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

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Senior Controls Technician information

See Reston, VA salary details

$26

$46

$61

How much do senior controls technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior controls technician in Reston, VA is $46.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.52 and $51.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Controls Technicians in their daily work?

Senior Controls Technicians often tackle challenges such as troubleshooting complex automation issues, keeping up with rapidly changing technology, and minimizing downtime during system repairs or upgrades. They may need to respond quickly to unexpected equipment failures and work efficiently under time pressure to maintain production deadlines. Collaboration with engineering teams, electricians, and operations personnel is frequently required to diagnose problems and implement effective solutions. This environment offers opportunities for continuous learning and skill advancement, which can lead to future roles in controls engineering or system design.

What is a Senior Controls Technician job?

A Senior Controls Technician is responsible for designing, installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining automated control systems used in manufacturing and industrial settings. They work with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and other control devices to ensure equipment operates efficiently and safely. This role often involves programming, system upgrades, and diagnosing electrical or mechanical issues. Senior technicians also mentor junior staff and collaborate with engineers to optimize system performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Senior Controls Technician position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Controls Technician, you need advanced knowledge in electrical systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), instrumentation, and automation, typically backed by relevant technical education and on-the-job experience. Familiarity with tools such as PLC programming software, HMI interfaces, SCADA systems, and certifications like NICET or ISA are commonly required. Exceptional troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and production teams are valuable soft skills. Mastery of these skills ensures safe, efficient installation and maintenance of control systems, as well as smooth operations in technically complex environments.

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Senior Controls Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Technician job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,507 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Senior Building Controls Technician (25% Travel)

The Building People

Washington, DC

Full-time

Re-posted 22 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

Required Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software

  • Programming skills

  • Strong analytical skills

  • Strong interactive and communication skills

  • Strong troubleshooting skills

  • Experience with electronics and basic electrical circuits

  • Thorough understanding of and ability to use appropriate tools

  • Excellent customer service and ability to work well with others

  • Knowledge of DDC Control Theory and Applications as related to HVAC equipment

  • Strong knowledge of common DDC communications protocols such as but not limited to BACnet, LON, Modbus, etc.

Required Experience/Education

  • At least 3 years of experience with programming, startup and commissioning of control systems

  • Niagara N4 certification

  • Experience with multiple manufacturers of controls a plus

  • Technical knowledge with installation of controls equipment and ancillary devices

Physical Requirements

  • Physically able to climb overhead or crawl under spaces to complete jobs.

  • Must be willing to work at heights.

  • Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds at times.