Controls Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Washington DC
Washington DC's controls engineer job market is driven by federal contractors, defense agencies, and infrastructure firms operating across the District and neighboring Northern Virginia and Maryland. Major employers including Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, and SAIC regularly hire controls engineers and have established visa sponsorship programs for qualified international candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsWe believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.
For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.
Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?
The Senior Controls Engineer serves as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system projects within the Generac Microgrid Controls Team. This role owns projects end‑to‑end—from sales handover through system development, commissioning, and ongoing operational support—while balancing hands‑on technical execution with process improvement and cross‑functional collaboration.
This position plays a critical role in supporting a growing portfolio of microgrid projects, including live customer systems, and requires strong accountability, technical depth, and comfort operating in customer‑facing, high‑pressure environments. In addition to project delivery, the Senior Controls Engineer contributes to team performance by mentoring peers, supporting knowledge sharing, and helping evolve project execution standards and processes. The role can be based anywhere in US or Canada and includes 30-40% travel for on‑site commissioning activities.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system projects from sales handover through commissioning and ongoing support
- Plan, develop, implement, test, and troubleshoot microgrid control systems to ensure successful project delivery
- Lead on‑site and remote startup and commissioning activities, including development and execution of commissioning test plans
- Provide high‑level technical support for in‑progress projects and operating microgrid systems, including triage and resolution of customer issues
- Partner cross‑functionally with Controls Engineering, Service, Commissioning, and Sales teams to deliver strong customer outcomes
- Balance hands‑on project execution with continuous improvement of project processes, standards, and quality
- Mentor and support team members through technical guidance, knowledge sharing, and collaboration
- Communicate project status, challenges, and progress clearly to internal stakeholders and customers
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering
- 5+ years’ experience with programming Industrial controls, PLC’s, HMI’s and Industrial communication protocols
- Formalized training and/or education in Industrial Automation, Engineering, Computer Science or MIS
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years’ experience with three‑phase AC power system controls and automation
- 5+ years’ experience with controls and automation of generators, energy storage systems, solar PV systems, protective relays, and switchgear
- Thorough understanding of industrial communication protocols, primarily Modbus RTU/TCP and DNP3
- Advanced technical understanding of power control philosophy in voltage‑forming and voltage‑following applications
- Experience managing technical projects through the full lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, commissioning, close‑out, and support
Great Reasons to work for Generac:
- Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k and many more
- State‑of‑the‑art facility with an onsite gym, walking trails, café, free parking and many employee activities
- Scheduled events throughout the year that allow our employees, both current and retirees, to gather together and enjoy their time with their families and co‑workers
- Pride! When a storm strikes, Generac employees always rise to the occasion. Each time a storm hits, many employees volunteer their time with the customer support team or on the production line, while others go right into storm‑affected areas to repair generators
- Make a positive impact. Generac has always been community‑minded and dedicated to giving back. The company proudly offers a Volunteer Time Off program, inviting team members to participate in charitable volunteer opportunities on company time.
- We believe in having fun. From minor celebrations to major events, our employees balance their work by building a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration through a variety of occasions, including our Fun Days.
Generac is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role based in Fort Collins, Colorado is $115,000 USD - $155,000 USD. This compensation will ultimately be in line with the location in which the position is filled. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, certifications and geographic location. This role is eligible for variable compensation including short‑term and long‑term incentives.
This position includes a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans; life, long‑term disability, flexible spending and health savings accounts, accrued paid time off, 8 paid Holidays and 401(k) retirement benefits.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.
For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.
Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?
The Senior Controls Engineer serves as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system projects within the Generac Microgrid Controls Team. This role owns projects end‑to‑end—from sales handover through system development, commissioning, and ongoing operational support—while balancing hands‑on technical execution with process improvement and cross‑functional collaboration.
