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

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$106K - $139K/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 ...

Junior SCADA/Controls Engineer

Reston, VA

$86K - $112K/yr

Leidos is seeking a highly motivated Controls Systems / SCADA Engineer to join our team in Reston ... Present findings and technical assessments to senior government officials and stakeholders.

Junior SCADA/Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Leidos is seeking a highly motivated Controls Systems / SCADA Engineer to join our team in Reston ... Present findings and technical assessments to senior government officials and stakeholders.

Control Engineer 3

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/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

$84K - $109K/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 Jun 23, 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,354 per year, or $57.4 per hour.
Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

CDM Smith

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$106K - $139K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


CDM Smith rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 355 rated engineering


Job description

Job Description
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 enthusiastic about building client relationships, mentoring junior level staff and delivering quality technical products on time and on budget. CDM Smith has been a leader in providing Automation design and programming services for over 30 years. The selected candidate will be an integral part of our team to assist with growing our business in collaboration with our automation client service leader in the Fairfax office. Join us!
As a key member of the Automation team, you will contribute to CDM Smith's mission by:
• With high-level goals provided, creating basic to highly complex instrumentation, controls and related systems designs by developing Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and giving direction to junior staff who utilize 3D and 4D drafting programs . Developing basic technical memoranda related to design issues for clients. Preparing preliminary design reports (PDRs) under limited supervision. Working with clients to define user requirements and preparing and documenting technical requirements to be used by programmers.
• Reviewing basic to highly complex component level shop drawings. Providing responses to requests for information (RFIs) under supervision. Performing witnessed factory testing (WFTs), field acceptance testing (FATs) and field inspections.
• With high-level goals provided, creating basic to highly complex designs that utilize human-machine interface (HMI)software, SCADA hardware (servers, workstations), network equipment (firewalls, routers, switches), programmable logic controllers (PLC), reporting software, historians and historical data collection, etc. Preparing level of effort estimates (LOEs).
• Network design, utilizing control system architecture diagrams/drawings to convey network requirements for CAT6 and Fiber Optic Ethernet connections to HMI/SCADA equipment, PLCs, power monitors, VFDs, networked field instruments, etc.
• Leading testing and startup team for basic to moderately complex instrumentation, controls and related systems independently with minimal supervision. Being responsible for testing and startup documentation completion and quality assurance filing.
• Independently developing basic to highly complex Operations & Maintenance manuals for designed instrumentation, controls and related systems.
• Independently developing systems training for end users. Developing training plans for all level of client's organization.
• Leading teams of more junior staff and provides direction and mentoring. Reviewing the work of junior staff as necessary. Providing feedback on client relationships and career issues.
• Leading the development of proposals and client presentations. Developing opportunities to expand contracts with existing clients.
• Performs other duties as required.
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Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, or Engineering Technology or related discipline. Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• 10 years of related experience.
Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with Water/Wastewater highly preferred.
• Experience within an Engineering and/or an integration firm highly preferred.
• Experience leading teams highly preferred.
EEO Statement
We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Why CDM Smith?
Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!
Join Us! CDM Smith - where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.
Agency Disclaimer
All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Recruitment Center Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Recruiting Center Team (RCT) will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.
Skills and Abilities
• Expert knowledge of instrumentation, controls and related systems designs.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft office suite of programs.
Background Check and Drug Testing Information
CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
Massachusetts Applicants
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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About CDM Smith

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CDM Smith is a distinguished name in the engineering and construction industry, providing insightful consulting, designing, and execution services. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, US, this full-service engineering and construction firm was founded in 1947 and has been contributing to the national and global infrastructure ever since. Serving across diverse sectors like transportation, environment, water, energy, and facilities, they have built a reputation for excellence. The company firmly stands on its mission of delivering lasting, superior solutions to the world's complex challenges, thereby ensuring their clients create a transformative impact.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

1947