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.
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Showing 5 of 49+ Controls Engineer jobs
At Columbia we come to work every day driven by the belief that innovation can transform industries, empower communities, and create a more efficient, sustainable world.
With operations spanning five continents and a commitment to excellence in service and support, our purpose extends beyond engineering advanced equipment. We are pioneering innovation and paving a better tomorrow with factory automation solutions worldwide.
Summary: The Controls Engineer will modify and release new and existing equipment designs. The person in this position typically is responsible to manage a product line that includes maintaining engineering content and improving product line features. The Controls Engineer, supports the Engineering Team to Concept, Design and Develop PLC controlled machinery products and systems for the hardscape and masonry industries using electrical, mechanical, and software technologies. We manufacture our own electrical panels and are focused on using Allen Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Product line guidance and Improvement Projects
- Acts in a support role to other engineers
- Applies electrical and control principles, theories, and concepts independently
- Review equipment performance scopes
- Review, create, and modify electrical schematics
- Review and specify electrical components used in equipment Bill of Materials
- Review, create and modify PLC and HMI programs and support software
- Define requirements and test performance of motion control products and features
- Troubleshoot equipment operation and communication networks
- Work in a multiple project, multiple task, collaborative environment
- Support of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) in accordance with design requirements, company protocols, processes and procedures
- Create and update manuals
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Meet customer expectations by clear and concise two-way communication.
- Design and evaluate systems and products by applying sound principles of power management, system/component control, and human/machine interface.
- Maximize the efficiency of the department by successfully accomplishing projects within the allotment time frame with a focus on avoiding any non-value added word or re-work
- Provide product, service or equipment technical and engineering information by answering questions and requests.
- Determine improvements by analyzing cost-benefit ratios of equipment, supplies, or service applications in customer environment, engineering or proposing changes in equipment, processes or use of materials or services.
- Comply with federal, state and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; advising customer or product, service or equipment adherence to requirements; advising customer or needed actions.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
- Contribute to electrical engineering effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-range issues that must be addressed; providing information and commentary pertinent to deliberations; recommending option and courses of action; implementing directives.
- Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed in a timely fashion and being willing to attempt new assignments or fill in for others as needed; accomplishes other duties as assigned.
- Travel up to 15% to support customer needs.
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform their Typical Daily Work and General Responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities of this position.
Software
- Software and programming experience for PLC and HMI
- Microsoft Office Suite (Work, Excel, PPt, Outlook)
- AutoCAD
- Experience with Visual Basic, a plus
- Software and programming experience for PLC and HMI programming.
- Experience with Visual Basic a plus
Equipment
- Rockwell Logix PLC Controls (RS Logix5000)
- Rockwell closed-loop VFD as well as Servo drives and controls
- (Graphical Interfaces) Factory Talk preferred
Skills
- Computer/Technical
- Written and Oral Communication
- Analytical
- Project/Process Management
- Clerical/Secretarial
Abilities
- Ability to deal with abstract and concrete variables, as well as have a high level of creative thinking ability
- Ability to provide a respectful work environment for others
- Ability to work well with others in a team atmosphere.
Education and/or Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree - Required
- 8 to 10 years relevant work experience
- Interest in PC supervisory controls for equipment and/or process controls
- Has a process control background
- Experience with analyzing job results and planning workflow
- Experience with maintain production schedules, on multiple and simultaneous projects
Columbia Machine offers a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, short and long term disability, 401(k), incentive compensation, paid holidays, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Equal Opportunity Employer - Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Columbia does participate in E-Verify. To apply for this exciting career opportunity today, please apply online at www.columbiamachine.com
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Vancouver, WA 98661: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Vancouver, WA (In person)
The salary range for this position is depending on location, experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role. Starting compensation is determined based on a candidate's skills, relevant experience, and industry expertise. Compensation at the upper end of the range is typically reserved for individuals who bring extensive experience, specialized knowledge, and a demonstrated track record of success in the industry. Employees may also have opportunities for continued growth within the range as they develop in the role and contribute to the organization's success.
Pay: $95,400.00 - $132,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Automation: 3 years (Required)
- PLC Controls/HMIs: 3 years (Required)
- OEM: 3 years (Required)
Location:
- Vancouver, WA 98661 (Required)
Work Location: In person
At Columbia we come to work every day driven by the belief that innovation can transform industries, empower communities, and create a more efficient, sustainable world.
