Electrical Controls Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia
Virginia's electrical controls engineer job market draws heavily from its defense contractors, data center operators, and advanced manufacturing base. Companies like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, BAE Systems, and Siemens have active engineering operations across Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads corridor, and several have established track records of sponsoring skilled engineers from abroad.
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We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager, Electrical & Controls Engineering to lead and manage the electrical power systems and controls engineering function within One MHS (One Material Handling Systems). This role will be responsible for overseeing the complete design, development, and implementation of electrical power distribution and control systems for material handling projects — while leading a team of engineers to deliver solutions that prioritize safety, scalability, and operational excellence. As part of OneMHS, you will shape how we design, build, and operate material handling capabilities through strategic leadership in electrical and controls engineering.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in electrical power system design, controls engineering, industrial communication protocols, and automation platforms for complex material handling systems including conveyance and sortation — combined with demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering teams. You will drive cross-functional collaboration with mechanical engineering, software, and project management teams to deliver robust electrical and controls solutions while ensuring compliance with NEC code and industry standards.
This role requires both deep technical expertise spanning electrical power design and controls engineering, and strong people leadership skills — including the ability to build high-performing teams, set strategic direction, manage resources, and drive organizational excellence in project delivery.
Key job responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of electrical and controls engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Set strategic direction for the electrical and controls engineering function, aligning team objectives with broader OneMHS program goals
- Manage resource allocation, workload balancing, and project assignments to ensure on-time, high-quality delivery across multiple concurrent projects
- Conduct performance reviews, career development planning, and talent acquisition for the electrical and controls engineering team
- Establish and enforce engineering standards, design review processes, and quality gates across the team
- Drive organizational improvements including process optimization, tool adoption, and knowledge management initiatives
- Represent the electrical and controls engineering function in leadership meetings, program reviews, and strategic planning sessions
Power Systems Design & Distribution
- Oversee the design of all power and controls systems related to MH projects, including 3-phase and single-phase power distribution systems
- Direct the development of electrical layouts, schematics, control architectures, and panel standardization for material handling applications
- Ensure modular and scalable power distribution system designs that prioritize reliability, maintainability, and performance
- Establish and maintain best practices for panel placement, grounding, and safety circuit design
- Approve single-line diagrams, power distribution schematics, and panel schedules to support facility and equipment power needs
Controls Engineering & Communication Protocols
- Oversee the design and implementation of industrial communication networks utilizing EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and PROFINET protocols
- Direct control system architecture development incorporating IPCs (Industrial PCs), PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and SCADA systems
- Ensure proper specification, configuration, and integration of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and their associated interfaces within material handling systems
- Oversee the selection, specification, and integration of sensors, encoders, safety circuits, and all safety devices in accordance with applicable safety standards
- Ensure the design and implementation of safety systems including light curtains, safety relays, E-stops, and safety PLCs meet all regulatory requirements
In-Field Installation Audits & Compliance
- Establish audit programs and oversee in-field installation audits to verify compliance with design specifications, quality standards, and NEC code requirements
- Review and approve electrical and controls drawings, specifications, and submittals at a program level
- Drive continuous improvement by auditing electrical system designs to identify opportunities and develop superior solutions
- Ensure all designs and installations comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) / NFPA 70 and other applicable standards
- Stay current with NEC code revisions, NFPA updates, and industry regulatory changes, and communicate impacts to the team
Collaboration & Strategic Engagement
- Partner with cross-functional leadership including mechanical engineering, software, and project management to deliver fully integrated solutions
- Serve as the primary technical authority and escalation point for electrical and controls engineering decisions
- Drive commissioning strategy, troubleshooting protocols, and startup activities across projects
- Develop and maintain electrical and controls design standards, best practices, and organizational playbooks
- Build relationships with vendors, suppliers, and external partners to drive innovation and cost optimization
A day in the life
Lead your team of electrical and controls engineers in delivering world-class solutions for material handling projects with industry-leading performance in reliability, safety, and scalability. Set priorities and allocate resources across multiple concurrent projects while providing technical oversight on power distribution system designs and control architectures. Conduct design reviews, approve specifications for VFDs, sensors, encoders, and safety devices, and ensure optimal system performance across the portfolio.
