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Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

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 ...

... controls and data protection solutions. Identity & Access Management (IAM) * Support the ... Preferred Qualifications * Entry-level certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Azure Fundamentals ...

Security: Assist in implementing security controls, including firewall rules, MFA, and secure ... Whether you're an entry-level worker or a senior executive, an HR Manager or a front line ...

Cloud Engineer (Hybrid)

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

... controls and data protection solutions. Identity & Access Management (IAM) * Support the ... Preferred Qualifications * Entry-level certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Azure Fundamentals ...

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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 May 29, 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,471 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Project Engineer, Associate

Project Engineer, Associate

M.C. Dean, Inc

Riverdale Park, MD • On-site

$75.52K - $113.28K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 349 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.
Provides technical & administrative information to others working on a project to ensure that the work complies with all basic engineering standards, codes, specifications, and design instruction; trouble-shoots engineering related installation problems. Works closely supervised and solves problems of limited scope and complexity.
Responsibilities
  • Processing submittals.
  • Processing RFI's.
  • Keeping up daily work tickets.
  • Posting RFI's and change orders.
  • Tracking and managing change orders.
  • Maintaining as-builts as work is completed.
  • Documenting project issues/conditions.
  • Maintaining organized and detailed project records.
  • Submitting hours and cost codes.
  • Obtaining permits, badges and access requests in advance
  • Assists with preparing change orders.
  • Manage project library.
  • Participates in KPR (Key Project Review).

Qualifications
  • 0+ years of experience with Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (preferably from an ABET accredited program).

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

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 $75,520.00 - USD $113,280.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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M.C. Dean logo

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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