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Sr Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$156K - $219K/yr

This is a senior-level position that requires a deep understanding of flight dynamics, control ... Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$156K - $219K/yr

This is a senior-level position that requires a deep understanding of flight dynamics, control ... Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a ...

Senior Control Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$109K - $144K/yr

Are you an experienced Controls Engineer looking to make an impact on critical energy infrastructure? We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, implementation, and ...

Senior Control Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$109K - $144K/yr

Are you an experienced Controls Engineer looking to make an impact on critical energy infrastructure? We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, implementation, and ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Sr. Controls Programmer

Synerfac Technical Staffing

Sterling, VA • On-site

$115K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Sr. Controls Programmer
Location: Sterling, VA
Shift: Monday - Friday, 7am-4pm
Type: Direct Hire
About the company:
Our Client is an expert in MEP building systems and provides integrated, full lifecycle solutions that optimize the design, construction, operation, and efficiency of buildings.
Job description:
The Sr. Controls Programmer will be responsible for configuring and programming more complex software for DDC building automation and control systems. In addition, this role performs basic system testing and commissioning and mentors and leads less-experienced team members.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborates with the engineering team on the system configuration, network and software requirements, graphics, programming, and sequences of operations.
- Configures the CPU, graphics, database, network, and integrations.
- Develops complex programming and sequences of operations for Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems. - Troubleshoots and performs quality checks for all graphics.
- Maintains accurate and thorough project documentation and redlines.
- Records and communicates deviations to the project team.
- Executes more complex system functional testing and commissioning.
- Mentors and reviews the work of less-experienced team members. Acts as lead and directs the work-flow of less-experienced team members.
Benefits:
- 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
- Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
- Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
- Disability income protection insurance
- Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
- Paid parental leave
- Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
- Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
- Wellness benefits
Disclaimer:
By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, Al-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Synerfac Technical Staffing and our contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undeliverable messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at www.synerfac.com/privacy/
- B.S. in mechanical engineering, engineering technology or related field preferred
- Minimum 5 years of experience in Direct Digital Control (DDC) or building automation systems
- Ability to creatively resolve complex engineering and installation conflicts.
- Excellent understanding of automation and mechanical systems.
- Ability to write programming for complex automation systems.
- Excellent understanding of networked systems.
- Excellent knowledge of third-party integration
- Excellent knowledge of factory programming and graphics software.
- Excellent customer service skills.

Synerfac Technical Staffing logo

About Synerfac Technical Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1987, Synerfac has served three groups, Our Clients, Our Candidates and Our Staff. We treat all three with equal importance because we recognize the synergy of success when one group succeeds, We all succeed. Synerfac is in the business of providing opportunities and adding value. We strive to create extraordinary experiences. For our clients we provide staffing services that enable them to focus on their core competencies which will add value to their businesses. For our employees we provide permanent and temporary assignments that complement their job skills and experience while providing professional and financial rewards. For our staff –we provide careers that are balanced, uplifting and carry the highest rewards by continually improving our business process. Our goal is to enhance the lives and enterprises of all those we touch to make them better off for having known us.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Cherry Hill, NJ, US

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