Senior Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$111K - $147K/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.

Accelevation LLC

Electrical Controls Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$79K - $106K/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 ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$86K - $112K/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 ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$86K - $112K/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 ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Associate Controls Engineer

Columbia, MD

$82K - $107K/yr

This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving PLC programming, HMI/SCADA programming, control panel design, instrumentation specification, check-out support ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Associate Controls Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving PLC programming, HMI/SCADA programming, control panel design, instrumentation specification, check-out support ...

JPI

Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K - $115K/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 ...

JPI

Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K - $115K/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 ...

JPI

Controls Engineer

Washington, DC

$89K - $115K/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 ...

Stackinfra

Controls Engineer

Sterling, VA

$82K - $107K/yr

STACK is seeking a Controls Engineer to join our Technical Operations team and play a pivotal role in supporting the construction, operation, and maintenance of BMS and EPMS systems across our ...

Generac

Senior Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer serves as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system projects within the Generac Microgrid Controls Team. This role owns projects endtoend-from sales ...

PwrQ Holdings LLC

Senior Controls Engineer

Hanover, MD

$150K - $166K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to oversees and leads the development of PLC and HMI programs for safe, effective, and efficient operation of Forgent products and processes while meeting and ...

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All JobsEngineer Controls Engineer JobsEngineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Engineer Controls Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$62.3K

$109.4K

$148.4K

How much do engineer controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer controls engineer in Washington, DC 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 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.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Electrical engineers, including controls engineers, typically earn salaries below $500,000 annually, with top earners in specialized industries or executive roles reaching higher compensation. Achieving such a salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, leadership positions, or working in high-paying sectors like aerospace or energy. Most control engineers earn between $70,000 and $130,000 per year, depending on location and expertise.

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 $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 controls engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or advanced manufacturing can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with senior roles, bonuses, and profit sharing. These positions often require advanced skills in automation, programming, and certifications, along with extensive industry experience.

How much do control engineers get paid?

Control engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized control engineers with advanced skills in automation, PLC programming, and control systems may earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand sectors like manufacturing and energy.
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Engineer Controls Engineer jobs near you
PLC Controls Engineer with Security Clearance

PLC Controls Engineer with Security Clearance

Zachary Piper Solutions, LLC

Manassas, VA

$90K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is looking for a Electrical 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 theElectrical 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 theElectrical 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 theElectrical 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 6/5/2026. 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,

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