ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Instrumentation Control Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Manassas, VA · On-site

$72K - $89K/yr

They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and implement ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 1

Tysons, VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and implement ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and implement ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and implement ...

Bechtel

Senior Control Valve Engineer

Reston, VA

$173K - $180K/yr

... control system engineers will be assigned to each combined cycle project to size, select and ... instrumentation, control valves, & instrumentation bulks for that project. Job Summary: In this ...

Bechtel

Senior Control Valve Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$174K - $180K/yr

... control system engineers will be assigned to each combined cycle project to size, select and ... instrumentation, control valves, & instrumentation bulks for that project. Job Summary: In this ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3 - Manassas, VA

Manassas, VA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and implement ...

Electra

Senior Instrumentation Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... control systems. * Collaborate with test and engineering teams to define instrumentation ... requirements and ensure data quality meets certification standards. * Develop calibration ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsInstrumentation Control Engineer JobsInstrumentation Control Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Instrumentation Control Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$32

$61

$92

How much do instrumentation control engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrumentation control engineer in Washington, DC is $61.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.17 and $70.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an instrumentation control engineer do?

An Instrumentation Control Engineer designs, develops, installs, and maintains the systems that monitor and control engineering processes, machinery, or equipment in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or power generation. They work with instruments that measure variables like pressure, flow, temperature, and level, ensuring that processes operate safely, efficiently, and within set parameters. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting, calibrating instruments, and optimizing control strategies to improve system performance.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an instrumentation control engineer in an industrial setting?

As an Instrumentation Control Engineer, your daily tasks will often include monitoring and maintaining control systems, calibrating and troubleshooting instrumentation equipment, and collaborating with operations and maintenance teams to ensure optimal performance of automated processes. You'll also review system data, participate in safety checks, and help implement upgrades or modifications to improve reliability and efficiency. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as you'll frequently work with cross-disciplinary teams to resolve technical challenges and meet production goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrumentation control engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrumentation Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or instrumentation engineering, process control principles, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and certifications like ISA CAP or similar are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for diagnosing issues and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure reliable automation, efficient process control, and safe operation of industrial systems.

What is the difference between Instrumentation Control Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInstrumentation Control EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Instrumentation Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesPower plants, electrical systems, construction sites
Industry UsageProcess control, automation, manufacturingPower generation, electrical systems, infrastructure
Job FocusDesign, installation, and maintenance of control systems and instrumentationDesign, testing, and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment

While both roles involve electrical knowledge, Instrumentation Control Engineers focus on control systems and automation within industrial processes, whereas Electrical Engineers work on electrical power systems and circuitry. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Instrumentation Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Instrumentation 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 $128,418 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

Control Engineer 1

M.C. Dean, Inc

Manassas, VA • On-site

$72K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 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

268th of 450 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
Your Future at M.C. Dean
We're seeking people driven to excellence and inspired to have a meaningful impact powering, automating, integrating, and securing the world's most critical infrastructure and facilities. This translates into fulfilling opportunities for employees driven to excel in a meaningful career. As an employee at M.C. Dean, you will join forces with more than 5,800 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability. Together, we transform the way complex, large-scale systems are designed, delivered, and sustained-enhancing client outcomes, improving lives, and changing the world for the better.
Controls Engineers 1 are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery and processes. Controls Engineers work in various industries including industrial controls, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, and transportation systems. They're technical experts in areas such as advanced process control, instrumentation, distributed control systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems. Controls engineers use these skills to design and implement solutions to our customer's 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 Design Procedures and Fixtures for Integrated Systems Factory Testing
    • Comment Resolution
  • 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

Qualifications
Education / Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering or related field with 0+ 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 $72,320.00 - USD $89,800.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All M.C. Dean Jobs

Apply