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 46+ Controls Engineer jobs
The company is currently seeking a Controls Field Engineer.
Daifuku is the world class leader in design, build, and installation of large scale, airport baggage conveyor security systems. Daifuku has delivered and is currently in the process of delivering multiple large baggage handling systems (BHS) to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Major Areas of Responsibility
- Interpret electrical/PLC control systems including device/layout drawings; motor control panel drawings; and wiring schematics.
- Technical support and troubleshooting of PLC based hardware and software.
- Understand control system functionalities.
- Configure (for replacements), troubleshoot, and repair: sensors, scanners, visualization systems, motors, frequency inverters and encoders.
- Be available for peak times, weekends, nights, or holidays as required by the customer.
- Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of systems and services.
- English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate course.
- Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of you, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Verbal and Written Expression and Recognition — Listening to, understanding, and communicating information and ideas through spoken or written words and sentences.
- Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong, or is likely to go wrong, even if the solution to the problem is not obvious.
- Conscientiousness – Thorough and diligent in one’s duties. Recognizes tasks that need to be completed and facilitates the completion of those tasks independently.
- Occasionally working extended hours, weekends, and holidays in support of customer needs.
- BSEE, E.T. or relevant technical degree, or equivalent relevant work experience.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Two (2) years of experience in industrial automation controls design and commissioning (preferred).
- Experience with Allen Bradley PLC ControlLogix programming (preferred).
- Experience with material handling equipment (preferred).
- Provide a dedicated onsite Controls Engineer to support: a. BHS startup and operations support.
- Make programing modifications when requested or as needed.
- Monitor BHS health and make changes as needed.
- Work with the Port of Seattle maintenance team and provide system improvement recommendations.
- Coordinate and elevate BHS concerns and changes with Daifuku’s home office engineering team.
- Onsite support will be for five (5) days per week (M-F), 04:00 to 13:00.
- Provide after hours, weekends and holiday phone/remote support for up to 10 hours per month.
- Training for the onsite Controls Engineer will be provided by Daifuku’s home office engineering team located in Novi, Michigan.
- Initial contract duration for the onsite Controls Engineer will be for three (3) years.
Daifuku Airport America Corporation is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled, and federal sub/contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or medical condition. If you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please call 248-553-1000.
Daifuku Airport America Corporation offers an excellent compensation package including great benefits such as excellent medical, vision, and dental insurance, paid vacation time, paid sick time, and paid holidays, 401K, Flexible Spending Programs, and more.
At this time our company only receives applications online. If you need assistance applying online to this position, please call 248-553-1000 and leave a message and your call will be returned.
The company is currently seeking a Controls Field Engineer.
Daifuku is the world class leader in design, build, and installation of large scale, airport baggage conveyor security systems. Daifuku has delivered and is currently in the process of delivering multiple large baggage handling systems (BHS) to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Major Areas of Responsibility
- Interpret electrical/PLC control systems including device/layout drawings; motor control panel drawings; and wiring schematics.
- Technical support and troubleshooting of PLC based hardware and software.
- Understand control system functionalities.
- Configure (for replacements), troubleshoot, and repair: sensors, scanners, visualization systems, motors, frequency inverters and encoders.
- Be available for peak times, weekends, nights, or holidays as required by the customer.
- Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of systems and services.
- English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate course.
- Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of you, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Verbal and Written Expression and Recognition — Listening to, understanding, and communicating information and ideas through spoken or written words and sentences.
- Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong, or is likely to go wrong, even if the solution to the problem is not obvious.
- Conscientiousness – Thorough and diligent in one’s duties. Recognizes tasks that need to be completed and facilitates the completion of those tasks independently.
- Occasionally working extended hours, weekends, and holidays in support of customer needs.
- BSEE, E.T. or relevant technical degree, or equivalent relevant work experience.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Two (2) years of experience in industrial automation controls design and commissioning (preferred).
- Experience with Allen Bradley PLC ControlLogix programming (preferred).
- Experience with material handling equipment (preferred).
- Provide a dedicated onsite Controls Engineer to support: a. BHS startup and operations support.
- Make programing modifications when requested or as needed.
- Monitor BHS health and make changes as needed.
- Work with the Port of Seattle maintenance team and provide system improvement recommendations.
- Coordinate and elevate BHS concerns and changes with Daifuku’s home office engineering team.
- Onsite support will be for five (5) days per week (M-F), 04:00 to 13:00.
- Provide after hours, weekends and holiday phone/remote support for up to 10 hours per month.
- Training for the onsite Controls Engineer will be provided by Daifuku’s home office engineering team located in Novi, Michigan.
- Initial contract duration for the onsite Controls Engineer will be for three (3) years.
Daifuku Airport America Corporation is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled, and federal sub/contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or medical condition. If you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please call 248-553-1000.
Daifuku Airport America Corporation offers an excellent compensation package including great benefits such as excellent medical, vision, and dental insurance, paid vacation time, paid sick time, and paid holidays, 401K, Flexible Spending Programs, and more.
At this time our company only receives applications online. If you need assistance applying online to this position, please call 248-553-1000 and leave a message and your call will be returned.
See All 46 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
- Energy
- Electronics & Hardware
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Staffing & Recruiting
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 Blue Origin, Puget Sound Energy, and Amazon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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, Dayton, and Bothell 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 48% of controls engineer openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of September 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 46 Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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