Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Control Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are in strong demand, concentrated in defense and aerospace contracting, power and utilities infrastructure, and government systems integration, with openings from entry-level controls technicians through senior principal engineers. Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Richmond metro are the most active hiring areas, home to established contractors and operators like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and Dominion Energy. The most sought-after specialties in Virginia are PLC and SCADA programming, industrial automation for defense platforms, and grid control systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
In the role of Control Systems Technical Senior Specialist, we'll count on you to:
- The Control Systems Technical Senior Specialist will have responsibility for programming, testing, implementing and commissioning the control system as designed.
- The senior specialist will be responsible for coordination of the control system with the Design team, construction team, and Client.
- The individual must have strong communication skills, an ability to work effectively within a team, technical aptitude, and a problem-solving mindset. This position will require a strong desire to learn, grow, and continually take on new challenges.
- The ideal candidate will have a fundamental understanding of programming and standard engineering practices.
- Knowledge of controls and automation principles and electrical circuits is desired.
- Programming the project control system as defined by the project scope – SCADA, PLC, HMI, Historian, Communications hardware, etc.
- Execute assigned tasks within scope, budget, and schedule
- Coordinate with Design, Construction, and Start-up team leaders for project control system
- Download, test, and document control system programs and communication systems as defined in scope
- Participate in field testing and commissioning of the control system
- Must be willing to travel as necessary. Duration of travel and frequency of travel will depend on project/HDR needs.
- Lead control systems integration projects
- Participate in development of scope, schedule and budget
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
- Experience working in water and wastewater facilities, oil & gas industry, power generation and distribution, mining and other industrial facilities is a plus.
- Knowledgeable of Rockwell Allen-Bradley, AVEVA Wonderware, Inductive Automation Ignition, and/or other automation platforms.
- Involved in extracurricular activities and/or engineering societies, such as IEEE or ISA.
- Position requires very strong skills in preparing client presentations, project memoranda and reports.
- Preference given to local candidates
- #LI-MJ1
Required Qualifications
- Associate Degree in Engineering.
- A minimum of 10 years experience in process control system programming � Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's), Human Machine Interface (HMI), Operator Interface Terminals (OIT's), Industrial communication networks set up and testing and assistance in start-up and commissioning.
- Attitude and commitment to being an active participant of employee-owned culture.
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location
: United States-Virginia-ArlingtonOther Locations
: United States-Virginia-Glen Allen, United States-Virginia-Vienna, United States-Virginia-Virginia Beach, United States-Maryland-FultonIndustry
: Building EngineeringSchedule
: Full-timeEmployee Status
: RegularJob Posting
: Nov 10, 2026
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
In the role of Control Systems Technical Senior Specialist, we'll count on you to:
- The Control Systems Technical Senior Specialist will have responsibility for programming, testing, implementing and commissioning the control system as designed.
- The senior specialist will be responsible for coordination of the control system with the Design team, construction team, and Client.
- The individual must have strong communication skills, an ability to work effectively within a team, technical aptitude, and a problem-solving mindset. This position will require a strong desire to learn, grow, and continually take on new challenges.
- The ideal candidate will have a fundamental understanding of programming and standard engineering practices.
- Knowledge of controls and automation principles and electrical circuits is desired.
- Programming the project control system as defined by the project scope – SCADA, PLC, HMI, Historian, Communications hardware, etc.
- Execute assigned tasks within scope, budget, and schedule
- Coordinate with Design, Construction, and Start-up team leaders for project control system
- Download, test, and document control system programs and communication systems as defined in scope
- Participate in field testing and commissioning of the control system
- Must be willing to travel as necessary. Duration of travel and frequency of travel will depend on project/HDR needs.
- Lead control systems integration projects
- Participate in development of scope, schedule and budget
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
- Experience working in water and wastewater facilities, oil & gas industry, power generation and distribution, mining and other industrial facilities is a plus.
- Knowledgeable of Rockwell Allen-Bradley, AVEVA Wonderware, Inductive Automation Ignition, and/or other automation platforms.
- Involved in extracurricular activities and/or engineering societies, such as IEEE or ISA.
- Position requires very strong skills in preparing client presentations, project memoranda and reports.
- Preference given to local candidates
- #LI-MJ1
Required Qualifications
- Associate Degree in Engineering.
- A minimum of 10 years experience in process control system programming � Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's), Human Machine Interface (HMI), Operator Interface Terminals (OIT's), Industrial communication networks set up and testing and assistance in start-up and commissioning.
- Attitude and commitment to being an active participant of employee-owned culture.
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location
: United States-Virginia-ArlingtonOther Locations
: United States-Virginia-Glen Allen, United States-Virginia-Vienna, United States-Virginia-Virginia Beach, United States-Maryland-FultonIndustry
: Building EngineeringSchedule
: Full-timeEmployee Status
: RegularJob Posting
: Nov 10, 2026See All 24 Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Control Systems Engineer JobsControl Systems Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Control Systems Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Electronics & Hardware
- Energy
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in control systems engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from an accredited program
- Proficiency with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or GE and SCADA systems
- Experience designing or commissioning industrial or defense-related control systems
- Active or obtainable DoD security clearance preferred by many Virginia federal contractors
- Familiarity with ISA, NFPA 79, or IEC 61511 functional safety and control standards
- Professional Engineer licensure in Virginia or eligibility to pursue licensure a plus for senior roles
Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a control systems engineer in Virginia?
A bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering is the standard entry point for control systems engineer roles in Virginia. While no state-specific license is required to work in the role, engineers who advance to sign off on designs or take senior positions at utilities or public works often pursue Professional Engineer licensure through the Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects. Many Virginia employers, particularly defense contractors in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, also expect candidates to be clearance-eligible from day one.
How much do control systems engineers make in Virginia?
Control systems engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $148,160 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $84,590 for the lowest 10% to over $195,190 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire control systems engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring control systems engineers in Virginia right now include Thermo Systems, HDR, and HII, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of federal contractors and regulated utilities means many of these employers offer long-term project pipelines and steady demand for controls expertise.
Which Virginia cities have the most control systems engineer jobs?
Manassas, Sterling, and Virginia have the most control systems engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia leads because of its dense cluster of defense and federal IT contractors, while Hampton Roads reflects steady demand from naval and shipbuilding operations, and Richmond draws openings from Dominion Energy and the broader industrial corridor along the I-64 and I-95 corridors.
Are there remote control systems engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. About 44% of control systems engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most controls work. The roles most likely to allow remote or hybrid arrangements are systems architecture, controls software development, and documentation-heavy design work rather than commissioning or on-site integration.
How can I get hired as a control systems engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to associate controls engineer or controls technician roles at Virginia's large defense contractors and utility operators, where employers like Leidos and Dominion Energy run structured new-graduate programs and rotational engineering tracks. Lateral moves from electrical technician, instrumentation technician, or automation technician positions are common. Building hands-on PLC and SCADA skills through lab coursework or a community college automation program, combined with a portfolio of even small control logic projects, gives candidates a clear edge over applicants with only classroom credentials.
Where can I find and apply to control systems engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to control systems engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across defense, utilities, and industrial sectors. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 24 Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Control Systems Engineer Jobs