1

Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Washington, DC Β· On-site

$109K - $144K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer will also be responsible for the design, development, integration, commissioning, and ongoing support of Inductive Automation Ignition Vision graphics and applications.

Senior Controls Engineer

Washington, DC Β· On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer will also be responsible for the design, development, integration, commissioning, and ongoing support of Inductive Automation Ignition Vision graphics and applications.

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA Β· 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 ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA Β· 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 ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA Β· 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 ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA Β· 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 ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA Β· 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 ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA Β· 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 ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA Β· 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 ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA Β· 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 ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Reston, VA Β· 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 Controls Engineer

Reston, VA Β· 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 Β· 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$74.9K

$119.4K

$160.2K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Reston, VA is $119,354.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,900.00 and $133,200.00 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 teamsβ€”including maintenance, production, and ITβ€”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 Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Reston, VA 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 $119,354 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Washington, DC β€’ On-site

$109K - $144K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide onsite support for existing industrial control systems, including troubleshooting and maintenance.

  • Develop, integrate, and maintain Ignition Vision applications and industrial communication protocols.

  • Lead or support the implementation, testing, and documentation of control system projects and upgrades.


Job description

About Fusion

Fusion is a Service‑Disabled Veteran‑Owned Small Business (SDVOB) specializing in mission‑critical engineering, secure infrastructure, and advanced technical solutions for federal and defense clients. We bring precision, integrity, and deep expertise to some of the nation’s most complex and sensitive programs.

Position Summary

Fusion is seeking a highly qualified Senior Controls Engineer to join an IT/OT hybrid Industrial Control Systems (ICS) team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, availability, security, and continuous improvement of ICScross multiple sites.

The primary focus of this position is to provide onsite engineering, integration, troubleshooting, maintenance and technical support for a diverse portfolio of industrial control systems. The Senior Controls Engineer will also be responsible for the design, development, integration, commissioning, and ongoing support of Inductive Automation Ignition Vision graphics and applications.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands‑on experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Human‑Machine Interfaces (HMIs), industrial communications, and ICScybersecurity.

This position requires an engineer who can work independently, solve complex technical problems, communicate effectively with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, and take ownership of projects from concept through implementation and ongoing support.

Security Clearance Requirement
  • Active DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance is required
Key Responsibilities: O&M Support
  • Provide onsite support of existing industrial control systems, which include PLCs, DDCs, SCADA, HMIs, and associated control‑system infrastructure
  • Perform daily Operations & Maintenance (O&M) activities required to maintain the availability and reliability of SCADA, PLC and DDC systems
  • Work with multiple control‑system platforms, including Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley, Schneider Electric, Siemens, EcoStruxture and other PLC/DDC platforms
  • Troubleshoot complex hardware, software, communications, controls, and system‑integration issues across multiple facilities
  • Support preventive and corrective maintenance activities and provide advanced technical support for operational control systems
  • Support configuration management, version control, backups, disaster recovery, and lifecycle management for control‑system applications
SCADA Development & Implementation
  • Develop and maintain Ignition Vision applications, including graphics, screens, navigation, alarming, trends, scripting, tags, templates, and user interfaces
  • Integrate Ignition with PLCs, DDC systems, databases, equipment, and other enterprise and industrial systems
  • Integrate and troubleshoot industrial communications using protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, BACnet MSTP/TCP, OPC UA/DA, and other industrial protocols
  • Develop and implement HMI graphics following high‑performance HMI principles, established design standards, and best practices
Engineering & Project Support
  • Lead or support the implementation of new control systems, equipment integrations, system upgrades, migrations, and lifecycle‑replacement projects
  • Evaluate existing control‑system architectures and recommend improvements to reliability, maintainability, performance, and scalability
  • Develop and maintain system documentation, control narratives, sequence‑of‑operation documentation, network diagrams, configuration records, and other engineering deliverables
  • Perform system testing, commissioning, validation, and acceptance activities
Cybersecurity & IT Collaboration
  • Coordinate with partners to deliver SME insights on controls and facility operations
  • Implement and maintain ICScybersecurity controls and best practices in coordination with IT and cybersecurity personnel
  • Collaborate with IT, cybersecurity, engineering, operations, facilities, vendors, and government stakeholders
Qualifications Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree (required)in Electrical, Controls Systems, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering/technical discipline
  • Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience working with industrial control systems, including PLCs, DCS, SCADA, HMIs, or similar systems
  • Experience supporting DoD customers is highly desirable
  • Security+ or equivalent is highly desirable
Technical Skills
  • Expertise in SCADA, ICSc, PLCs, electrical systems, and building automation
  • Strong programming and troubleshooting experience with industrial control systems
  • Ability to diagnose complex control‑system problems across multiple technologies and determine root cause
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, network diagrams, P&IDs, control narratives, and sequence‑of‑operation documentation
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
Why Work for Fusion?

At Fusion, we believe exceptional work begins with exceptional people. Our teams bring together technical excellence, integrity, and a shared commitment to delivering mission‑critical solutions that directly support national security. Here, your expertise has real impact. You’ll collaborate with experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful programs, and be part of a supportive small‑business culture invested in your growth and success.

What We Offer
  • Medical insurance with a generous employer HSA contribution
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • 15 days of vacation
  • 5 days of sick leave
  • 11 paid federal holidays
  • A mission‑focused, supportive small‑business culture where your work makes a real impact

FusionICS, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

#J-18808-Ljbffr