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Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Work with process control instrumentation such as flow meters, pressure transmitters, and level ... The Controls Engineer works closely with a small, collaborative team that includes senior engineers ...

Controls Engineer

Chester, VA · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

Overview As a Controls Engineer at ITAC, you will play a key role in the design and implementation ... Troubleshoot and resolve PLC, HMI, communications, instrumentation, and control system issues.

Controls Engineer

Chester, VA · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

Overview As a Controls Engineer at ITAC, you will play a key role in the design and implementation ... Troubleshoot and resolve PLC, HMI, communications, instrumentation, and control system issues.

Controls Engineer

Chester, VA · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

Overview As a Controls Engineer at ITAC, you will play a key role in the design and implementation ... Troubleshoot and resolve PLC, HMI, communications, instrumentation, and control system issues.

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$86K - $112K/yr

This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up ...

Controls Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up ...

We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineering to support the manufacturing operation in the ... piping and instrumentation diagrams * equipment drawings * predictive maintenance reporting ...

Controls Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA · Hybrid

$82K - $106K/yr

This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$78.3K

$115.8K

$163.6K

How much do senior instrumentation and controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrumentation and controls engineer in Virginia is $115,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $135,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer do?

A Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing systems that monitor and control engineering processes. They work with instruments and control systems to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of manufacturing or industrial facilities. Their work often involves selecting appropriate instrumentation, programming control systems, troubleshooting issues, and leading project teams. In addition, they may be involved in ensuring compliance with safety and industry regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineers in large-scale industrial projects?

Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with legacy systems, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—like process, electrical, and mechanical engineering—is crucial for successful system design and implementation. Balancing technical leadership with hands-on troubleshooting and mentoring junior engineers is also a key aspect of the role, especially when overseeing commissioning and startup phases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or control systems engineering, experience with instrumentation design, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency in PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and industry-specific standards (such as ISA or IEC), as well as relevant certifications like PE or ISA CAP, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you lead teams and coordinate with multidisciplinary stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable automation solutions in complex industrial environments.

What is the difference between Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer vs Instrumentation And Controls Technician?

AspectSenior Instrumentation And Controls EngineerInstrumentation And Controls Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, professional engineering license often preferredTechnical diploma or associate degree in instrumentation or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, system integration in industrial or manufacturing settingsInstallation, maintenance, troubleshooting of instrumentation systems on-site
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing plants, oil & gas, power generationIndustrial facilities, maintenance companies, plant operations

The Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer typically focuses on system design, project oversight, and engineering analysis, requiring higher education and certifications. In contrast, the Instrumentation And Controls Technician handles hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting tasks. Both roles are essential in industrial settings but differ in responsibilities, qualifications, and work scope.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Mpr Associates, Inc.

Alexandria, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

MPR Associates, Inc. (MPR), a thriving multi-discipline, specialty engineering services and consulting firm, is actively seeking Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Engineer to join our Virginia or Connecticut office. This is a unique, challenging, and rewarding career opportunity, working on some of the most important projects affecting our society.  

Founded in 1964, MPR has a wide and growing client base in the fields of power and energy, federal services, and health and life sciences. We work throughout the United States as well as internationally. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, we also have offices in East Lyme, Connecticut, Burlington, Massachusetts, and Salt Lake City, Utah. We hire the best and brightest, which results in a high-performance culture built on trust and respect, making MPR an exceptional place to work.

General Job Description

The I&C Engineer will have technical, project management, regulatory, business, and client interface responsibilities. This position will provide strategic guidance and technical leadership to our U.S. and international clients. In addition, you will work closely with the MPR leadership team to develop market and client strategies and align MPR’s growth, skills, and tools development with future industry needs. This is a full-time, exempt position.


The I&C Engineer is expected to have a broad range of skills, duties, and responsibilities, including:

  • Leverage technical expertise and leadership in control system engineering, design, implementation, programming/configuration, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting in support of power plant controls and industrial control systems.
  • Provide technical support for power generation and auxiliary power systems, particularly related to digital devices or systems with communications interface to control systems (e.g., protective relays for electrical power systems).
  • Effectively develop technical deliverables for our clients through engineering evaluations, operability evaluations, problem identification/resolution, I&C upgrade feasibility studies, and conceptual design documents.
  • Provide analysis and modeling capabilities for I&C systems, such as in the development of simulator algorithms.
  • Effectively interface with clients to understand their problems and challenges, develop technical proposals to address their problems, and effectively present proposals and company capabilities.
  • Ensure project control and control systems meet regulatory and cybersecurity requirements.
  • Assist in identifying industry opportunities for I&C services and partnerships to support client needs.
  • Provide leadership and mentoring to employees.

  • This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. “US Person” includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. 
Education                                                                          
  • Minimum of four (4) year technical degree or equivalent is required. Candidates within one year of graduation may also be considered.
  • P.E. license is a plus.
  • Completion of Naval Nuclear Power School, Nuclear Prototype, and/or Nuclear Field “A” School as plus.

Experience

  • At least four (4) years of directly related I&C experience working in a project/systems/ Navy engineering role.
  • The following experience is considered a plus:
    • Design and operation of nuclear plant safety-related and non-safety-related I&C systems, in addition to balance-of-plant I&C systems
    • NRC regulations related to digital systems
    • Analog and digital I&C systems and design, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems
    • Familiarity with IEEE, IEC, and ISA standards
    • Familiarity with different I&C vendor products and their offerings including Emerson Ovation, GE, ABB, Allen-Bradley, Modicon, Wonderware, Schweitzer RTAC, Schneider, and Framatome

Skills – Technical

  • Knowledge of and experience with electrical and electronics theory
  • Strong understanding of algorithms, control systems (analog and digital), instrumentation and measurement, system design, troubleshooting, and automation
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, software programming, and networking infrastructure

Skills – Personal

  • Ability to multi-task across teams of engineers and managers on various projects
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively across functional teams
  • Ability to accept and grow from constructive feedback
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Critical thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Self-motivated and disciplined
  • Ability to lead and work within teams
  • Motivated to expand skills and knowledge, as well as tackle new problems and take on new responsibilities.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
  • Solution oriented with a goal of enabling our client’s success
  • Persistent, questioning attitude and the ability to accept that in others

Travel

As required by project assignments. Estimated level is up to 10-20%, each trip typically not exceeding 2 or 3 days, but durations are dependent on project needs and could be of longer duration.

MPR Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, who participates in EVerify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other classification as required by applicable laws. MPR is a certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) employer.