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

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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

$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 ...

Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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 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.

Sr. Electrical Controls Engineer, Controls Design eXecution

Herndon, VA • On-site

Amazon
IT Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,173 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we're the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on.

We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain - and we're looking for talented people who want to help.
You'll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You'll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you'll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
The Controls Design eXecution team seeks a Senior Electrical Controls Engineer to design, implement, and sustain electrical control systems for Amazon's global data center infrastructure

This role focuses on ensuring reliability, efficiency, and scalability of mission-critical control systems that power our data center operations.
Key job responsibilities
- Lead design and implementation of electrical control systems for power distribution, cooling, and building automation
- Integrate control systems with infrastructure equipment and monitoring platforms
- Maintain and optimize existing control systems across the data center portfolio
- Develop technical specifications, standards, and best practices for electrical controls
- Troubleshoot complex control system issues and implement sustainable solutions
- Partner with Controls Design Engineering, Data Center Delivery, Field Engineering, and Commissioning teams
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and field technicians
- Drive automation initiatives and continuous improvement projects
About the team
*Why AWS*
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating - that's why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
*Diverse Experiences*
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply

If your career is just starting, hasn't followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don't let it stop you from applying.
*Work/Life Balance*
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there's nothing we can't achieve in the cloud.
*Inclusive Team Culture*
Here at AWS, it's in our nature to learn and be curious

Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon (gender diversity) conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
*Mentorship and Career Growth*
We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth's Best Employer. That's why you'll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.


What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Amazon logo

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, computer and electronic product manufacturing and software development

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US