With operations spanning five continents and a commitment to excellence in service and support, our purpose extends beyond engineering advanced equipment. We are pioneering innovation and paving a better tomorrow with factory automation solutions worldwide.
Summary: The Controls Engineer will modify and release new and existing equipment designs. The person in this position typically is responsible to manage a product line that includes maintaining engineering content and improving product line features. The Controls Engineer, supports the Engineering Team to Concept, Design and Develop PLC controlled machinery products and systems for the hardscape and masonry industries using electrical, mechanical, and software technologies. We manufacture our own electrical panels and are focused on using Allen Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Product line guidance and Improvement Projects
- Acts in a support role to other engineers
- Applies electrical and control principles, theories, and concepts independently
- Review equipment performance scopes
- Review, create, and modify electrical schematics
- Review and specify electrical components used in equipment Bill of Materials
- Review, create and modify PLC and HMI programs and support software
- Define requirements and test performance of motion control products and features
- Troubleshoot equipment operation and communication networks
- Work in a multiple project, multiple task, collaborative environment
- Support of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) in accordance with design requirements, company protocols, processes and procedures
- Create and update manuals
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Meet customer expectations by clear and concise two-way communication.
- Design and evaluate systems and products by applying sound principles of power management, system/component control, and human/machine interface.
- Maximize the efficiency of the department by successfully accomplishing projects within the allotment time frame with a focus on avoiding any non-value added word or re-work
- Provide product, service or equipment technical and engineering information by answering questions and requests.
- Determine improvements by analyzing cost-benefit ratios of equipment, supplies, or service applications in customer environment, engineering or proposing changes in equipment, processes or use of materials or services.
- Comply with federal, state and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; advising customer or product, service or equipment adherence to requirements; advising customer or needed actions.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
- Contribute to electrical engineering effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-range issues that must be addressed; providing information and commentary pertinent to deliberations; recommending option and courses of action; implementing directives.
- Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed in a timely fashion and being willing to attempt new assignments or fill in for others as needed; accomplishes other duties as assigned.
- Travel up to 15% to support customer needs.
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform their Typical Daily Work and General Responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities of this position.
Software
- Software and programming experience for PLC and HMI
- Microsoft Office Suite (Work, Excel, PPt, Outlook)
- AutoCAD
- Experience with Visual Basic, a plus
- Software and programming experience for PLC and HMI programming.
- Experience with Visual Basic a plus
Equipment
- Rockwell Logix PLC Controls (RS Logix5000)
- Rockwell closed-loop VFD as well as Servo drives and controls
- (Graphical Interfaces) Factory Talk preferred
Skills
- Computer/Technical
- Written and Oral Communication
- Analytical
- Project/Process Management
- Clerical/Secretarial
Abilities
- Ability to deal with abstract and concrete variables, as well as have a high level of creative thinking ability
- Ability to provide a respectful work environment for others
- Ability to work well with others in a team atmosphere.
Education and/or Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree - Required
- 8 to 10 years relevant work experience
- Interest in PC supervisory controls for equipment and/or process controls
- Has a process control background
- Experience with analyzing job results and planning workflow
- Experience with maintain production schedules, on multiple and simultaneous projects
Columbia Machine offers a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, short and long term disability, 401(k), incentive compensation, paid holidays, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Equal Opportunity Employer - Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Columbia does participate in E-Verify. To apply for this exciting career opportunity today, please apply online at www.columbiamachine.com
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Vancouver, WA 98661: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Vancouver, WA (In person)
The salary range for this position is depending on location, experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role. Starting compensation is determined based on a candidate's skills, relevant experience, and industry expertise. Compensation at the upper end of the range is typically reserved for individuals who bring extensive experience, specialized knowledge, and a demonstrated track record of success in the industry. Employees may also have opportunities for continued growth within the range as they develop in the role and contribute to the organization's success.
Pay: $95,400.00 - $132,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Automation: 3 years (Required)
- PLC Controls/HMIs: 3 years (Required)
- OEM: 3 years (Required)
Location:
- Vancouver, WA 98661 (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 49 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
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- 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 Amazon, Blue Origin, and Puget Sound Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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, Bothell, and Redmond 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 40% of controls engineer openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of August 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 49 Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer Jobs