Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Controls Engineer jobs in Virginia are in strong demand, concentrated in defense systems, semiconductor manufacturing, and federal infrastructure projects, with openings from entry-level automation technicians through senior systems engineers. The busiest hiring markets are Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads, where established employers like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and Honeywell maintain significant engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties are PLC programming, SCADA systems, and process control for defense and government contract environments. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Who We Are: IMS Gear is a global manufacturer headquartered in Donaueschingen, Germany, specializing in gear and transmission technology with operations across Europe, North America, and Asia. We are currently hiring at our Virginia Beach, VA location which produces Horizontal Drive Mechanisms, an auto part responsible for your car seats‘ movement. Our employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package, a supportive working environment, with excellent growth opportunities.
We are seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to develop, optimize, and implement manufacturing processes in an assigned production area, with a focus on electrical controls and automation. Through hands-on equipment troubleshooting, continuous improvement initiatives, and machine performance management, this role improves efficiency, maintains high-quality standards, and supports operational goals and overall business success.
The ideal candidate combines a strong electrical engineering background with hands-on experience in PLC programming, robotics, and industrial automation. This role requires a willingness to actively support maintenance activities, including troubleshooting, repairing, and installing production and automation equipment as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design, program, install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical control systems, PLCs, and robotic automation equipment.
- Performs hands-on installation, repair, startup, commissioning and optimization of production and automation machinery.
- Perform hands-on troubleshooting of electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
- Read and interpret electrical and pneumatic schematics.
- Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair sensors, vision/camera inspection systems, and other automated production equipment.
- Provide direct hands-on technical support for maintenance activities and production operations.
- Follow and reinforce all applicable safety rules, policies, and procedures.
- Provide on call support during critical operations, equipment failures, or project commissioning phases
Additional Knowledge a Plus
- Siemens PLC/HMI programming (TIA Portal, Step 7)
- Motoman and Epson SCARA robotics experience
- Keyence vision and inspection systems knowledge
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience. Electrical journeyman a plus.
- 5+ years of experience in industrial automation and control systems within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in automated manufacturing systems.
Work Environment/Physical Demands: Split between office and manufacturing plant environment with exposure to areas (noise, machinery, and moving parts) which require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, and slip resistant safety toe shoes.
IMS Gear is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We embrace individuals from all backgrounds and provide employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
If you are ready to contribute to our success and grow with IMS Gear, apply now to join our team!
See All 80 Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Amazon17
- E Tech5
- Sargent & Lundy3
- Amazon Web Services3
- Aegis Project Controls3
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Retail
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering required
- Proficiency with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi
- Experience designing or maintaining SCADA or distributed control systems
- Familiarity with industrial networking protocols including Ethernet/IP and Modbus
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control panel drawings
- Active or obtainable security clearance preferred for defense and federal contract roles
Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in Virginia?
Most controls engineer roles in Virginia require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering. Virginia does not mandate a state-specific license for controls engineers in industrial settings, but engineers who offer services to the public may pursue Professional Engineer licensure through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Candidates targeting defense contractors in Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads benefit significantly from obtaining a security clearance early in their career.
How much do controls engineers make in Virginia?
Controls engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $102,550 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,880 for the lowest 10% to over $157,160 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring controls engineers in Virginia right now include Amazon, E Tech, and Sargent & Lundy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of defense primes and federal system integrators means a large share of openings require or prefer candidates with an active or pending security clearance.
Which Virginia cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Herndon, Richmond, and Ashburn have the most controls engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia leads because of the dense cluster of defense contractors and federal agencies headquartered there, while Richmond draws demand from manufacturing and utilities, and Hampton Roads reflects the region's large naval and shipbuilding industry presence.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is largely hands-on work involving physical systems, control panels, and on-site commissioning, which limits remote options. About 19% of controls engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve design, documentation, or software configuration work rather than field or plant floor responsibilities.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an associate or junior controls engineer role at one of Virginia's large defense contractors or manufacturing firms, where structured onboarding programs exist for new graduates. Employers like Northrop Grumman and Leidos hire early-career engineers and often sponsor clearance processing. Candidates who build hands-on PLC programming experience through capstone projects, co-ops, or community college automation programs at institutions like Northern Virginia Community College gain a measurable edge over candidates without practical exposure.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across defense, manufacturing, utilities, and government contracting. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 80 Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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