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

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3 - Manassas, VA

Manassas, VA · On-site

$83.50K - $108K/yr

Controls Engineers work in various industries including industrial controls, water / wastewater ... Assists senior engineers in preparation of Bids and Proposals cost estimates and supporting ...

Talent Acquisition Concepts

Controls Consultant

Arlington, VA · On-site

$96.10K - $124.20K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Consultant to be a subject matter expert (SME) on building automation ... senior leadership to grow our Engineering and Construction practice. • Oversee assigned staff ...

Talent Acquisition Concepts

Controls Consultant

Arlington, VA · On-site

$96.10K - $124.20K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Consultant to be a subject matter expert (SME) on building automation ... Work with senior leadership to grow our Engineering and Construction practice. Oversee assigned ...

Talent Acquisition Concepts

Controls Consultant

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$96.10K - $124.20K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Consultant to be a subject matter expert (SME) on building automation ... Work with senior leadership to grow our Engineering and Construction practice. Oversee assigned ...

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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 31, 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:
Senior Controls Engineer jobs near you
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.
Senior Building Controls Technician (25% Travel)

Senior Building Controls Technician (25% Travel)

The Building People

Washington, DC

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

The Senior Building Controls Technician will provide services related to the expansion, upgrade or replacement of building automation hardware and software for smart building infrastructure. The position will work independently to meet project requirements with limited supervision. The programmer will be responsible for programming, configuring, and testing of Direct Digital Control (DDC) building automation and control systems. The senior control technician will be assigned to the Leesburg headquarters building but the primary work responsibility will involve working within buildings in Washington D.C. and its neighboring suburbs. 

Responsibilities/Duties:

  • Design and engineer control system hardware and software programming based on project plans, specifications, and other contract documents

  • Ability to program projects with various levels of complexity

  • Capable of performing network troubleshooting, database troubleshooting and repair programming

  • Collaborates with the engineering team on the system configuration, network and software requirements, graphics, programming, and sequences of operations

  • Develop and configure the sequence of operations, programming, graphics, database, network, and integrations into third party systems

  • Maintains accurate and thorough project documentation and redlines

  • Provides owner training as required by the project

  • Executes system commissioning and functional testing

  • Assist in installation of control hardware

  • Startup and commission new hardware installations

  • Provide project management assistance on projects as required, interfacing directly to customers

  • Supervise sub-contractors and suppliers as needed

  • Help educate lower-level technicians through on the job training as needed

*This position will require a minimum of 25% travel

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