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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

This is a senior-level position that requires a deep understanding of flight dynamics, control ... Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$156K - $219K/yr

This is a senior-level position that requires a deep understanding of flight dynamics, control ... Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a ...

Senior Control Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$109K - $144K/yr

Are you an experienced Controls Engineer looking to make an impact on critical energy infrastructure? We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, implementation, and ...

Senior Control Engineer

Washington, DC

$109K - $144K/yr

Are you an experienced Controls Engineer looking to make an impact on critical energy infrastructure? We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, implementation, and ...

Controls Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Controls Engineer at Complete Logistical Services Complete Logistical Services is excited to ... of senior and junior engineers. * Efficiently transform high-level project requirements into ...

Senior Staff Controls Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Staff Controls Engineer performs advanced system maintenance and support. Leads complex projects using internal and external resources. Assists with development and ...

Senior Staff Controls Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$99K - $131K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Staff Controls Engineer performs advanced system maintenance and support. Leads complex projects using internal and external resources. Assists with development and ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$81.5K

$129.9K

$174.4K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Washington is $129,937.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,900.00 and $145,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior controls engineer?

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 are the typical responsibilities of a senior controls engineer 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior controls engineer?

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 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 most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,937 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Reston, VA

Blue Origin
Space Research Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$156K - $219K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the development, analysis, and verification of flight control systems for aerospace vehicles.

  • Oversee the design and simulation of control laws and actuation control systems, including hardware-in-the-loop testing.

  • Provide technical leadership and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful integration of control systems.


Blue Origin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

As a Control Lead, you will be at the forefront of developing and implementing advanced control systems for our next-generation vehicles. You will lead the design, analysis, and verification of control systems, with a special focus on actuation control for reentry and transonic flight regimes. Your expertise will be critical in ensuring the safety, performance, and reliability of our vehicles. This is a senior-level position that requires a deep understanding of flight dynamics, control theory, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Lead the development of flight control systems, including the design and analysis of control laws for aerodynamic surfaces.

  • Oversee the development of models and simulations for flap actuation control systems.

  • Conduct analysis and trade studies for vehicle performance in hypersonic reentry and transonic flight regimes.

  • Lead the verification and validation of flight control systems through simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and flight testing.

  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of GNC engineers.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the successful integration of the flight control system with the overall vehicle.

  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and analysis reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

  • 10+ years of experience in the design, development, and analysis of flight control systems.

  • Demonstrated experience with flap actuation control systems.

  • In-depth knowledge of hypersonic and transonic flight dynamics.

  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, and other control system design and analysis tools.

  • Strong leadership and communication skills.

  • Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in a related field.

  • Experience with the full lifecycle of flight control system development, from concept to flight.

  • Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing and flight test support.

  • Experience with modern control techniques and their application to aerospace vehicles.

  • Proficiency in C++ or Python.

Culture StatementDon't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.


Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45 CO applicants is $144,179.00 - $201,849.90 WA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45 VA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45

Other site ranges may differ


Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.


Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.


Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.


Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.



What Blue Origin employees say

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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000