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Junior Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Jewett Automation, LLC

Sr Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

The Senior Electrical Controls Engineer will be a key player in designing, programming, and ... Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians, ensuring a high standard ...

General Motors

Senior Controls Engineer

Bedford, VA · On-site

$81K - $107K/yr

You will serve as a subjectmatter expert in controls and automation technologies while mentoring junior engineers and driving successful program launches. What You'll Do * Lead new program execution ...

Equinix, Inc.

Controls Engineer Staff

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

The Staff Controls Engineer performs advanced system maintenance and support. Leads complex ... Contributes to mentoring junior team members * Directs internal and external project team members

Equinix, Inc.

Controls Engineer Staff

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

The Staff Controls Engineer performs advanced system maintenance and support. Leads complex ... Contributes to mentoring junior team members * Directs internal and external project team members

Equinix, Inc.

Senior Staff Controls Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Staff Controls Engineer performs advanced system maintenance and support ... Contributes to mentoring junior team members * Directs internal and external project team members

Equinix, Inc.

Senior Staff Controls Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$130 - $194/hr

Job Summary The Senior Staff Controls Engineer performs advanced system maintenance and support ... Contributes to mentoring junior team members * Directs internal and external project team members

CDM Smith

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$106K - $139K/yr

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to join a great team of motivated ... The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about building client relationships, mentoring junior ...

CDM Smith

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

$106K - $139K/yr

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to join a great team of motivated ... Leading teams of more junior staff and provides direction and mentoring. Reviewing the work of ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Project Controls Engineer 2

Aldie, VA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

... electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries. The Project Controls, Staff position is ... junior team members in scheduling processes, procedures, and software tools to enhance team ...

Carrier

Project Engineer

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

As a Controls Engineer, you'll be an expert voice on-site- performing difficult and complex ... mentor junior staff and contribute to strategic initiatives that shape our service delivery.

Alpha

Junior Structural Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

... controls, and technology services for various building types, transportation, and heavy ... The Jr. Structural Engineer will be responsible for the following: * Inspection of various ...

Technogen, Inc.

Junior DevSecOps Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Junior DevSecOps Engineer Washignton, D.C(Hybrid) 12+ Months Contract 3+ years DevOps/DevSecOps ... controls ; support environment provisioning and deployment automation including blue/green and ...

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All JobsControls Engineer JobsJunior Controls Engineer JobsJunior Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Junior Controls Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$33.2K

$71.2K

$108.6K

How much do junior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior controls engineer in Virginia is $71,184.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $79,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior controls engineer?

Junior Controls Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, and maintaining control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and automation. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), troubleshoot system issues, and ensure that automated systems are functioning correctly. Their role often involves hands-on work with electrical components and software, as well as collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve efficiency and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Controls Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering and a solid grasp of automation principles. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and CAD software, along with relevant certifications like Siemens or Rockwell, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshoot issues efficiently. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable control systems and ensuring smooth operation in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by junior controls engineers when transitioning from academic projects to real-world industrial environments?

Junior Controls Engineers often find that real-world industrial environments present challenges not commonly encountered in academic settings, such as working with legacy systems, managing tight project deadlines, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. Learning to troubleshoot hardware and software issues in live production environments can be daunting, especially when unexpected problems arise. Additionally, adapting to rigorous safety standards and documentation requirements is crucial. However, support from senior engineers and ongoing training typically help new hires navigate these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Junior Controls Engineer vs Controls Technician?

AspectJunior Controls EngineerControls Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls EngineeringTechnical diploma or associate's degree in electrical or controls technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and troubleshooting of control systems, often in office and lab settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of control systems on-site in industrial environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, and engineering firmsIndustrial plants, factories, and automation service providers

While both roles involve working with control systems, Junior Controls Engineers focus on design and development, whereas Controls Technicians primarily handle installation and maintenance. The roles often overlap in industry and credentials but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

How to become a junior controls engineer with no experience?

To become a junior controls engineer with no experience, focus on gaining foundational knowledge in electrical or mechanical systems through relevant coursework or online training. Internships, entry-level technician roles, or certifications in PLC programming and control systems can help build practical skills and improve employability in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Junior Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Junior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Junior Controls Engineer job openings:

Junior Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Controls Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,184 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Sr Controls Engineer

Jewett Automation, LLC

Richmond, VA • On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Purpose: The Senior Electrical Controls Engineer will be a key player in designing, programming, and commissioning advanced electrical control systems for our custom automated equipment. We are seeking a highly technical professional who takes pride in their work and is ready to take full ownership of projects from concept to completion. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate flexibility and adaptability due to the custom nature of our projects.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Lead Project Delivery: Serve as the technical lead on large-scale projects, owning assigned controls engineering tasks and ensuring they are delivered on time and in alignment with project milestones.
  • Design and Programming: Design, program, and commission advanced electrical control systems for custom automated equipment. This includes the ability to develop systems from the ground up, guiding the electrical design and controls integration from initial concept to completion.
  • Technical Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to motion, I/O, sensors, safety devices, and software integration during machine build, debug, and customer site acceptance.
  • Mentorship: Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians, ensuring a high standard of quality across all team outputs.
  • Documentation and Compliance: Develop and maintain high-quality electrical documentation, including schematics, panel layouts, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and system manuals. Ensure all designs and installations comply with industry standards and safety regulations (e.g., NEC, NFPA 79, UL 508A).
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers and software developers, to ensure project success.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical controls system design and programming.
  • Proven expertise with major PLC platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider Electric) and industrial networks.
  • Advanced experience with robotics (e.g., ABB, Fanuc, Kuka), vision systems (Cognex, Keyence), and complex motion control (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).
  • Proficiency in designing electrical schematics using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
  • Experience with custom automation systems is a significant plus.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics.
  • This role requires 20–30% travel for onsite commissioning, customer support, and system installations.

Success Criteria

  • Consistently deliver high-quality control systems that meet performance requirements and project deadlines.
  • Demonstrate technical leadership by effectively guiding project deliverables and mentoring colleagues.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for controls-related queries on your projects, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across departments.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills in a dynamic project environment.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift at least 25 lbs.
  • Ability to stand and/or sit a minimum of four hours at a time.
  • Ability to work on a computer/laptop for a minimum of four hours at a time.

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