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Sr Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Columbia, MD ยท On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

As a Sr. Controls Engineer at WM you will become part of a company who is: * Entrepreneurially-minded, 100% employee-owned company with 41 years of industry history providing engineering and ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Columbia, MD

$96K - $127K/yr

As a Sr. Controls Engineer at WM you will become part of a company who is: * Entrepreneurially-minded, 100% employee-owned company with 41 years of industry history providing engineering and ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

The Senior Controls Engineer will also be responsible for the design, development, integration, commissioning, and ongoing support of Inductive Automation Ignition Vision graphics and applications.

Senior Controls Engineer

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer will also be responsible for the design, development, integration, commissioning, and ongoing support of Inductive Automation Ignition Vision graphics and applications.

Sr. Controls Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท 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 ยท 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 ยท 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 ยท 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 ยท 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 ยท 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 ยท 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 ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Hanover, MD ยท On-site

$150K - $166K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to oversees and leads the development of PLC and HMI programs for safe, effective, and efficient operation of Forgent products and processes while meeting and ...

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 ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Hanover, MD ยท On-site

$150K - $166K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to oversees and leads the development of PLC and HMI programs for safe, effective, and efficient operation of Forgent products and processes while meeting and ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Sr Controls Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$81.5K

$129.9K

$174.4K

How much do sr controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr controls engineer in Washington is $129,937.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,900.00 and $145,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sr Controls Engineer?

Sr Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems used in manufacturing, automation, or other industrial processes. They work with hardware and software to ensure machinery operates efficiently, safely, and according to specifications. Their responsibilities often include programming PLCs, troubleshooting system issues, leading projects, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Senior-level controls engineers also mentor junior staff and contribute to the strategic improvement of automation processes.

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

To thrive as a Sr Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems design, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and significant industry experience. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and familiarity with industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE is essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These qualifications ensure effective system integration, reliable automation solutions, and successful collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What types of projects and cross-functional collaboration can a Sr Controls Engineer expect in this role?

As a Sr Controls Engineer, you will typically lead or contribute to projects involving the design, implementation, and optimization of automation systems. Collaboration is common with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical and electrical engineers, software developers, and operations personnel, to ensure seamless integration of control systems. You may also work closely with project managers and clients to define requirements, troubleshoot issues, and deliver solutions that align with production goals. This role often involves balancing technical problem-solving with strong communication skills to coordinate across departments.

What is the difference between Sr Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectSr Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or related engineering; often 5+ years experience; certifications like PLC or automation certificationsBachelor's in relevant engineering; 1-3 years experience; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation projectsSimilar industrial settings, project-based work, automation systems
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control industriesManufacturing, industrial automation, equipment design

The main difference between a Sr Controls Engineer and a Controls Engineer lies in experience level, responsibilities, and expertise. Sr Controls Engineers typically have more years of experience, handle complex automation projects, and may mentor junior staff. Controls Engineers are often earlier in their careers, focusing on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles are vital in industrial automation and share similar work environments and industry applications.

What job categories do people searching Sr Controls Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Sr Controls Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Sr Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Sr Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Sr Controls Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,937 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc

Columbia, MD โ€ข On-site

$115 - $160/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established (41 years) engineering companies in the United States - we have a Sr. Controls Engineer position available in Columbia, MD. This person will provide team leadership in delivering automation systems for a wide variety of industries.

As a Sr. Controls Engineer at WM you will become part of a company who is:

  • Entrepreneurially-minded, 100% employee-owned company with 41 years of industry history providing engineering and architecture services to our clients.
  • A Top 3 Systems Integrator Giant
  • ENR top 500 firm at #170

This position requires demonstrated technical proficiency in implementing automation solutions with PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA platforms. The Controls Engineer will interact directly with the customer and work with a team of Wunderlich-Malec engineers in identifying requirements, developing specifications, and implementing/testing/commissioning/qualifying automation solutions. This position is a technical leadership and implementation role within the business unit and requires problem-solving ability, well-balanced people skills, an aptitude for business efficiency, and an interest in creating partnerships.

Major Responsibilities
  • This position requires the ability to deliver innovative automation solutions and design standards either self-directed or as a technical lead of a team. The candidate must have the ability to conceptualize, detail, and implement control systems for industrial processes that meet our customerโ€™s requirements. This involves the development of a control system architecture, selecting the components to be used, detailing schematic diagrams and system documentation, programming controllers (PLC, DCS, RTU), programming the process visualization (HMI/SCADA), developing databases for archiving/displaying historical system data and implementing/commissioning the control system at the clientโ€™s facility. Knowledge of controller programming languages such as Ladder, Sequential Function Chart, Structured Text, and others to achieve the desired results is required. Also having knowledge of standard programming languages such as VBA, .NET, and SQL for the development of HMI/SCADA systems is preferred.
  • For larger systems, experience with industrial networking used to connect control system components and instrumentation is preferred. The Controls Engineer would design, detail and implement a variety of fiber, wired and wireless systems using industrial protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).
  • This position oftentimes requires the following project management responsibilities: developing project execution plans, work breakdown structures, and associated budgets, task prioritization and scheduling, task ordering, time tracking and reporting, financial tracking and reporting, early problem identification, conflict management/resolution, leading and supporting a team, and attending project status meetings. Also includes overseeing daily operations and activities of a project(s) up to $200k. This position is often responsible for ensuring the overall profitability of the project.
  • The ideal candidate must have a diverse engineering skillset with the ability to work independently. Will act as technical lead on projects and guide lower-level engineers and technicians. Could also act as Project Manager on smaller projects
Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical/Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Computer Science is required.

Experience

Six to 15+ years of experience with capabilities in the below areas is preferred:

  • Experience in Life Sciences industry.
  • In-depth understanding of PLC hardware/software platforms such Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Modicon.
  • In-depth understanding of HMI/SCADA hardware/software platforms such as Iconics Genesis64, Wonderware System Platform, GE Cimplicity, GE iFIX, Rockwell Automation, Siemens.
  • Experience mentoring less experienced engineers
  • Professional references, preferably one from each of the following: a subordinate, a peer, and a manager.
  • Ability to travel up to 25%.
Physical Demands of Position

Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, ability to mount/dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.

Working Environment

Standard office environment, on-site office environment, diverse industrial environments, frequent use of a personal computer, facsimile/copy machines, phones.

Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.

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
Salary Range

The expected pay range is $115,000 - $160,000 based on experience and qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.

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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.

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