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Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington

Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$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 ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer serves as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system projects within the Generac Microgrid Controls Team. This role owns projects endtoend-from sales ...

Senior Control Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$109K - $144K/yr

Are you an experienced Controls Engineer looking to make an impact on critical energy ... Integrate PLCs, instrumentation, and field devices using industrial communication protocols over ...

Senior Control Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$109K - $144K/yr

Are you an experienced Controls Engineer looking to make an impact on critical energy ... Integrate PLCs, instrumentation, and field devices using industrial communication protocols over ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

The Tract Capital Senior Controls Engineer owns controls discipline design for our behind-the-meter (BTM) generation solutions and integration into Tract's monitoring and command center operations.

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple stakeholder deliverables, requirements and navigate challenging situations. Financially manage BMS and ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple stakeholder deliverables, requirements and navigate challenging situations. Financially manage BMS and ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$111K - $147K/yr

Position Summary The Senior Controls Engineer will lead the design, testing, commissioning, and continuous improvement of plant-level control systems for utility-scale solar and battery energy ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple stakeholder deliverables, requirements and navigate challenging situations. Financially manage BMS and ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Develop and modify controls logic programming and graphical user interfaces. Manage multiple stakeholder deliverables, requirements and navigate challenging situations. Financially manage BMS and ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$89.5K

$132.3K

$186.9K

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrumentation and controls engineer in Washington is $132,331.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,500.00 and $155,200.00 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?

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 Washington? For Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,331 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec

Reston, VA • On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:
  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

We have a Controls Engineer position in Reston, VA. 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 assistance.
Please Note: This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, including H-1B sponsorship.
Responsibilities
  • Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process system requirements
  • Develops schematics detailing control system configuration and wiring, and design equipment panel layouts on AutoCAD software
  • Develop Sequence of Operation document detailing control strategies for the process under control. Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents
  • Work at customer site to perform the system checkout and start-up of the integrated control system
  • Develop the final record system documentation and provide system training to the customer
  • Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across multiple industries including both manufacturing production lines and data center building automation
  • Will act as technical lead on projects and guide lower level engineers and technicians
  • Will act as Project Manager on smaller projects ranging from $50K to $250K. This includes but not limited to:
    • Develops and executes implementation plans for the project
    • Assigns work to meet overall project deadlines
    • Ensures that all project team members clearly understand the scope of W-M responsibilities
    • Develops schedules for W-M and customer requirements
    • Evaluates progress on project and details changes
    • Responsible for all purchasing and subcontractor requirements
    • Responsible for development of costs and proposal of change orders to contract scope

Minimum Requirements
Education BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
Experience Three to five years' experience in areas below:
  • An in-depth understanding of control systems, components, logic programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Schnieder Modicon, Siemens, GE-IP) required. Experience with AutoCAD is also desired
  • Strong inter-personnel skills. Ability to communicate and work with both team members, subcontractors and clients
  • Ability to travel up to 50%

Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, and ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.
Working Environment Standard office environment, diverse industrial environments, frequent PC usage, facsimile/copy machines, phones.
Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-WM1
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.