Guide your team in implementing industrial communication networks using EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and PROFINET protocols while developing PLC and SCADA-based control systems. Oversee in-field installation audit programs to verify NEC code compliance and design integrity. Mentor and develop engineers at all levels while driving continuous improvement in design standards, documentation processes, and team capabilities across the OneMHS program. Engage with cross-functional leadership to align on program strategy and remove barriers for your team.
Amazon offers a full range of benefits that support you and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. Benefits can vary by location, the number of regularly scheduled hours you work, length of employment, and job status such as seasonal or temporary employment. The benefits that generally apply to regular, full-time employees include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Maternity and Parental Leave Options
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) Plan
If you are not sure that every qualification on the list above describes you exactly, we'd still love to hear from you! At Amazon, we value people with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets. If you’re passionate about this role and want to make an impact on a global scale, please apply!
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
- 7+ years of industrial controls and automation experience, or Master's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, engineering technology or equivalent
- Experience managing teams, or experience as a mentor, tech lead or leading an engineering team
- Experience with TCP/ICP networking fundamentals and application of IP protocols such as: DNS, DHCP, NTP, SMTP, and SNMP
- Experience that includes strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities, or experience in software development and experience in managing firewalls
- Knowledge of electrical engineering best practices including breaker coordination studies, switchgear sequence of operation, and NEC code
- Experience with large-scale power systems
- Proficiency with IPCs, PLC programming, and SCADA system design
- Extensive experience with sensor technologies, encoders, safety circuits, and safety devices (e.g., light curtains, safety relays, E-stops, safety PLCs)
- Proven ability to manage in-field installation audit programs and ensure code compliance
- Proficiency in electrical design software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, or equivalent)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience managing teams of 8+ engineers
- Experience of automated equipment including packaging machinery, sortation and conveyor systems
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field
- MBA or advanced management training
- 10+ years of progressive experience in electrical and controls engineering
- Experience with material handling systems (conveyors, sortation, AS/RS, etc.)
- Knowledge of UL 508A panel design standards
- Familiarity with NFPA 70E and arc flash analysis
- Experience with energy management and power quality analysis
- Familiarity with IoT platforms and Industry 4.0 concepts for predictive maintenance
- Experience managing geographically distributed engineering teams
- Track record of driving process improvement and organizational change
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to present to senior leadership
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously
- Proven ability to make data-driven decisions and manage budgets and resources effectively
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, GA, ATLANTA - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, GA, Atlanta - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, OH, SPRINGDALE - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, OH, Springdale - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, TN, NASHVILLE - 143,500.00 - 194,100.00 USD annually
USA, TN, Nashville - 143,500.00 - 194,100.00 USD annually
USA, TX, AUSTIN - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, TX, Austin - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, VA, ARLINGTON - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Arlington - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, WA, SEATTLE - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager, Electrical & Controls Engineering to lead and manage the electrical power systems and controls engineering function within One MHS (One Material Handling Systems). This role will be responsible for overseeing the complete design, development, and implementation of electrical power distribution and control systems for material handling projects — while leading a team of engineers to deliver solutions that prioritize safety, scalability, and operational excellence. As part of OneMHS, you will shape how we design, build, and operate material handling capabilities through strategic leadership in electrical and controls engineering.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in electrical power system design, controls engineering, industrial communication protocols, and automation platforms for complex material handling systems including conveyance and sortation — combined with demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering teams. You will drive cross-functional collaboration with mechanical engineering, software, and project management teams to deliver robust electrical and controls solutions while ensuring compliance with NEC code and industry standards.
This role requires both deep technical expertise spanning electrical power design and controls engineering, and strong people leadership skills — including the ability to build high-performing teams, set strategic direction, manage resources, and drive organizational excellence in project delivery.
