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Senior Automation Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 Automation engineers in our Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions! The successful candidate will be ...

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 Automation engineers in our Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions! The successful candidate will be ...

Sr. Automation SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

$160K - $195K/yr

Everforth ECS is seeking a Senior Automation SME to work in our Arlington, VA office. Everforth ECS is seeking talented professionals to join our successful and growing team supporting the ...

Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Automation

Elkton, VA · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

As a Senior Manufacturing Automation Engineer, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career. The successful candidate ...

New

Will work with other Senior Automation Testers that will be using the below technologies- * Strong ... Knowledge of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts * Experience with Selenium, Java, TestNG ...

Test Automation Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site +1

$46.25 - $61/hr

NT Concepts is seeking a Test Automation Engineer to support the DoD enterprise Military Housing ... The role will work closely with developers, business analysts, senior test engineers, and other ...

$101K - $133K/yr

As a Senior Manufacturing Automation Engineer, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career. The successful candidate ...

New

Will work with other Senior Automation Testers that will be using the below technologies- * Strong ... Knowledge of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts * Experience with Selenium, Java, TestNG ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Automation Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$51.1K

$120.8K

$166.6K

How much do senior automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior automation engineer in Virginia is $120,809.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $135,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior automation engineer?

The duties of a senior automation engineer are to develop, design, and configure systems that automate processes, such as manufacturing or software processes. Some people in this position work exclusively with software design while others work with hardware design and production. Some may provide both digital and physical solutions to automation problems. Regardless of the field, the responsibilities of a senior automation engineer are to improve efficiency while reducing the number of people it takes to complete a given process. Qualifications typically include a bachelor’s or master’s degree, experience in the industry, and leadership skills.

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

To thrive as a Senior Automation Engineer, you need a deep understanding of automation frameworks, scripting languages (such as Python or Java), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, Docker, and CI/CD systems, along with certifications like ISTQB or Certified Automation Professional (CAP), is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, leadership, effective communication, and collaboration skills help you excel in guiding teams and managing complex projects. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of automated systems in fast-paced technical environments.

What is the difference between Senior Automation Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectSenior Automation EngineerAutomation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; often some certifications in automation toolsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications in automation tools are common
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and overseeing automation systems; leading projectsImplementing automation solutions; supporting existing systems
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, software, automotive, and industrial sectorsManufacturing, software development, and industrial sectors

Senior Automation Engineers typically have more experience, lead projects, and handle complex automation systems, while Automation Engineers focus on implementing and supporting automation solutions. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across various industries, but senior roles involve more leadership and strategic responsibilities.

How does a senior automation engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

Senior Automation Engineers frequently work alongside software developers, QA specialists, and operations teams to design and implement robust automated testing frameworks or process automation solutions. They often lead discussions to identify automation opportunities, define requirements, and ensure that automation integrates smoothly into existing workflows. Effective communication and documentation skills are essential, as they must translate complex technical needs for non-technical stakeholders and align efforts across departments. Collaboration may also involve mentoring junior engineers and conducting code reviews to maintain high standards and consistency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Automation Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Automation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Automation Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,809 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

CDM Smith

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$106K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


CDM Smith rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Company Overview
Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!
Join Us! CDM Smith - where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.
Job Description
CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to join a great team of motivated Automation engineers in our Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions! The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about building client relationships, mentoring junior level staff and delivering quality technical products on time and on budget. CDM Smith has been a leader in providing Automation design and programming services for over 30 years. The selected candidate will be an integral part of our team to assist with growing our business in collaboration with our automation client service leader in the Fairfax office. Join us!
As a key member of the Automation team, you will contribute to CDM Smith's mission by:
• With high-level goals provided, creating basic to highly complex instrumentation, controls and related systems designs by developing Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and giving direction to junior staff who utilize 3D and 4D drafting programs . Developing basic technical memoranda related to design issues for clients. Preparing preliminary design reports (PDRs) under limited supervision. Working with clients to define user requirements and preparing and documenting technical requirements to be used by programmers. • Reviewing basic to highly complex component level shop drawings. Providing responses to requests for information (RFIs) under supervision. Performing witnessed factory testing (WFTs), field acceptance testing (FATs) and field inspections. • With high-level goals provided, creating basic to highly complex designs that utilize human-machine interface (HMI)software, SCADA hardware (servers, workstations), network equipment (firewalls, routers, switches), programmable logic controllers (PLC), reporting software, historians and historical data collection, etc. Preparing level of effort estimates (LOEs). • Network design, utilizing control system architecture diagrams/drawings to convey network requirements for CAT6 and Fiber Optic Ethernet connections to HMI/SCADA equipment, PLCs, power monitors, VFDs, networked field instruments, etc. • Leading testing and startup team for basic to moderately complex instrumentation, controls and related systems independently with minimal supervision. Being responsible for testing and startup documentation completion and quality assurance filing. • Independently developing basic to highly complex Operations & Maintenance manuals for designed instrumentation, controls and related systems. • Independently developing systems training for end users. Developing training plans for all level of client's organization. • Leading teams of more junior staff and provides direction and mentoring. Reviewing the work of junior staff as necessary. Providing feedback on client relationships and career issues. • Leading the development of proposals and client presentations. Developing opportunities to expand contracts with existing clients. • Performs other duties as required.
#LI-LP2 #LI-HYBRID
Skills & Abilities
• Expert knowledge of instrumentation, controls and related systems designs. • Excellent communication skills. • Strong knowledge of Microsoft office suite of programs.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, or Engineering Technology or related discipline. Professional Engineering (PE) license. • 10 years of related experience.
Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with Water/Wastewater highly preferred. • Experience within an Engineering and/or an integration firm highly preferred. • Experience leading teams highly preferred.
Amount of Travel Required
20% - 40%
Driving Requirements
An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.
EEO Statement
We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Background Check and Drug Testing Information
CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
Massachusetts Applicants
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Pay Range Min
USD $115,253.00
Pay Range Max
USD $201,677.00
Additional Pay Range Information
CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate's salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.
Additional Compensation
All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
Visa Sponsorship Available
No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
Agency Disclaimer
All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

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About CDM Smith

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CDM Smith is a distinguished name in the engineering and construction industry, providing insightful consulting, designing, and execution services. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, US, this full-service engineering and construction firm was founded in 1947 and has been contributing to the national and global infrastructure ever since. Serving across diverse sectors like transportation, environment, water, energy, and facilities, they have built a reputation for excellence. The company firmly stands on its mission of delivering lasting, superior solutions to the world's complex challenges, thereby ensuring their clients create a transformative impact.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

1947