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Junior Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Qualdoc

Crane Controls Engineer

Ashland, VA · On-site

$39/hr

Crane Controls Engineer Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite) Job Type: Contract-to-Hire Schedule: Monday ... Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians. * Participate in ...

Qualdoc

Crane Controls Engineer

Ashland, VA · On-site

$39/hr

Crane Controls Engineer Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite) Job Type: Contract-to-Hire Schedule: Monday ... Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians. * Participate in ...

Jewett Automation, LLC

Sr Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$110K - $130K/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 ...

Blueprint Automation

Controls Engineer

Colonial Heights, VA · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Mentor junior-level engineers in areas of your expertise. * Assure high quality in the testing ... controls in the packaging automation industry. However, a combination of experience and/or ...

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

$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

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 10, 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 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 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 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.

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

Crane Controls Engineer

Qualdoc

Ashland, VA • On-site

$39/hr

Contractor

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Crane Controls Engineer

Location: Ashland, VA (Onsite)
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
Schedule: Monday-Friday | 7:00 AM-4:00 PM
Starting Pay: From $39.00 per hour (Higher pay available based on experience) 
Overtime: Not Available

Position Summary

We are seeking a Crane Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, integration, and troubleshooting of electrical control systems for overhead cranes and material handling equipment. This onsite role is ideal for an engineer with experience in industrial automation who enjoys working on both new installations and modernization projects while ensuring safe and reliable system performance.

Responsibilities
System Design & Engineering
  • Design electrical control systems for overhead cranes and material handling equipment.
  • Develop and modify PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and crane motion control logic.
  • Create and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts.
  • Select and integrate VFDs, sensors, relays, safety devices, and other electrical components.
  • Ensure designs comply with CMAA, NFPA 70 (NEC), ASME B30, and other applicable standards.
Installation & Startup
  • Support and lead the installation, startup, and commissioning of crane control systems.
  • Configure, test, and troubleshoot PLCs, VFDs, and industrial communication networks.
  • Perform system validation, operational testing, and performance optimization.
Technical Support
  • Troubleshoot complex electrical and automation issues on crane systems.
  • Provide technical assistance to maintenance personnel and field service teams.
  • Support equipment upgrades, retrofit projects, and control system improvements.
Team Collaboration
  • Work closely with project managers, mechanical engineers, technicians, and production teams.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
  • Participate in continuous improvement efforts focused on reliability, efficiency, and safety.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
  • Minimum 5 years of controls engineering experience, preferably with overhead cranes or heavy industrial equipment.
  • Strong experience with:
    • PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar)
    • HMI/SCADA systems
    • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
    • Motor control systems
  • Ability to design, read, and troubleshoot electrical schematics and control systems.
  • Experience with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus.
  • Knowledge of crane motion systems, including hoist, trolley, and bridge controls.
  • Familiarity with CMAA, NEC, and ASME standards.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with crane automation, anti-sway technology, or load monitoring systems.
  • Background in industrial system integration and equipment commissioning.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work in manufacturing environments and at heights when required.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Work Environment
  • Full-time onsite position in an industrial manufacturing facility.
  • Occasional travel to customer locations or project sites may be required.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Qualdoc

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2020

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