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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tract Capital

Senior Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

The Tract Capital Senior Controls Engineer owns controls discipline design for our behind-the-meter (BTM) generation solutions and integration into Tract's monitoring and command center operations.

Amazon

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple stakeholder deliverables, requirements and navigate challenging situations. Financially manage BMS and ...

Amazon

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple stakeholder deliverables, requirements and navigate challenging situations. Financially manage BMS and ...

Amazon

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple stakeholder deliverables, requirements and navigate challenging situations. Financially manage BMS and ...

Altria Group, Inc.

Senior Controls Engineer I

Richmond, VA · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

We are currently seeking a highly qualified Senior Controls Engineer I to join us at Philip Morris USA (PMUSA) in Richmond, VA . The location will reside within the Richmond MC supporting Primary ...

ControlsJobs

BAS - Controls Programmer

Alexandria, VA · Hybrid

$32 - $42.25/hr

Senior Controls Programmer/PM LOCATION: * Alexandria, Virginia RESPONSIBILITIES: * Extensive experience as a Senior Controls Programmer/Controls PM Hybrid * Programming Honeywell (Spyder), JCI FX ...

TAI

Senior Plant Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA

$120K - $175K/yr

As the Senior Controls Engineer/Project Manager, you'll drive continuous improvement projects, implement control system upgrades, and troubleshoot complex automation challenges across a diverse set ...

TAI

Senior Plant Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

As the Senior Controls Engineer/Project Manager, you'll drive continuous improvement projects, implement control system upgrades, and troubleshoot complex automation challenges across a diverse set ...

TAI

Senior Plant Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

As the Senior Controls Engineer/Project Manager, you'll drive continuous improvement projects, implement control system upgrades, and troubleshoot complex automation challenges across a diverse set ...

Daikinapplied

Sr. Models Based Controls Engineer

Staunton, VA · Hybrid

$95K - $125K/yr

The Sr. Models Based Controls Engineer will design, modify, develop, and implement software programming applications for HVAC equipment with focus on Model Based Controls design. The work includes ...

Sonoco Products Company

Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$102K - $114K/yr

The Controls Engineer will be responsible for maintaining, upgrading, and optimizing the control ... level I- Senior, based on experience. Engineer I: The annual base salary range for this role is ...

Sonoco

Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA

$102K - $114K/yr

The Controls Engineer will be responsible for maintaining, upgrading, and optimizing the control ... level I- Senior, based on experience. Engineer I: The annual base salary range for this role is ...

Sehinc

Controls Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site +1

$90K - $125K/yr

... " - Sr Financial Analyst * "It feels good having colleagues and supervisors that provide support ... programming, tag development, HMI/OIT system development. * Knowledge of process controls system ...

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All JobsSenior Controls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$71.4K

$113.7K

$152.7K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Virginia is $113,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,200.00 and $126,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Senior Controls Engineers?

Senior Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems for manufacturing processes, machinery, or automation equipment. They are responsible for programming controllers (such as PLCs), troubleshooting control system issues, and ensuring optimal system performance and safety. Senior Controls Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other departments to integrate new technologies. Their expertise is crucial for streamlining production, reducing downtime, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

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

AspectSenior Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience, possibly certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, troubleshooting, project leadership in industrial or manufacturing settingsImplementing control systems, programming, testing, and maintenance in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control companiesSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles within the same sectors

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Controls Engineers typically lead projects, design complex systems, and mentor junior staff, while Controls Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the senior role involves more leadership and advanced technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and several years of experience in industrial automation. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and knowledge of industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and excellent communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the effective design, implementation, and troubleshooting of complex control systems, which are critical for operational safety, efficiency, and project success.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities a Senior Controls Engineer can expect to handle in a manufacturing environment?

As a Senior Controls Engineer in a manufacturing setting, you can expect to lead the design, programming, and troubleshooting of automation systems such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA. Your responsibilities often include overseeing control system upgrades, optimizing equipment for efficiency, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. You will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams—including maintenance, production, and IT—to implement solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives. Managing complex projects and mentoring junior engineers are also common aspects of the role.
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 Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Controls Engineer jobs in VA? For Senior Controls Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,740 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Industrial Monitoring and Control Systems, INC

Richmond, VA • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Senior Controls Engineer
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-time
We are seeking a Senior Level Controls Engineer to lead and manage projects, primarily in the Water and Waste Water Industry. This role would primarily support projects within Richmond Virginia and the surrounding areas. The ideal candidate should have at least 7+ years of experience in the industry, and should be proficient in programming SCADA, PLCs, and OITs. In addition, the candidate should have experience with a wide range of industrial instrumentation and its integration in process controls.


Responsibilities:

Leads the design, development, and implementation of complex control systems, including OITs, PLCs, and SCADA. Mentors junior engineers, oversees system integration, and ensures compliance with industry standards like ISA. Conducts advanced troubleshooting, optimizes system performance, and drives innovation in automation solutions.
- Design, program, and commission industrial control systems
- Develop PLC and OIT programs for control systems
- Configure and integrate SCADA systems with PLC and HMI systems.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues with industrial control systems
- Collaborate with project teams to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget

Minimum Requirements:
- Associates degree in Engineering or related field

- Proficiency in AutoCAD
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in industrial controls engineering

- Advanced proficiency in PLC programming, and troubleshooting in Ladder Logic, Structured Text and Function Block of Allen Bradley, Modicon, and Siemens. Must also have experience with User Defined Data Types and Add-On Instructions.

- Advanced proficiency in OIT programming, and troubleshooting in at least 2 of the following platforms. Vijeo Designer, FactoryTalk View ME, WinCC, WINDIO, Unilogics, Visilogics, C-More.

- Advanced proficiency in SCADA programming, and troubleshooting of at-least 3 of the following platforms. VTScada, Ignition, FactoryTalk View SE, iFix, GeoSCADA, Citect, WinCC, Wonderware, or Iconics.

- Advanced proficiency in Electrical Design

- Knowledge of safety and regulatory standards (e.g., ISA).

- Experience in mentoring and complex system integration.

- Experience with Technical Leadership of complex projects.

- Experience with a wide variety of industrial instrumentation including but not limited to: Temperature controllers, Pressure transducers, Flow meters, Level sensors


If you meet these qualifications and are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter. We look forward to hearing from you!