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Plc Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Knowledge of PLC Ttroubleshooting and Programming. * Ability to lead complex system troubleshooting ...

Equinix

Senior Staff Controls Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$99K - $131K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Staff Controls Engineer performs advanced system maintenance and support ... Knowledge of PLC Ttroubleshooting and Programming. * Ability to lead complex system troubleshooting ...

Synerfac Technical Staffing

PLC Programmer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

PLC Programmer Location: Sterling, VA area Company: HVAC/BAS Service Provider Description: This is ... in industrial controls, automation, or mission critical environments. This is an excellent ...

TAI

Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

Experience designing, reviewing and approving PLC control panel and motor control panel drawings * Experience with specification and programming of controls systems including Rockwell family of ...

Oscar Health

Controls Field Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

The Controls Field Engineer supports the availability, reliability, and day-to-day operation of EPMS, BMS, and PLC-based control systems across assigned data center sites within a defined region.

CyrusOne

Controls Field Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

The Controls Field Engineer supports the availability, reliability, and day-to-day operation of EPMS, BMS, and PLC-based control systems across assigned data center sites within a defined region.

Fusion ICS

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

Fusion is seeking a highly qualified Controls Engineer to support infrastructure characterization and control system modeling activities. This role supports mission-critical Department of Defense ...

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All JobsPlc Controls Engineer JobsPlc Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Plc Controls Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$62.8K

$104.2K

$140.4K

How much do plc controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for plc controls engineer in Washington, DC is $104,191.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,300.00 and $113,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PLC controls engineer?

PLC Controls Engineers are professionals who design, program, and maintain programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used to automate industrial processes. They develop control systems that allow machinery and production lines to operate efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting issues, upgrading systems, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. PLC Controls Engineers often work closely with other engineers and technicians to optimize manufacturing operations.

What does a PLC controls engineer do?

As a PLC controls engineer, your primary responsibilities include the setup, programming, testing, and implementation of computer control systems used for production automation and industrial equipment design. Your duties are to implement programs on programmable logic controllers and test whether industrial computers process information and function correctly. You debug issues and troubleshoot problems that have non-standard solutions. In this role, you also assess the functionality of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems and may work in numerous fields, including aviation, robotics, energy production, and manufacturing.

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

To thrive as a PLC Controls Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering, automation systems, and proficiency in programming PLCs, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC platforms (such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider), HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networking is essential, and certifications like Siemens S7 or Rockwell Automation can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are critical for designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated processes to ensure efficiency and reliability in industrial environments.

What are some typical challenges a PLC controls engineer might face when working on a new automation project?

PLC Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation systems with existing machinery, troubleshooting unexpected equipment behavior, and ensuring minimal downtime during installation or upgrades. Communication with cross-functional teams—including electricians, mechanical engineers, and production managers—is essential to align project goals and resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and keeping up with the latest PLC programming standards are common aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Plc Controls Engineer vs Automation Technician?

AspectPlc Controls EngineerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Automation Engineering, PLC certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, PLC training
Work EnvironmentDesign, programming, and troubleshooting PLC systems in industrial settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of automation equipment
Industry UsageManufacturing, process control, automation firmsFactory floors, maintenance departments

The Plc Controls Engineer focuses on designing and programming PLC systems, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, the Automation Technician handles installation and troubleshooting, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are vital in industrial automation but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Are Plc Controls Engineers in demand?

Plc Controls Engineers are in high demand due to the ongoing need for automation in manufacturing, processing, and industrial facilities. They typically require knowledge of PLC programming, electrical systems, and control hardware, and job opportunities are expected to grow as industries continue to automate processes.

How much does a Plc Controls Engineer make?

A PLC Controls Engineer's average salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals with certifications in PLC programming and automation may earn higher wages, especially in specialized or high-demand sectors.
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Plc Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plc Controls Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,839 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

HVAC Controls & Building Automation- Lead

Extra Resource Staffing

Manassas, VA • On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

NOW HIRING: LEAD SERVICE HVAC ENGINEER / CONTROLS SPECIALIST

Charlotte, NC


HVAC Controls | PLC Programming | Building Automation

We are looking for an experienced Lead Service Engineer / Controls Specialist who can troubleshoot both the equipment AND the controls behind it.

Technicians or Service Engineers with hands-on HVAC equipment service experience combined with actual PLC/controller programming experience are exactly what we're looking for. We need someone who can program and modify controls — not someone who has only operated or monitored a BAS/PLC system.


What You'll Be Doing

Troubleshoot HVAC equipment, PLC/DDC controls, hardware, and software

Program and modify PLC, DDC, and/or DCS control algorithms

Diagnose complex controls issues directly with customers

Perform controls maintenance, software updates, upgrades, and system optimization

Configure HMI screens, graphics, controllers, and networks

Read and interpret P&IDs and sequences of operation

Perform point-to-point checks, functional testing, calibration, and tuning

Support onsite startup and commissioning

Troubleshoot installation discrepancies and make field programming modifications

Develop commissioning test plans, redlines, and technical documentation

Lead service and support efforts while making independent technical decisions

Serve as a technical point of contact for customers


Controls Background

3+ years of hands-on experience with at least one of the following:

Rockwell – FactoryTalk, RSLogix / Studio 5000, PlantPAx

Tridium – Niagara N4

Johnson Controls – Metasys / Facility Explorer

Siemens – Apogee/PXC, Talon, DXR, Desigo CC or Insight

Distech – BACnet, LON, Eclypse Controllers

Experience with Kepware OPC, ThinManager, VMware, Python, or VBA is also valuable.

HVAC / BAS Experience

Strong candidates will understand large commercial or industrial HVAC and Building Automation Systems, including HVAC equipment troubleshooting, sequences of operation, plant utilities, instrumentation, control valves, functional testing, and commissioning.


What We're Looking For

Hands-on HVAC equipment service/troubleshooting experience

Actual PLC/DDC/controller programming experience

3+ years working with a relevant controls platform

Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting ability

Ability to work independently and directly with customers

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or similar field OR equivalent industry experience

Ability to travel to customer facilities as needed

Availability for a compensated on-call rotation


Compensation & Benefits

$95,000–$130,000 base salary, depending on experience

Performance bonuses

Travel incentives and per diem

Paid on-call rotation

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Generous PTO, holidays, and unlimited personal time


If you're the person people call when the HVAC system isn't working — and you can troubleshoot the equipment, get into the programming, find the controls issue, make the change, and get the system running correctly — I want to talk with you.

Company Description

Come join the Workforce of the Future with ERS. We have been placing qualified candidates in the at some of the most successful companies for 54 years.

Become a part of our team!