Key job responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of electrical and controls engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Set strategic direction for the electrical and controls engineering function, aligning team objectives with broader OneMHS program goals
- Manage resource allocation, workload balancing, and project assignments to ensure on-time, high-quality delivery across multiple concurrent projects
- Conduct performance reviews, career development planning, and talent acquisition for the electrical and controls engineering team
- Establish and enforce engineering standards, design review processes, and quality gates across the team
- Drive organizational improvements including process optimization, tool adoption, and knowledge management initiatives
- Represent the electrical and controls engineering function in leadership meetings, program reviews, and strategic planning sessions
Power Systems Design & Distribution
- Oversee the design of all power and controls systems related to MH projects, including 3-phase and single-phase power distribution systems
- Direct the development of electrical layouts, schematics, control architectures, and panel standardization for material handling applications
- Ensure modular and scalable power distribution system designs that prioritize reliability, maintainability, and performance
- Establish and maintain best practices for panel placement, grounding, and safety circuit design
- Approve single-line diagrams, power distribution schematics, and panel schedules to support facility and equipment power needs
Controls Engineering & Communication Protocols
- Oversee the design and implementation of industrial communication networks utilizing EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and PROFINET protocols
- Direct control system architecture development incorporating IPCs (Industrial PCs), PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and SCADA systems
- Ensure proper specification, configuration, and integration of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and their associated interfaces within material handling systems
- Oversee the selection, specification, and integration of sensors, encoders, safety circuits, and all safety devices in accordance with applicable safety standards
- Ensure the design and implementation of safety systems including light curtains, safety relays, E-stops, and safety PLCs meet all regulatory requirements
In-Field Installation Audits & Compliance
- Establish audit programs and oversee in-field installation audits to verify compliance with design specifications, quality standards, and NEC code requirements
- Review and approve electrical and controls drawings, specifications, and submittals at a program level
- Drive continuous improvement by auditing electrical system designs to identify opportunities and develop superior solutions
- Ensure all designs and installations comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) / NFPA 70 and other applicable standards
- Stay current with NEC code revisions, NFPA updates, and industry regulatory changes, and communicate impacts to the team
Collaboration & Strategic Engagement
- Partner with cross-functional leadership including mechanical engineering, software, and project management to deliver fully integrated solutions
- Serve as the primary technical authority and escalation point for electrical and controls engineering decisions
- Drive commissioning strategy, troubleshooting protocols, and startup activities across projects
- Develop and maintain electrical and controls design standards, best practices, and organizational playbooks
- Build relationships with vendors, suppliers, and external partners to drive innovation and cost optimization
A day in the life
Lead your team of electrical and controls engineers in delivering world-class solutions for material handling projects with industry-leading performance in reliability, safety, and scalability. Set priorities and allocate resources across multiple concurrent projects while providing technical oversight on power distribution system designs and control architectures. Conduct design reviews, approve specifications for VFDs, sensors, encoders, and safety devices, and ensure optimal system performance across the portfolio.
Guide your team in implementing industrial communication networks using EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and PROFINET protocols while developing PLC and SCADA-based control systems. Oversee in-field installation audit programs to verify NEC code compliance and design integrity. Mentor and develop engineers at all levels while driving continuous improvement in design standards, documentation processes, and team capabilities across the OneMHS program. Engage with cross-functional leadership to align on program strategy and remove barriers for your team.
Amazon offers a full range of benefits that support you and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. Benefits can vary by location, the number of regularly scheduled hours you work, length of employment, and job status such as seasonal or temporary employment. The benefits that generally apply to regular, full-time employees include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Maternity and Parental Leave Options
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) Plan
If you are not sure that every qualification on the list above describes you exactly, we'd still love to hear from you! At Amazon, we value people with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets. If you’re passionate about this role and want to make an impact on a global scale, please apply!
