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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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 ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr - Controls

Radford, VA · On-site

$88K - $149K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Control Systems Engineer to join a team responsible for the design ... This includes PLC/DCS (Distributed Control System) controls, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs ...

Actalent

Electrical Controls Engineer

Chesapeake, VA

$69K - $93K/yr

The Controls Engineer works closely with a small, collaborative team that includes senior engineers and technical staff, in a setting that emphasizes growth, knowledge sharing, and standardized ...

Fluence

Principal Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA

$52 - $66.50/hr

You will report to the Senior Manager Control Application Software Development. As a hands-on ... Serve as the Principal controls SW developer designing Fluence's energy storage system control SW ...

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All JobsControls Engineer 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 Jul 17, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,740 per year, or $54.7 per hour.
Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

Sonoco Products Company

Richmond, VA • On-site

$102K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 - all while keeping the heart of "People Build Businesses" alive.
Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.
From a small family business to a multi-billion dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 - all while keeping the heart of "People Build Businesses" alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.
The Controls Engineer will be responsible for maintaining, upgrading, and optimizing the control and automation systems at Sonoco's Paper Mill. The position will work closely with the maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to continuously improve the safety, reliability and productivity of mill systems and equipment. It has the responsibility to provide day to day technical support, develop strategic plans for system modernization, and lead or participate in project teams involving control system upgrades and installations.
What You'll be doing
  • Acting as project lead for automation and control projects.
  • Utilizing loop sheets, and electrical elementary diagrams for troubleshoot
  • Using AutoCad top create loop sheets, and electrical elementaries for small control projects
  • Tuning and evaluating control loop performance and auditing control system performance - X,Y plots of control loops to find failing control devices
  • Working with engineers, operations management, maintenance personnel, and contractors to develop and meet scope, budget, and schedule requirements on assigned projects.
  • Creating documentation packages for bidding, installation, start-up, and maintenance of control system projects. (scope of work, conduit layouts, cable schedules, connection drawings, bill of materials, preventative maintenance procedures, and required spares).
  • Providing commissioning and startup support for controls projects.
  • Developing and maintaining a project funnel for automation and control system upgrades.
  • Working with plant process engineers to optimize control system performance.
  • Providing direction to the maintenance team on controls related work orders.
  • Training the maintenance team on new and existing automation and control systems.
  • Troubleshooting alongside the maintenance team during system upsets.

We'd love to hear from you if:
  • You've graduated from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering.
  • You've graduated from a two-year college with an associate degree in electrical engineering and relevant field experience.
  • You have experience with PLC programming including ladder logic, function diagrams, and structured text. Specific experience with Rockwell / Allen Bradley and Siemens is a plus.
  • You have experience with AC and DC drives. Specific experience with Yaskawa, Siemens and Rockwell is a plus.
  • You have experience with control system network interfaces and communications protocols.
  • You have experience with HMI configuration and programming.
  • You have experience with distributed control systems (DCS) and continuous process controls including field instrumentation and valves. Specific experience with ABB and Foxboro is a plus.
  • You have experience with control system preventative maintenance including software backups.
  • Possess Autocad skills to allow the creation of power plans, single lines, control panel layouts, and electrical control diagrams.
  • You can demonstrate good oral and written communication skills.
  • You have a proven ability to work in a team environment requiring collaboration with all levels of the organization.
  • You have experience with Schneider DCS, Voith QCS, and Rockwell Contrologix/CompactLogix PLC's (This could be added to the fourth bullet point)

This is a progression position and can be level I- Senior, based on experience.
Engineer I: The annual base salary range for this role is from $70,080 - $78,840
Engineer II: The annual base salary range for this role is from $84,640 - $95,220
Engineer III: The annual base salary range for this role is from $102,080 - $114,840
Senior Engineer: The annual base salary range for this role is from $110,160 - $123,930
At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. *Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.
Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
  • Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
  • Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

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