Controls Technician Jobs in Virginia
Controls Technician jobs in Virginia are in strong demand, with hiring concentrated in defense systems, building automation, manufacturing, and federal government contracting across a market that runs from entry-level field technicians through senior control systems engineers. The busiest hiring corridors are Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads, where established employers like Northrop Grumman, Siemens, and BAE Systems maintain long-term operations and recurring workforce needs. Programmable logic controller expertise, HVAC controls, and industrial automation are the specialties drawing the most consistent interest from Virginia employers. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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VPM uses the power of media to educate, entertain and inspire. As Virginia’s home for public media, VPM connects nearly 2 million people across Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley to insightful programming in arts and culture, history, science, news and education.
VPM includes VPM News, VPM Music, VPM PBS, VPM Plus, VPM Create, and VPM World. For more information about VPM, visit our about page or follow us on Facebook (myvpm) or Twitter (@myvpm).
Our many employee benefits include health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) savings plan with match, and tuition reimbursement. We offer a generous amount of paid time off and holidays, flexible work arrangements, and a fun, casual atmosphere.
VPM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (EOE)
Job Title: Master Controls Operations Independent Contractor (Freelancer)
Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: 1099- Independent Contractor/Freelancer
Department: Engineering/Master Controls
Contractual Pay Rate: $16/HR
Duration of Contract: As needed
VPM is hiring a freelancer (1099 independent contractor) to support our Master Controls operations on an as-needed basis covering all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
The ideal candidate should have the ability to perform basic troubleshooting of both standard and high-definition broadcast streams and automation in master controls-related software such as (but not limited to): Crispin, Vantage, Harmonix, and Morpheus.
VPM is dedicated to informing, inspiring, and connecting our community. Beyond broadcasting, our physical spaces serve as hubs for storytelling, civic dialogue, creativity, and public connection. We connect people across Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley to insightful programming in arts and culture, history, science, news, and education.
As an independent, non-profit service, we believe attracting and retaining diverse staff is crucial to serving our community and fulfilling our mission to create and serve a more informed public.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Operates station broadcast automation systems and troubleshoots as needed
- Ensures ongoing highest level of quality control of all programming and transmission systems
- Monitors and maintains playlists as needed
- Reports and escalates technical discrepancies and all operations problems/issues
- Sets up and records satellite and other electronic delivery feeds
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Six months (6) of previous master control experience
- Proven understanding of and adherence to basic FCC rules, including EAS systems and logs
- Experience using traffic control software
- Excellent interpersonal skills for a collaborative environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work varied shifts including nights and weekends and holidays as needed
- Ability to problem solve and perform basic troubleshooting of master controls in broadcasting
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of broadcast automation and video file server technology is a plu
Apply by sending your cover letter and resume to [email protected].
The position will remain open until filled.
Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement- VPM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
VPM is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, VPM will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Reina Palencia by email at [email protected] .
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
EOE M/F/D/V VPM reserves the right to alter, change, modify, and/or terminate this job posting at any time without notice or obligation, to any party.
OUR FREELANCER PERKS & BENEFITS
- Access to our Micro Market, Terrace, and Café
- Parenting & Wellness Room Access
- Dedicated Parking Lot
See All 49 Controls Technician Jobs in Virginia
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Find Controls Technician JobsControls Technician Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Technician Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls technician jobs across Virginia.
- Associate degree or technical diploma in electronics, instrumentation, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with PLCs such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider Electric platforms
- Proficiency in reading electrical schematics, ladder logic, and control system diagrams
- Familiarity with HVAC controls, building automation systems, or industrial process controls
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to client or facility sites across Virginia
- Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical, mechanical, and networked control systems
Controls Technician Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls technician in Virginia?
Most Virginia employers start candidates with an associate degree or technical certificate in electronics, instrumentation, or industrial automation from a community college such as Northern Virginia Community College or Tidewater Community College. Virginia does not require a state-issued license specifically for controls technicians, but industry certifications like those from the Electronics Technicians Association or BICSI strengthen your candidacy. Apprenticeship programs offered through regional contractors and defense system integrators provide a practical on-ramp for those entering from trade or technical backgrounds.
Which companies hire controls technicians in Virginia?
Employers hiring controls technicians in Virginia right now include Johnson Controls, Amazon, and SBF Search, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Virginia's heavy concentration of defense contractors, federal facilities, and commercial building operators means demand is spread across both large primes and specialized systems integrators with long-term Virginia footprints.
Which Virginia cities have the most controls technician jobs?
The cities with the most controls technician openings in Virginia are Ashland, Richmond, and Sterling. Northern Virginia's density of federal agencies, defense contractors, and large commercial campuses drives the bulk of postings, while Richmond's manufacturing base and Hampton Roads' naval and shipbuilding operations sustain steady demand outside the D.C. corridor.
Are there remote controls technician jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring on-site access to panels, PLCs, and physical infrastructure, so most Virginia roles are on-site or involve travel to client facilities. About 8% of controls technician openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions typically cover programming, system design, or documentation work that doesn't require physical presence at a site.
How can I get hired as a controls technician in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an apprenticeship or helper-level role with a Virginia building automation or industrial controls contractor, where you work alongside journeymen on real installations. Companies operating large facilities in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regularly bring in entry-level field technicians for HVAC and BAS commissioning work. A certification from the Electronics Technicians Association or completion of a PLC fundamentals course through a Virginia community college signals hands-on intent to employers and separates new candidates from those with only classroom backgrounds.
Where can I find and apply to controls technician jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to controls technician jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and target area, and apply directly to the employers posting them. No signup is required to see the openings.
See All 49 Controls Technician Jobs in Virginia
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