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
- 7+ years of industrial controls and automation experience, or Master's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, engineering technology or equivalent
- Experience managing teams, or experience as a mentor, tech lead or leading an engineering team
- Experience with TCP/ICP networking fundamentals and application of IP protocols such as: DNS, DHCP, NTP, SMTP, and SNMP
- Experience that includes strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities, or experience in software development and experience in managing firewalls
- Knowledge of electrical engineering best practices including breaker coordination studies, switchgear sequence of operation, and NEC code
- Experience with large-scale power systems
- Proficiency with IPCs, PLC programming, and SCADA system design
- Extensive experience with sensor technologies, encoders, safety circuits, and safety devices (e.g., light curtains, safety relays, E-stops, safety PLCs)
- Proven ability to manage in-field installation audit programs and ensure code compliance
- Proficiency in electrical design software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, or equivalent)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience managing teams of 8+ engineers
- Experience of automated equipment including packaging machinery, sortation and conveyor systems
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field
- MBA or advanced management training
- 10+ years of progressive experience in electrical and controls engineering
- Experience with material handling systems (conveyors, sortation, AS/RS, etc.)
- Knowledge of UL 508A panel design standards
- Familiarity with NFPA 70E and arc flash analysis
- Experience with energy management and power quality analysis
- Familiarity with IoT platforms and Industry 4.0 concepts for predictive maintenance
- Experience managing geographically distributed engineering teams
- Track record of driving process improvement and organizational change
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to present to senior leadership
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously
- Proven ability to make data-driven decisions and manage budgets and resources effectively
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, GA, ATLANTA - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, GA, Atlanta - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, OH, SPRINGDALE - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, OH, Springdale - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, TN, NASHVILLE - 143,500.00 - 194,100.00 USD annually
USA, TN, Nashville - 143,500.00 - 194,100.00 USD annually
USA, TX, AUSTIN - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, TX, Austin - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, VA, ARLINGTON - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Arlington - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, WA, SEATTLE - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually
Electrical Controls Engineer Job Roles in Virginia
See all 146+ Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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Search Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in VirginiaElectrical Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for electrical controls engineers in Virginia?
Defense and technology contractors are the most active sponsors for electrical controls engineers in Virginia. Northrop Grumman, Leidos, BAE Systems, and General Dynamics have filed H-1B visa Labor Condition Applications for controls and systems engineering roles in the state. Siemens and Rockwell Automation also have Virginia operations with documented sponsorship history. Larger defense-adjacent manufacturers generally have dedicated HR and immigration infrastructure that supports the sponsorship process.
Which visa types are most common for electrical controls engineer roles in Virginia?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for electrical controls engineers in Virginia, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in electrical or controls engineering. Candidates with Canadian or Mexican citizenship may qualify for TN visa status under the USMCA engineer category. Those with an advanced degree and exceptional research or project contributions may also explore the O-1A or EB-1 categories.
How to find electrical controls engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship willingness, so you can browse electrical controls engineer roles in Virginia without sifting through positions that won't support international candidates. Search by state and role on Migrate Mate to surface active openings from Virginia-based employers in defense contracting, industrial automation, and data infrastructure sectors, which are the most active hiring areas for this specialization in the state.
Which cities in Virginia have the most electrical controls engineer sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, particularly the Fairfax County and Arlington corridor, concentrates the highest volume of sponsorship-eligible engineering roles due to its dense cluster of defense contractors and federal technology firms. Richmond has a growing manufacturing and industrial automation presence. Hampton Roads, home to major naval installations and their contractor ecosystems, is another consistent source of electrical controls engineering openings with documented sponsorship activity.
Are there any Virginia-specific considerations for electrical controls engineers seeking sponsorship?
Many electrical controls engineer roles tied to Virginia's defense sector require security clearances, which are only available to U.S. citizens and cannot be held by visa holders. This makes clearance-required positions inaccessible, but a meaningful share of Virginia's controls engineering openings, particularly in commercial automation, data centers, and unclassified manufacturing, do not carry clearance requirements and remain accessible to sponsored candidates. The state's university pipeline from Virginia Tech and George Mason also shapes local employer expectations around engineering credentials.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored electrical controls engineer jobs in Virginia?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.