Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington
Controls Engineer jobs in Washington are in strong demand, with openings concentrated in aerospace and defense manufacturing, advanced industrial automation, semiconductor fabrication, and energy systems across experience levels from entry-level technicians to senior principal engineers. The Seattle metro, Spokane, and the Tri-Cities area around Richland and Kennewick anchor most of the hiring, with major employers such as Boeing, Microsoft, and Hanford Site contractors maintaining a lasting presence for controls and automation talent. The most sought-after specializations in Washington include PLC and SCADA programming, distributed control systems for process industries, and robotics integration for precision manufacturing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Controls Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 56+ Controls Engineer jobs
Nuclear power is a carbon-free energy source. We offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in engineering by digitizing nuclear power plants:
- You will work on a multi-discipline engineering team involved in nuclear power plant instrumentation and controls projects. These projects are a synergistic integration of electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering along with control theory.
- You will work with electronic process sensors, digital controllers, network topology, touchscreen displays, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors.
- You will prepare specifications for the procurement of instrumentation and control equipment as well as engineering calculations.
- Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training, you will increase your knowledge and skills in your engineering discipline.
- You will also have the opportunity to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for project coordination and field verification of designs.
Essential skills and experience:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree in engineering with a strong academic background and coursework in analog and digital control systems, systems engineering, mechatronics, or robotics
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with MS Office applications
Valued but not required:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
- Prior, related internship or co-op experience
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
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. We offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in engineering by digitizing nuclear power plants:
- You will work on a multi-discipline engineering team involved in nuclear power plant instrumentation and controls projects. These projects are a synergistic integration of electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering along with control theory.
- You will work with electronic process sensors, digital controllers, network topology, touchscreen displays, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors.
- You will prepare specifications for the procurement of instrumentation and control equipment as well as engineering calculations.
- Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training, you will increase your knowledge and skills in your engineering discipline.
- You will also have the opportunity to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for project coordination and field verification of designs.
Essential skills and experience:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree in engineering with a strong academic background and coursework in analog and digital control systems, systems engineering, mechatronics, or robotics
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with MS Office applications
Valued but not required:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
- Prior, related internship or co-op experience
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
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 56 Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Electronics & Hardware
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Construction & Real Estate
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across Washington.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field required
- Proficiency with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi and SCADA systems
- Experience designing and commissioning control panels, instrumentation loops, and HMI interfaces
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, and Profibus
- Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, and relevant safety standards for industrial control system design
- Professional Engineer licensure through the Washington State Department of Licensing preferred for senior roles
Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in Washington?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from an accredited program. Washington does not mandate a state license for the title itself, but senior and lead roles frequently prefer or require a Professional Engineer license issued through the Washington State Department of Licensing, which involves passing the FE and PE exams administered by NCEES. Hands-on PLC programming and commissioning experience accelerates hiring significantly.
How much do controls engineers make in Washington?
Controls engineers in Washington earn a median of about $129,050 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $85,010 for the lowest 10% to over $176,700 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in Washington?
Employers hiring controls engineers in Washington right now include Puget Sound Energy, Blue Origin, and Amazon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Washington's concentration of aerospace, defense, and process industries means many openings come from large systems integrators, energy contractors, and semiconductor manufacturers with long-term facilities in the state.
Which Washington cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Seattle, Kent, and Dayton have the most controls engineer openings in Washington. The Seattle metro drives the largest volume through aerospace primes, industrial automation firms, and tech-adjacent manufacturing, while the Tri-Cities region around Richland and Kennewick supports substantial demand tied to the Hanford Site cleanup mission and energy infrastructure projects that require continuous process control expertise.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in Washington?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline requiring on-site commissioning, panel wiring, and equipment troubleshooting, so fully remote roles represent a small share of openings. About 63% of controls engineer openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. The portions of the role most likely to be performed remotely include PLC code development, simulation testing, and project documentation review.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an engineering internship or co-op with a Washington aerospace or industrial automation employer while completing your degree. Boeing and large Hanford Site contractors such as BWXT and Amentum regularly hire entry-level controls and instrumentation engineers and controls technicians. Candidates who enter through electrical or instrumentation technician roles and then pursue a controls-focused transition are also competitive. Earning your FE certification and building a portfolio of PLC ladder logic projects gives a meaningful edge with Washington hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings across the aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and industrial automation sectors. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly from the listing.
See All 56 Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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