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

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 ...

Controls & Integration Engineer II, Electrical

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$85.40K - $110.40K/yr

Assists Senior Engineers in design documents for SCADA/Automation projects * Developing design ... controls systems for switchgear, substations, metering and SCADA/Fault Data/SER/Integration ...

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

$106.30K - $139.50K/yr

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to join a great team of motivated Automation engineers in our Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The successful candidate will be ...

Project Controls Engineer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

... trusted senior staff. With over two decades of experience solving the industry's toughest ... About the Role We seek a Project Controls Engineer to provide scheduling support services to our ...

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$106.30K - $139.50K/yr

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Automation and Controls Engineer to join a great team of motivated Automation engineers in our Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions! The successful candidate will be ...

Control Engineer 3

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$84.50K - $109.20K/yr

Overview Controls Engineers 3 are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and ... Assists senior engineers in preparation of Bids and Proposals cost estimates and supporting ...

Control Engineer 3

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84.40K - $109.20K/yr

Controls Engineers 3 are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining ... Assists senior engineers in preparation of Bids and Proposals cost estimates and supporting ...

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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 May 30, 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,354 per year, or $57.4 per hour.
Principal Controls Engineer

Principal Controls Engineer

Fluence

Arlington, VA

$52 - $66.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Fluence (Nasdaq: FLNC)is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. Our solutions and operational services are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. With gigawatts of successful implementations across nearly 50 markets, we are transforming the way we power our world for a more sustainable future. For more information, please visitfluenceenergy.com.

Job Description:

Role Overview

We are looking for a Principal Controls Software Engineer with a passion for software design and extensive experience with power engineering, MathWorks Matlab/Simulink, Agile Scrum using Jira, and Git. Our Control System is comprised of three main applications: Controls, UI, and the Data Acquisition System. You will report to the Senior Manager Control Application Software Development. As a hands-on member of the development team, you will also do the work of delivering a releasable Increment of product at the end of each Sprint.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the Principal controls SW developer designing Fluence's energy storage system control SW for utility and grid applications.

  • Develop FOS Controls, integrate grid-scale battery and power conversion systems from industry-leading manufacturers.

  • Design, develop, build, and document FOS controls logic using MathWorks Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow and C.

  • Support requisition engineering. Troubleshoot field issues and identify root causes.

  • Focus on robustness, security, performance, scalability, and maintainability.

  • Meet project timelines and budget.

  • Track, manage, document, and report work using JIRA and Confluence.

  • Foster a spirit of teamwork thatallows for impersonal disagreement over ideas, conflict, and expeditious resolution.

  • Understanding of grid codes, compliance, leading the team technically.

Required Qualifications and Experience

  • Bachelor in the areas of Electrical, Electronics, or controls Engineering, Power Engineering related fields from an accredited university. Masters in Power system, Power electronics, Energy are preferrable.

  • Expertise in MathWorks Matlab/Simulink for model-based systems engineering.

  • Strong knowledge of power system market applications, power generation, and/or energy storage system controls.

  • Experience in closed-loop control algorithms.

  • Expertise using the Agile development framework and Git workflow.

  • Enthusiasm for getting things done, taking personal responsibility, adding value within a team setting, and ability to work with minimal supervision.

  • Willing and able to travel, domestically and internationally, up to 5% of the time.

Additional Skills

  • 10+ years of control SW development experience with Master degree

  • MS or M.Tech in Power System, Power Electronics, Control systems, Software Engineering, from an accredited university.

  • Significant related work experience will be considered in place of a master's degree.

  • Expertise in control SW verification and validation.

  • Expertise in Simulink code generation and optimization.

  • Experience in Linux shell script programming.

  • Experience in CI/CD integration process and toolchain.

  • Experience with Industrial Protocols: Modbus TCP, MQTT, DNP3, IEC 61850.

  • Knowledge in HIL - Typhoon,OPAL are preferable.

Our Culture

At Fluence, our culture is the foundation that drives our ambitious growth strategy and fuels our mission to transform the future of energy. Our core cultural pillars empower us to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose, ensuring we continue to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and the world.

Unleash Voices

We believe every voice matters. We encourage openness, active listening, and decisive action to create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our success. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued, driving innovation and progress.

Customer Fluent

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to delivering exceptional value that exceeds expectations by understanding our customers' needs and adapting swiftly to meet them. Our deep focus on customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve and innovate.

Infinite Impact

We are committed to creating the impossible. We push boundaries to deliver sustainable, game-changing solutions that shape a brighter, more energy-efficient future for all. Our team is passionate about making a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come.

All In

We are all in for growth. Our teams are relentlessly focused on identifying and seizing opportunities that propel us forward. We embrace an ownership mindset, pushing ourselves and each other to accelerate progress and create lasting success.

Equal Opportunity Employer
At Fluence, we believe great teams are built on a collaborative and connected culture. We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome qualified applicants of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

Work Authorization
To join our team, you'll need to be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout your employment, without the need for employer sponsorship. Please note that Fluence does not sponsor work visas for this position.