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No Experience Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 2

Winchester, VA · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

Control Engineers work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity ... Experience in reading electrical and control schematics and plans * Experience in control system ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 2 - Manassas

Manassas, VA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Control Engineers work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity ... Experience in reading electrical and control schematics and plans * Experience in control system ...

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All JobsControls Engineer JobsNo Experience Controls Engineer JobsNo Experience Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia

No Experience Controls Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$54.5K

$95.7K

$129.9K

How much do no experience controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for no experience controls engineer in Virginia is $95,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by no experience controls engineers and how can you overcome them?

No Experience Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as learning complex automation systems, quickly mastering new software, and adapting to changing project requirements. As a newcomer, you might also find troubleshooting and diagnosing unfamiliar control issues to be daunting at first. Overcoming these hurdles typically involves asking questions, seeking mentorship from senior engineers, and taking advantage of on-the-job training or online resources. Embracing a proactive learning mindset and collaborating closely with more experienced team members can help you build confidence and technical proficiency in your first year.

What is a no experience controls engineer?

A No Experience Controls Engineer job is an entry-level position designed for recent graduates or career changers with little to no direct experience in controls engineering. These roles typically involve assisting with the design, programming, testing, and troubleshooting of automation systems, PLCs, and control circuits under the guidance of senior engineers. Employers often provide training, mentorship, and hands-on projects to help new engineers develop their technical skills. Key responsibilities may include reading electrical schematics, writing basic control code, and supporting system integration efforts. Strong problem-solving skills, a willingness to learn, and a foundational understanding of electrical and mechanical systems are important for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a no experience controls engineer?

To thrive as a No Experience Controls Engineer, you typically need a basic understanding of engineering principles, a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or a related engineering field, and foundational knowledge of automation systems. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and basic troubleshooting tools is valuable, while introductory certifications such as Siemens or Allen Bradley PLC training can be beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, willingness to learn, and effective communication skills help set you apart in entry-level environments. These competencies are crucial for adapting to rapidly evolving automation technologies and collaborating on multidisciplinary engineering teams.

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 No Experience Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia? For No Experience Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching No Experience Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for No Experience Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for No Experience Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most No Experience Controls Engineer job openings:
No Experience Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various No Experience Controls Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Contract, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,745 per year, or $46 per hour.

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 3 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Glen Allen, VA • On-site

$74K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 443 rated engineering

Job description

Description
Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source. We offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in engineering by digitizing nuclear power plants:
  • You will work on a multi-discipline engineering team involved in nuclear power plant Instrumentation and Control projects. These projects are a synergistic integration of electrical, computer and mechanical engineering along with control theory.
  • You will work with electronic process sensors, digital controllers, network topology, touchscreen displays, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors.
  • You will prepare specifications for the procurement of instrumentation and controls equipment as well as engineering calculations.
  • Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training, you will increase your knowledge and skills in your engineering discipline.
  • You will also have the opportunity to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for project coordination and field verification of designs.
  • Support station outage activities as required

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
  • BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background and coursework in analog and digital control systems, systems engineering, mechatronics, or robotics is required.
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in design engineering for power plant control systems
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:
  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range
$74,353 - $113,595
Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
About This Business Unit
Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

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About Sargent & Lundy

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Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media

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