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Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Project Engineer, Associate

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

... controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

Project Engineer, Associate

Aldie, VA · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

... controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

Office Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

... Level Entry Level Education Associate Degree Travel None Security Clearance Required HSPD-12 ... project controls, estimating, change/issues management, specifications, CAD Intelligence ...

Implementing and validating security controls aligned with NIST 800-53, CNSSI 1253, and related DoD ... From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe theres always room to learn. We offer ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Controls Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$57.2K

$100.5K

$136.3K

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

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 in the Entry Level Controls Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Controls Engineer, you should have a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, basic programming skills (such as PLC or ladder logic), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industrial automation tools like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and SCADA systems is typically expected. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills make candidates stand out in this role. These skills ensure you can efficiently design, troubleshoot, and implement control systems that are safe, reliable, and meet client specifications.

What is an Entry Level Controls Engineer job?

An Entry Level Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and troubleshooting control systems used in manufacturing and automation. They work with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), and other automation components to optimize system performance. Typical tasks include programming, testing, and debugging control systems, as well as collaborating with senior engineers and technicians. This role requires a background in electrical or mechanical engineering, along with knowledge of automation software and hardware. Entry-level positions often involve hands-on training and mentorship to build technical expertise.

What are the main types of projects or systems an Entry Level Controls Engineer typically works on?

As an Entry Level Controls Engineer, you will often be involved in designing, programming, and maintaining automated control systems for manufacturing lines, industrial machinery, or building automation projects. Your typical responsibilities might include configuring PLCs, developing HMI screens, conducting system testing, and assisting with troubleshooting both in the office and on-site. You will collaborate closely with senior engineers, project managers, and technicians to ensure projects are delivered on time and meet quality standards. This hands-on experience gives you valuable exposure to different industries and technologies, laying the groundwork for future specialization or advancement within controls engineering.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Controls Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,471 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Electrical Engineer 2 - Tysons, VA

Electrical Engineer 2 - Tysons, VA

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

217th of 368 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
In this role of Electrical Engineer 2, as part of a multidisciplinary engineering and construction team, you will develop and integrate building power and lighting engineering deliverables for complex and challenging electrical construction projects in the mission critical, healthcare, industrial, transportation, pharmaceutical, federal, and fortune 500 sectors. These documents include drawings, specifications, product selection, installation sequence planning, and commissioning testing/commissioning scripts.
This is a position for an experienced Electrical Engineer 2, and general use and application of concepts, practices, and techniques is expected. You must be able to identify and develop solutions to a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity with limited to moderate oversight.
You will be provided with tools required to succeed, including access to more experienced engineers, and training on industry standards, codes, and software that will facilitate and drive the requirements of your work. You will be expected to properly understand and utilized the tools provided to you.
Responsibilities
  • Originate and execute detailed design with limited supervision by Senior Engineers, including the design or integration of the following:
    • Normal power medium and low voltage distribution systems
    • Emergency power generation and distribution systems, including UPS
    • Coordinate device locations with other trades, including mechanical, plumbing, or other (Architectural, Lab, Medical, Kitchen, etc.), including interpreting equipment requirements
    • Lighting layouts, including calculation of lighting levels
    • Project specifications for all equipment and installation methods
  • Perform analysis of electrical distribution systems, including short circuit, overcurrent device coordination, arc flash, cable pull, duct bank heating, etc.
  • Documentation of design work via AutoCAD and REVIT in 2D and 3D platforms
  • Provide support of construction activities, including but not limited to, responses to Requests for Information, review of project equipment submittals, and technical support of operations management.
  • Assist in mentoring entry level engineers
  • Assign and manage tasks for entry level engineers
  • Assist Project Lead Engineers in managing project support and deliverables
  • Manage project support and deliverables as the Project Lead Engineer on smaller or less technically complex projects
  • Perform quality control check of work product you provide, and work product provided by others
  • Travel to project jobsites as required
  • Actively participate in design and owner/architect/contractor meetings as necessary
  • Determine or assist in determining project engineering scopes of work, deadlines, and budget, and complete support within agreed deadlines and budget.
  • Keep senior staff informed of important and relevant service/design decisions and that the objectives of the company and the client are achieved.
  • Coordinate work with other members of the project team.
  • Inform all relevant MC Dean staff of client matters.
  • Commitment to self-learning and professional development.
  • Manage your time effectively and support multiple projects concurrently.

Qualifications
Educations & Experience Required:
  • Bachelor of Science in an Engineering from an accredited engineering program
  • Minimum 2 + years of relevant experience in design or commissioning of building power systems
  • Proficient in Revit software
  • Familiarity with essential responsibilities and activities
  • Proficient in MS Office suite of products

Preferred Qualifications:
  • EIT Certification, ability to sit for Professional Engineers License exam within 2 years of hire
  • Experience in the mission critical, healthcare, industrial, transportation, pharmaceutical, federal, and fortune 500 sectors
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD software
  • Expert in Revit software
  • Proficiency with engineering analysis software, such as AGI32, SKM, or ETAP
  • Master's degree in engineering or management
  • Design Build Institute of America Certification (DBIA)
  • Certified Energy Manager Certification (CEM)
  • Certified in Power Quality Certification (CPQ)
  • Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Certification (LEED)
  • Lighting Certified Certification (LC)
  • Certified Lighting & Efficiency Professional Certification (CLEP)
  • Certified Associate in Project Management Certification (CAPM)
  • National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies Certification (NICET)

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.

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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