Controls Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Controls Engineer jobs in Maryland concentrate in defense systems, manufacturing automation, and federal government contracting, with demand at every level from entry-level PLC programmer to senior systems architect. Baltimore, the DC suburbs of Bethesda and Rockville, and the Aberdeen Proving Ground corridor are the busiest hiring areas, with employers like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and Constellation Energy consistently recruiting controls engineers across the state. Instrumentation and control, SCADA systems, and DCS integration are the most in-demand specialties right now. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 26+ Controls Engineer jobs
Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source. Our electric power generation clients are digitizing their existing power plants and building new nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR). This is expanding work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group. You will work on major process controls engineering projects in the following areas:
- Develop and market high level, complex programs for nuclear power projects associated with design, operational excellence, safety, maintenance, and project management.
- This position will offer you the opportunity to direct technical decision making, in a project team environment with other engineers and designers involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing power plant controls systems, specifically digital upgrades
- You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of instrumentation & controls engineering issues,
- Coordinate systems design activities to ensure installation and operations will comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements, Perform Digital Systems Design Development
- - PLC, DCS, HSI, networked computer systems, and digital instrumentation & control systems functional requirements for nuclear plant systems. Work collaboratively on quality assessments and critical digital reviews,
- Perform consulting level work for digital IOT, innovation, and strategic first of a kind (FOAK) projects for the nuclear industry,
- Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and setpoint calculations for analog and digital controls applications,
- Prepare documentation for design input for drawing production including master diagrams and schematics,
- Interface with vendors to prepare and review materials and equipment purchase specifications,
- Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements,
- Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation,
- Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction
- Support station outage activities as required
Essential Skills & Experience:
- A BS or MS in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program required
- 10 or more years of experience in the design of instrumentations and controls engineering systems in a project team environment for non-commercial, heavy industrial plants, with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants, or modifications or replacements for existing plants.
- Experience with controls system design including applications for low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment including but not limited to turbines, pumps, feedwater control, and data displays.
- Experience with power plant instrumentation and controls systems design for either BWR of PWR reactors, including DCS for turbine, control, feedwater control, and data display.
- Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design
- Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role is desirable.
- Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- PE license preferred
- Construction and start-up experience a plus
- Commissioning experience a plus
- Broad background in providing technical support to nuclear plant projects - from design, project planning, providing technical expertise associated with testing and operations, contract specifications, project oversight, successful project execution, and overall direction of complex nuclear projects. Licensing strategies associated with Digital I&C Modernization projects
- You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
- Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
- Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
- We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source. Our electric power generation clients are digitizing their existing power plants and building new nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR). This is expanding work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group. You will work on major process controls engineering projects in the following areas:
- Develop and market high level, complex programs for nuclear power projects associated with design, operational excellence, safety, maintenance, and project management.
- This position will offer you the opportunity to direct technical decision making, in a project team environment with other engineers and designers involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing power plant controls systems, specifically digital upgrades
- You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of instrumentation & controls engineering issues,
- Coordinate systems design activities to ensure installation and operations will comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements, Perform Digital Systems Design Development
- - PLC, DCS, HSI, networked computer systems, and digital instrumentation & control systems functional requirements for nuclear plant systems. Work collaboratively on quality assessments and critical digital reviews,
- Perform consulting level work for digital IOT, innovation, and strategic first of a kind (FOAK) projects for the nuclear industry,
- Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and setpoint calculations for analog and digital controls applications,
- Prepare documentation for design input for drawing production including master diagrams and schematics,
- Interface with vendors to prepare and review materials and equipment purchase specifications,
- Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements,
- Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation,
- Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction
- Support station outage activities as required
Essential Skills & Experience:
- A BS or MS in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program required
- 10 or more years of experience in the design of instrumentations and controls engineering systems in a project team environment for non-commercial, heavy industrial plants, with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants, or modifications or replacements for existing plants.
- Experience with controls system design including applications for low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment including but not limited to turbines, pumps, feedwater control, and data displays.
- Experience with power plant instrumentation and controls systems design for either BWR of PWR reactors, including DCS for turbine, control, feedwater control, and data display.
- Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design
- Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role is desirable.
- Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- PE license preferred
- Construction and start-up experience a plus
- Commissioning experience a plus
- Broad background in providing technical support to nuclear plant projects - from design, project planning, providing technical expertise associated with testing and operations, contract specifications, project oversight, successful project execution, and overall direction of complex nuclear projects. Licensing strategies associated with Digital I&C Modernization projects
- You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
- Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
- Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
- We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
See All 26 Controls Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in Maryland
Where Maryland roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in Maryland
A snapshot from current Maryland openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Retail
- Education
What Maryland Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across Maryland.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or controls engineering required by most Maryland employers
- Proficiency with PLC programming in platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider Electric
- Experience designing or maintaining SCADA or DCS systems in industrial or utility environments
- Familiarity with ISA standards and control panel design per NEC and NFPA 70 requirements
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the Maryland State Board of Professional Engineers preferred for senior roles
- Active or obtainable security clearance for positions supporting Maryland defense and federal government contractors
Controls Engineer Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in Maryland?
A bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or controls engineering is the standard starting point for Maryland employers. Senior and project-lead roles often require licensure as a Professional Engineer through the Maryland State Board of Professional Engineers and Surveyors, which involves passing the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice exams. Certifications like the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician or Certified Automation Professional credential are recognized as strong differentiators by Maryland defense contractors and utilities.
How much do controls engineers make in Maryland?
Controls engineers in Maryland earn a median of about $119,930 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $80,650 for the lowest 10% to over $168,100 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in Maryland?
Companies currently hiring controls engineers in Maryland include Intralox, JLG, and Eaton, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Maryland's mix of defense contractors, utilities, and biotech manufacturers makes it one of the more varied controls engineering markets on the East Coast.
Which Maryland cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Baltimore, Hanover, and Frederick have the most controls engineer openings in Maryland. Baltimore anchors demand through its manufacturing base, utilities like Constellation Energy, and biotech facilities, while the DC-adjacent suburbs of Bethesda and Rockville draw openings from federal agencies and defense contractors, and the Aberdeen and Annapolis areas add volume from military installation projects and systems integrators.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in Maryland?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is predominantly hands-on, requiring on-site commissioning, equipment testing, and panel integration that cannot be done remotely. About 20% of controls engineer openings tied to Maryland are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions typically cover design, documentation, and programming review rather than field work.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in Maryland with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or rotational program with one of Maryland's large defense or utility employers, where entry-level roles in instrumentation, electrical maintenance, or automation technician positions regularly convert into full controls engineering careers. Northrop Grumman and Constellation Energy both run structured early-career engineering programs in Maryland. Candidates who hold a Fundamentals of Engineering certification, have PLC coursework, or come from adjacent roles like electrical technician or field service engineer stand out in Maryland's competitive market.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Maryland?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Maryland on Migrate Mate, which lists current Maryland openings across defense, manufacturing, utilities, and biotech sectors. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level and specialty, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 26 Controls Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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