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Entry Level Control Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 2 - Manassas

Manassas, VA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Assigns technical tasks and coordinates with entry-level engineers * Assigns tasks and coordinates with Technical Staff Qualifications Field Experience * Experience in reading electrical and control ...

Dewberry

Entry Level Site/Civil Engineer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$82.50 - $85/hr

Dewberry is seeking an Entry LevelSite/Civil Engineer to join our Leesburg, VA office to work on ... sediment control design. Individual may also conduct permitting and code research, write ...

KTA-Tator, Inc.

Entry Level Staff Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

... Entry Level Staff/Project Engineer positions to support a myriad of clients and exciting projects ... control of corrosion. Our services include assisting our clients with field investigations of ...

KTA-Tator, Inc

Entry Level Staff Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

... Entry Level Staff/Project Engineer positions to support a myriad of clients and exciting projects ... control of corrosion. Our services include assisting our clients with field investigations of ...

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All JobsControl Engineer JobsEntry Level Control Engineer JobsEntry Level Control Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Entry Level Control Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$17.2K

$59.6K

$135.3K

How much do entry level control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level control engineer in Washington, DC is $59,568.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,136.00 and $80,524.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level control engineer do?

An entry level control engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, development, and implementation of control systems used in manufacturing, industrial processes, or automation. Their tasks often include programming controllers, troubleshooting equipment, collecting and analyzing data, and collaborating with senior engineers on projects. They typically work with PLCs (programmable logic controllers) and other automation hardware to optimize processes and ensure systems operate safely and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level control engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Control Engineer, you need a solid understanding of control systems, automation principles, and a degree in electrical, mechanical, or a related engineering discipline. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and simulation software like MATLAB or LabVIEW is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel when collaborating with teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These skills ensure the successful design, implementation, and maintenance of automated processes that meet safety and efficiency standards.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level control engineers when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Entry level control engineers often encounter challenges such as communicating effectively with colleagues from different engineering backgrounds (mechanical, electrical, software) and translating control requirements into actionable tasks. Additionally, understanding system integration and troubleshooting unexpected behaviors in complex automated processes can be demanding. Proactively asking questions, actively participating in meetings, and seeking mentorship within the team are key strategies for overcoming these hurdles and accelerating professional growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Control Engineer vs Control Systems Technician?

AspectEntry Level Control EngineerControl Systems Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control EngineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification in control systems or electronics
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of control systems; office and lab settingsInstallation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of control systems on-site
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, energy sectorsIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation companies
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Control EngineerControl Systems Technician

While both roles involve working with control systems, Entry Level Control Engineers focus on designing and developing control solutions, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Control Systems Technicians typically handle installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, often with technical certifications. The roles complement each other within industrial and manufacturing environments, with engineers focusing on planning and technicians on execution and support.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Control Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Entry Level Control Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Control Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Control Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Entry Level Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Control Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,568 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Control Engineer 2 - Manassas

M.C. Dean, Inc

Manassas, VA • On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
Control Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery, and processes. Control Engineers work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity, building automation, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Control engineers use these skills to design and implement solutions to solve our customer's most complex needs.
Responsibilities
Design / Engineering
  • Originates design documents for small projects and in support of large programs.
  • Narrative Design Documents
  • Requirements Analysis
  • Subsystem Designs (CAD / Panels / Layouts / Wiring / SCADA Screens/ Hardware / Communications)
  • Preparation of Specifications
  • Perform QA/QC and technical reviews of designs
  • Plans and Designs
  • Procedures and Fixtures for Integrated Systems Factory Testing o Internal/External Comment Resolution

Programming
  • Lead programming / configuration team efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.
  • Program / Configure / troubleshoot PLCs, RTUs, and/or HMI systems.
  • Testing / Troubleshooting / Deployment / Commissioning
  • Author testing / commissioning procedures
  • Preparation of test reports
  • Originates test procedures
  • Commissioning of deployed systems
  • Development of test fixtures and simulation devices
  • Perform Factory and Field Testing
  • Maintenance
  • Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators.
  • Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems.

Managerial Responsibilities
  • Estimates
  • Conducts any surveys, inspections, tours, etc. of client sites, as required.
  • Prepares cost estimates and supporting documents for small projects.
  • Assists senior engineers in preparation of Bids and Proposals cost estimates and supporting documentation.
  • Evaluation and pricing of change orders

Personnel Management
  • Assigns technical tasks and coordinates with entry-level engineers
  • Assigns tasks and coordinates with Technical Staff

Qualifications
Field Experience
  • Experience in reading electrical and control schematics and plans
  • Experience in control system startup, configuration, and calibration
  • Experience in testing and troubleshooting control systems
  • Experience using basic electrical and machinist hand tools
  • Experience using testing, calibration, or industry-specific tools and software Tools / Software
  • Experience in computer networks
  • Experience in CAD/CAE Software (AutoCAD / EPLAN)
  • Standard Office Software (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)

Requirements
  • Proficient in programming languages such as ladder logic and structured text.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues.
  • Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs or DDCs from at least 1 of the following platforms:
    • Siemens (SIMATIC)
    • Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) (Plant Pax preferred)
    • Schneider Electric (Modicon)
    • Tridium Niagara Framework
    • ABB (AC500, AC800M)
    • Omron
    • KMC Controls
    • Johnson Controls Metasys
    • Honeywell WEBS
    • Johnson Control FX
    • Siemens Desigo/Apogee
    • Distech Controls
    • Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
    • GE Intelligent Platforms
  • Proficient in designing, programming, and troubleshooting SCADA solutions from at least 1 of the following platforms:
    • AVEVA (formerly Wonderware) InTouch, System Platform
    • Ignition by Inductive Automation
    • GE Digital (iFIX, CIMPLICITY)
    • Siemens WinCC
    • Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View
    • AVEVA (formerly Schneider Electric) Citect SCADA
    • Intellution FIX32/HMI32 (Historical) by GE Digital
    • VTScada by Trihedral Engineering Limited
    • AVEVA (OSIsoft PI) Historian

Preferred Licenses / Certifications
  • Design Build Institute of America (DBIA)
  • Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA)
  • Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) In relevant in field
  • Certification in one or more PLC / Automation Platform, such as: Schneider, Rockwell, Siemens, Niagara, etc.
  • Certification in one or more SCADA platform, such as: AVEVA, Rockwell, Iconics, Ignition, etc.

Education / Experience
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field 0+ years of experience
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field with 2+ years of experience

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

Pay Range
USD $86,720.00 - USD $107,700.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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