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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Controls Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$81.2K

$129.4K

$173.8K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Washington, DC is $129,449.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,400.00 and $144,400.00 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 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?

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 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 most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Senior Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,449 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

Controls and Automation Engineer

Altus Technology Solutions

Indian Head, MD • On-site

$135K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Senior Controls & Automation Engineer
Location: Indian Head, MD
Schedule (FT/PT): Full Time
Travel Required: No
Shift: Day
Remote Type: No Remote
Clearance: Active U.S. DoD SECRET Security Clearance
Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline
Years of Experience: 8+ years of relevant electrical engineering experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, automation, or process-oriented environments
Salary Information: $135,000 - $170,000 per year
Description
Altus Technology Solutions is seeking a Senior Controls and Automation Engineer to support a high-impact program at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) that delivers technical expertise in energetics development, manufacturing, and facility modernization in support of national defense programs.
The Senior Controls and Automation Engineer supports Engineering Change and Modernization Projects (ECMP) involving industrial control systems, manufacturing process improvements, facility modernization efforts, and implementation of new production capabilities supporting energetics and munitions manufacturing operations, while contributing to engineering, manufacturing, safety, laboratory, and project management activities associated with energetic materials operations and modernization initiatives.
The ideal candidate will possess strong experience with industrial automation systems, electrical control system design, PLC-based control architectures, manufacturing process support, and modernization of production systems. The successful candidate will collaborate with engineers, production personnel, government stakeholders, equipment vendors, and project teams to develop, integrate, test, and sustain manufacturing control systems in complex production environments.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, integrate, and support industrial electrical and control systems for manufacturing and production environments.
  • Support Engineering Change and Modernization Projects (ECMP) involving installation of new manufacturing capabilities and upgrades to existing production systems.
  • Develop electrical and control system designs, schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
  • Utilize EPLAN and AutoCAD Electrical to create and maintain engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and design packages.
  • Design, configure, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based automation systems.
  • Support implementation and integration of Allen-Bradley PLCs and Rockwell Automation software suites.
  • Perform system testing, validation, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting activities for control systems and production equipment.
  • Develop and execute test plans to validate electrical and control system functionality and performance.
  • Collaborate with equipment vendors, subcontractors, and technical stakeholders to support fabrication, installation, testing, and startup activities.
  • Analyze manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, efficiency gains, and system optimization.
  • Provide technical support for electrical systems, instrumentation, automation equipment, and production control systems.
  • Develop technical specifications, equipment bills of material, operating procedures, test plans, test reports, and engineering documentation.
  • Support facility modernization efforts and installation of new manufacturing processes and equipment.
  • Provide technical input into facility design and advise on safety standards and regulations associated with electrical systems supporting manufacturing process facilities.
  • Participate in design reviews, technical reviews, project planning activities, and customer meetings.
  • Coordinate technical activities across multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, safety, and production teams.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, quality requirements, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support operational and organizational objectives.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible electrical engineering experience.
  • Experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, production, or process-oriented environments.
  • Experience with industrial control systems, automation technologies, and PLC-based systems.
  • Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and Rockwell Automation software platforms.
  • Experience creating electrical schematics and engineering documentation using AutoCAD Electrical and/or EPLAN.
  • Experience troubleshooting electrical, automation, and control systems.
  • Experience supporting installation, testing, commissioning, and startup of industrial equipment and systems.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with government personnel, vendors, subcontractors, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • U.S. Citizenship.
  • Active U.S. DoD SECRET Security Clearance.

Preferred:
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense manufacturing, industrial, or research facilities.
  • Experience with hydraulics and pneumatics systems.
  • Experience supporting energetics, ammunition, munitions, or explosives manufacturing operations.
  • Experience with process safety and material handling requirements.
  • Experience integrating PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, sensors, and industrial networking systems.
  • Experience supporting facility modernization, production expansion, or capital improvement projects.
  • Active Top Secret clearance or eligibility for higher levels of access.
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.

About Altus
Since 2004, Altus Technology Solutions has been committed to providing top-quality, performance-driven services to both government and commercial clients. As an ISO 9001:2015 Certified firm, Altus integrates proven solutions with industry-leading practices to tackle mission-critical challenges.
Learn more at www.Altusts.com.
Pay and Benefits
  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement savings plan with employer contributions
  • Income protection through short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Education assistance for professional growth
  • Flexible paid leave and career advancement opportunities

Commitment to Equal Opportunity Employment
Altus Technology Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. As a federal contractor, we are committed to hiring and retaining a workforce that includes individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact recruiting@altusts.com.
Protecting Your Information
We never request payment or personal banking details during the hiring process. If you encounter suspicious emails, contact us at support@altusts.com immediately.
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