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.
Find Controls Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 58+ Controls Engineer jobs
Job Posting End Date
08-24-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing entry level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.What You'll Do:
You’ll apply your knowledge in engineering design, project management and maintenance of utility systems.
You’ll contribute to knowledge sharing initiatives such as training programs and documentation development to enhance team capabilities.
You’ll apply your proven ability to access and analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.
You’ll work independently with minimal guidance and collaboratively in an inclusive team environment.
You’ll follow policies, practices, standards, and rules of AEP as well as those regulations and procedures required.
You’ll provide training and guidance to co-workers in need.
You’ll plan and oversee engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements
You’ll coordinate effectively with peers, external contractors, and regulatory authorities to ensure project success.
Job Description
What You'll Do:
P&C Engineering Accountabilities:
Perform and Review relay protection and control activities for 4kV thru 765KV electrical substation projects.
Prepare and Review P&C scopes for electric substation projects.
Prepare and/or review P&C engineering settings and designs for electrical substation projects.
Prepare and Review Relay Setting Calculation Sheets, Setting Files and other relay setting deliverables for substation projects.
Perform area protection studies and recommend settings for existing and new transmission line and station protection schemes.
Model transmission system impedances and perform short circuit fault studies.
Perform activities related to NERC P&C standards. Prepare and review PRC-023, FAC-008 etc. NERC required documents.
Review, evaluate and provide P&C comments and recommendations on transmission system planning proposals.
Coordinate with transmission customers and interconnected companies on associated protection issues.
Provide engineering support for project installation, commissioning, checkout and troubleshooting.
Provide general P&C technical support, as needed, including the technical interfaces with Telecomm, Operations, Transmission Region Operations, Station Engineering, Transmission Planning and Project Management.
Peer Review and approve P&C related work of other team members. Manage, Oversee and peer review P&C related work of outsource companies.
Identify, clarify, resolve, and initiate solutions to protection and control problems through analysis of interruption reports and fault recorder records.
Contribute to development of system-wide protection standards for transmission and distribution station protection, metering and control applications.
Participate in project scheduling, resource planning, and cost control for assigned projects.
What We're Looking For:
Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Engineer Assc level with increased educational, skill, experience and certification requirements for higher level Engineers.
Engineer Assc(Grade 6)
Salary Range- $84,000
This is an entry level position for new graduates with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in preparation for future licensing as a Professional Engineer (PE) is encouraged and preferred.
Engineer(Grade 7)
Has typically acquired a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET* along with two or more years of related engineering experience.
Individuals with a Master's degree in engineering from an engineering program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at this level.
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
- ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Engineer Sr (Grade 8)
Has typically acquired 4 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; or 2 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET*; Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is encouraged and preferred.*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
Where You'll Work:
On-Site in our Roanoke VA Location.
What You'll Get:
Engineer Assc: $84,000
Engineer: $86,000 - $105,000
Engineer Sr: $98,993- $124,940
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (On-Site)
#LI-Onsite
#AEPCareers
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-006Compensation Range:
$74,551.00 - $128,688.00The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.Job Posting End Date
08-24-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing entry level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.What You'll Do:
You’ll apply your knowledge in engineering design, project management and maintenance of utility systems.
You’ll contribute to knowledge sharing initiatives such as training programs and documentation development to enhance team capabilities.
You’ll apply your proven ability to access and analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.
You’ll work independently with minimal guidance and collaboratively in an inclusive team environment.
You’ll follow policies, practices, standards, and rules of AEP as well as those regulations and procedures required.
You’ll provide training and guidance to co-workers in need.
You’ll plan and oversee engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements
You’ll coordinate effectively with peers, external contractors, and regulatory authorities to ensure project success.
Job Description
What You'll Do:
P&C Engineering Accountabilities:
Perform and Review relay protection and control activities for 4kV thru 765KV electrical substation projects.
Prepare and Review P&C scopes for electric substation projects.
Prepare and/or review P&C engineering settings and designs for electrical substation projects.
Prepare and Review Relay Setting Calculation Sheets, Setting Files and other relay setting deliverables for substation projects.
Perform area protection studies and recommend settings for existing and new transmission line and station protection schemes.
Model transmission system impedances and perform short circuit fault studies.
Perform activities related to NERC P&C standards. Prepare and review PRC-023, FAC-008 etc. NERC required documents.
Review, evaluate and provide P&C comments and recommendations on transmission system planning proposals.
Coordinate with transmission customers and interconnected companies on associated protection issues.
Provide engineering support for project installation, commissioning, checkout and troubleshooting.
Provide general P&C technical support, as needed, including the technical interfaces with Telecomm, Operations, Transmission Region Operations, Station Engineering, Transmission Planning and Project Management.
Peer Review and approve P&C related work of other team members. Manage, Oversee and peer review P&C related work of outsource companies.
Identify, clarify, resolve, and initiate solutions to protection and control problems through analysis of interruption reports and fault recorder records.
Contribute to development of system-wide protection standards for transmission and distribution station protection, metering and control applications.
Participate in project scheduling, resource planning, and cost control for assigned projects.
What We're Looking For:
Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Engineer Assc level with increased educational, skill, experience and certification requirements for higher level Engineers.
Engineer Assc(Grade 6)
Salary Range- $84,000
This is an entry level position for new graduates with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in preparation for future licensing as a Professional Engineer (PE) is encouraged and preferred.
Engineer(Grade 7)
Has typically acquired a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET* along with two or more years of related engineering experience.
Individuals with a Master's degree in engineering from an engineering program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at this level.
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
- ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Engineer Sr (Grade 8)
Has typically acquired 4 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; or 2 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET*; Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is encouraged and preferred.*ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
Where You'll Work:
On-Site in our Roanoke VA Location.
What You'll Get:
Engineer Assc: $84,000
Engineer: $86,000 - $105,000
Engineer Sr: $98,993- $124,940
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (On-Site)
#LI-Onsite
#AEPCareers
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-006Compensation Range:
$74,551.00 - $128,688.00The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.See All 58 Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
- Amazon16
- Sargent & Lundy5
- Eaton2
- Qualdoc2
- HYPER SOLUTIONS2
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Retail
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
- Manufacturing
- Energy
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, Sargent & Lundy, and Eaton, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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?
Richmond, Arlington, and Herndon 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 15% of controls engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 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 58 Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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