This position plays a critical role in supporting a growing portfolio of microgrid projects, including live customer systems, and requires strong accountability, technical depth, and comfort operating in customer‑facing, high‑pressure environments. In addition to project delivery, the Senior Controls Engineer contributes to team performance by mentoring peers, supporting knowledge sharing, and helping evolve project execution standards and processes. The role can be based anywhere in US or Canada and includes 30-40% travel for on‑site commissioning activities.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system projects from sales handover through commissioning and ongoing support
- Plan, develop, implement, test, and troubleshoot microgrid control systems to ensure successful project delivery
- Lead on‑site and remote startup and commissioning activities, including development and execution of commissioning test plans
- Provide high‑level technical support for in‑progress projects and operating microgrid systems, including triage and resolution of customer issues
- Partner cross‑functionally with Controls Engineering, Service, Commissioning, and Sales teams to deliver strong customer outcomes
- Balance hands‑on project execution with continuous improvement of project processes, standards, and quality
- Mentor and support team members through technical guidance, knowledge sharing, and collaboration
- Communicate project status, challenges, and progress clearly to internal stakeholders and customers
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering
- 5+ years’ experience with programming Industrial controls, PLC’s, HMI’s and Industrial communication protocols
- Formalized training and/or education in Industrial Automation, Engineering, Computer Science or MIS
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years’ experience with three‑phase AC power system controls and automation
- 5+ years’ experience with controls and automation of generators, energy storage systems, solar PV systems, protective relays, and switchgear
- Thorough understanding of industrial communication protocols, primarily Modbus RTU/TCP and DNP3
- Advanced technical understanding of power control philosophy in voltage‑forming and voltage‑following applications
- Experience managing technical projects through the full lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, commissioning, close‑out, and support
Great Reasons to work for Generac:
- Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k and many more
- State‑of‑the‑art facility with an onsite gym, walking trails, café, free parking and many employee activities
- Scheduled events throughout the year that allow our employees, both current and retirees, to gather together and enjoy their time with their families and co‑workers
- Pride! When a storm strikes, Generac employees always rise to the occasion. Each time a storm hits, many employees volunteer their time with the customer support team or on the production line, while others go right into storm‑affected areas to repair generators
- Make a positive impact. Generac has always been community‑minded and dedicated to giving back. The company proudly offers a Volunteer Time Off program, inviting team members to participate in charitable volunteer opportunities on company time.
- We believe in having fun. From minor celebrations to major events, our employees balance their work by building a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration through a variety of occasions, including our Fun Days.
Generac is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role based in Fort Collins, Colorado is $115,000 USD - $155,000 USD. This compensation will ultimately be in line with the location in which the position is filled. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, certifications and geographic location. This role is eligible for variable compensation including short‑term and long‑term incentives.
This position includes a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans; life, long‑term disability, flexible spending and health savings accounts, accrued paid time off, 8 paid Holidays and 401(k) retirement benefits.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Controls Engineer Job Roles in Washington DC
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Search Controls Engineer Jobs in Washington DCControls Engineer Jobs in Washington DC: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for controls engineers in Washington DC?
Federal contractors dominate controls engineer hiring in the DC area. Companies like Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC, General Dynamics, and Parsons Corporation have consistent track records of H-1B visa sponsorship for controls engineers. Utilities and infrastructure firms such as PEPCO Holdings also hire for these roles. Many of these employers file LCAs annually, indicating ongoing sponsorship activity for engineering positions.
Which visa types are most common for controls engineer roles in Washington DC?
The H-1B is the most common visa for controls engineers in Washington DC, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering. Candidates from Canada and Mexico may pursue the TN visa under the USMCA, which covers engineers without requiring an approved petition before entry. Some senior roles may also support O-1 visa petitions for candidates with demonstrated exceptional achievement.
How to find controls engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Washington DC?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it straightforward to identify controls engineer roles in Washington DC where employers are actively open to sponsoring. Rather than sorting through general postings, you can focus on positions already aligned with your immigration needs. Controls engineer openings in the DC area frequently appear from defense contractors and government-adjacent firms with established sponsorship programs.
Which cities in Washington DC have the most controls engineer sponsorship jobs?
Washington DC is a city-state, so most roles are concentrated within the District itself or in the broader metro area. Northern Virginia cities like Arlington, Reston, and Tysons Corner host dense clusters of federal contractors with controls engineering teams. Bethesda and Rockville in Maryland are also strong pockets, home to defense and biomedical firms that employ controls engineers across automation and instrumentation disciplines.
Are there state-specific considerations for controls engineers seeking visa sponsorship in Washington DC?
Many controls engineer positions in the DC area involve federal government contracts, which can complicate sponsorship. Some roles require security clearances, and non-citizens face significant restrictions in obtaining clearances, which can narrow the pool of sponsoring employers. Candidates without existing clearance eligibility should focus on private-sector or commercially focused employers in the metro area rather than purely government-facing contractor roles.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored controls engineer jobs in Washington DC?
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.