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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Equinix, Inc.

Controls Engineer Senior Staff

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Extensive knowledge of multiple facets of controls engineering * Tests suitability of components or action plans for deployments Training * Acquires knowledge by expanding experience with systems ...

CPG

Controls & Integration Engineer I

Ashburn, VA

$85K - $110K/yr

Assists Senior Engineers in design documents for SCADA/Automation projects * Developing design ... controls systems for chiller plants, complex air distribution equipment, equipment installation ...

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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.
Sr. Controls Engineer, Data Center Capacity Delivery

Sr. Controls Engineer, Data Center Capacity Delivery

Amazon

Herndon, VA • On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,843 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

As part of the global controls team, you will work with highly motivated experts and innovators in the data center industry. You will be responsible for troubleshooting, project management, and maintaining the building management system (BMS) and electrical power monitoring system (EPMS). Using Amazon leadership principles, you will develop new processes and standards while innovating in the controls space.

AWS Data centers have multiple components such as generators, uninterruptable power sources, diesel generators, electrical switchgear, power distribution units, variable frequency drives, automatic/static transfer switches, chillers [air-cooled and water-cooled], pumps, cooling towers, heat exchangers, CRAHs, air economizers, etc. All these components have local control systems that interact with each other via open and/or proprietary communications protocols. The BMS is the primary method of control of all mechanical systems within a data center.

The EPMS is the primary method of monitoring all electrical systems within a data center.
Key job responsibilities
Train and assist internal customers and stakeholders with the creation, design, configuration, validation, installation, commissioning and operation of BMS and EPMS systems.
Provide technical assistance and support to operations during life cycle of the data center.

Review results and action items from the quarterly maintenances for BMS and EPMS and take actions to get them resolved.
Develop BMS & EPMS projects scope of work, schedule, budget, and level of efforts (LOE) to projects requested by customers and stakeholders.
Manage scope, schedule, finance and execution of BMS and EPMS improvement projects in AWS data centers.


Assist in procurement related activities including request for quotation/proposals, responding to request for information, review of vendors proposal and issuance of purchase orders.
Participate in AWS global on-call schedule to provide immediate BMS and EPMS technical support to in-service data centers. Attend project related meetings, coordinate with project leaders and regularly report status to Controls and stakeholders management.


Support Controls projects related commissioning activities in the data centers.
Review, implement, troubleshoot and iterate on the controls sequence of operation (SOO) and provide necessary feedback to the design team.
Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces.


Manage multiple stakeholder deliverables, requirements and navigate challenging situations.
Financially manage BMS and EPMS service contracts.
Frequently visit (locally) assigned in-operation data centers to troubleshoot, meet customers, supervise vendor's work to ensure compliance with the scope, design, SOO and applicable local codes.

What Amazon employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

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