An internal combustion engine valve actuation system is disclosed. The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator for operating an engine valve, which includes a control element for controlling the seating velocity of the valve. The present invention provides for free, unrestricted movement of the valve during opening, and an unrestricted return of the valve until the valve is within a predetermined distance of the valve seat. Once within this predetermined range, the return velocity of the engine valve is limited by the rate at which a fluid may escape through a flow restriction. The restriction is calibrated to provide the desired maximum valve seating velocity.