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Associate Controls Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Process Controls Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$82K - $119K/yr

Process Controls Engineer to Sr. Controls Engineer to be considered. Salary based on experience and ... Associate's Degree in Automation/Control Systems required. * Certified Rockwell Automation ...

Controls Engineer I

Rosenberg, TX · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Minimum required qualifications: • Associate or bachelor's degree in Instrumentation and Controls, Electronical Engineering, or a related discipline preferred. • Work experience or technical ...

Controls Engineer I

Rosenberg, TX · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Minimum required qualifications: • Associate or bachelor's degree in Instrumentation and Controls, Electronical Engineering, or a related discipline preferred. • Work experience or technical ...

Controls Engineer I

Rosenberg, TX

$68K - $88K/yr

Associate or bachelor's degree in Instrumentation and Controls, Electronical Engineering, or a related discipline preferred. Work experience or technical certificate/program in lieu of degree will be ...

Controls Engineer I

Rosenberg, TX · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Minimum required qualifications: • Associate or bachelor's degree in Instrumentation and Controls, Electronical Engineering, or a related discipline preferred. • Work experience or technical ...

Controls Engineer I

Rosenberg, TX

$68K - $88K/yr

Minimum required qualifications: • Associate or bachelor's degree in Instrumentation and Controls, Electronical Engineering, or a related discipline preferred. • Work experience or technical ...

Minimum of Five years of experience & Engineering Degree or an Associate degree in a related technical field with seven years of relevant work experience required. * Proven knowledge of HVAC Controls ...

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Associate Controls Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$46.2K

$81.1K

$110.1K

How much do associate controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate controls engineer in Houston, TX is $81,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,200.00 and $90,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate controls engineer do?

An Associate Controls Engineer assists in designing, developing, and maintaining control systems used in manufacturing or industrial settings. They work with senior engineers to implement automation solutions, troubleshoot issues, and ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently. Their tasks often include programming controllers, testing system performance, and supporting the integration of new technologies. This role typically requires knowledge of electrical engineering, programming languages like PLC, and a strong attention to detail.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate controls engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and automation, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industry-standard software such as AutoCAD or Rockwell Automation tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and resolve technical challenges. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient control solutions, ensuring system reliability, and driving project success in automated environments.

What are some common challenges faced by associate controls engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Associate Controls Engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and software engineering backgrounds. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines, as each team may use different technical jargon and have distinct priorities. Additionally, balancing project timelines while integrating control systems with hardware and software components can require strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Proactively seeking feedback and participating in cross-functional meetings can help Associate Controls Engineers bridge gaps and contribute effectively to project success.

What is the difference between Associate Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectAssociate Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in related engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting design, testing, and troubleshootingMore independent, leading projects, and system integration
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, and industrial facilitiesSimilar industries, with increased responsibilities

The main difference between an Associate Controls Engineer and a Controls Engineer lies in experience and responsibility level. Associate Controls Engineers typically support and assist in projects, focusing on learning and executing tasks under supervision. Controls Engineers take on more independent roles, managing projects and system design. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but Controls Engineers usually have more hands-on experience and leadership responsibilities.

How much do associate controls engineers get paid?

Associate controls engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $60,000 and $75,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills in PLC programming, automation, or certifications can earn higher wages.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Controls Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

For Associate Controls Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Associate Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Associate Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Controls Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,139 per year, or $39 per hour.

Process Controls Engineer

Magris Talc

Houston, TX • On-site

$82K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Process Controls Engineer to Sr. Controls Engineer to be considered.

Salary based on experience and education.

$82,973- $103,716 Process Controls Engineer

$95,419- $119,274 Sr. Process Controls Engineer

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE

  • Provides support to operations through troubleshooting and optimization of existing control and electrical systems. Coordinates upgrades to process control systems, ensures process data is historized accurately and facilitates reporting and analysis of process data.
  • Implement automation projects needed to provide control of equipment at mining and milling locations. Helps support any projects that may impact plant electrical, control, and OT network systems. Ensure automation development meets the design and safety standards set by the Reliability and Automation group.
  • Monitors the condition of plant electrical infrastructure, instrumentation, PLCs, networks, and servers to ensure the control systems are providing accurate, reliable information.

JOB SCOPE/DIMENSIONS

Based at and primarily support the Houston Mill and provide supplement support to other talc sites. Works independently but in close coordination with the Reliability & Automation Engineering Team. Assist technical staff (Engineering, Pilot Plant, and IT), location staff and employees of all Magris Talc locations. Role requires a working relationship with contractors, vendors, and suppliers of these locations as well as Governmental agencies (MSHA) that regulate them. Some travel to other sites will be required.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Works with the Operations and Engineering Group to solve process control problems. Introduces new instrumentation to production management and new solutions to production control problems.
  • Support of Rockwell Automation Control Systems, FANUC Robotics, and industrial networking.
  • Works with Project Engineering on developing a list of projects and schedules for the capital forecast, instrumentation needs of capital projects, supports the design of project instrumentation and control logic.
  • Acts as project engineer on projects that are primarily instrumentation and control related.
  • Works with the Electrical maintenance department to insure that instrumentation and process control equipment are suitable for the application, installed correctly, properly maintained, documented properly, and updated with improved models where justified.
  • Works with electrical maintenance to support new instrumentation, and with process engineers and operators to properly use new instrumentation and interpret the data they produce.
  • Works with the IT department to provide OT process data to management users such as finance and production planning, and to provide network interface between the process control OT networks and the IT network.
  • Works with other process control engineers to provide users with historical process data. Works with IT to display this data to users on computers for use in improving plant production rates and recovery. Also works with these groups to maintain the security of the process control computer network, protecting it from intrusion.
  • Other duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Experience requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (preferably Electrical, Systems/Automation, Mechanical, Chemical) or Associate’s Degree in Automation/Control Systems required.
  • Certified Rockwell Automation Programmer Preferred
    • 5+ years’ experience in controls and automation role. Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation hardware and software preferred.
    • 2+ years industrial experience preferred
    • Leadership training is advantageous.

Knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics:

Process Control: Proficient in process control techniques. Understands process dynamics to determine how to best control the process. Experience with concepts of using PLCs and HMIs for process control, able to program in ladder logic and Function Block. Rockwell platform automation experience is preferred.

Project Engineering: Able to express their thoughts in writing clearly, prepare project scope documents outlining the work to be done on a project, analyze project economics to determine the value of a project to the plant, prepare project justification documents for submittal for capital funds, forecast capital expenditures for process control for next five years.

Electrical Engineering: Experience with Motor and VFD control, industrial power distribution and monitoring, and an understanding of discrete, analog, and safety control circuits.

Electrical & Process Safety: Familiarity with key process safety and electrical safety systems – primarily Equipment Isolation (LOTOTO), Electrical Safety, and Arc Flash Safety. Experience improving and maintaining these systems is helpful.

IT/OT: Understanding of Ethernet networks including fiber optics, switches, communications protocols at various levels, most specifically to control system communication. Proficient at working with Windows, installing software and configuring computers and servers. Familiarity with databases, SQL query tools. PI Historian experience is applicable.

Robotics: Familiarity with robotics cells, specifically related to packaging and palletizing. FANUC Robotics experience is helpful but not required.

Process Engineering: Understanding engineering principles of chemistry, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, mechanical stress, fluid flow is helpful. Able to understand unit processes to determine what needs to measured and where, and how best to control the process. Mineral Processing and Material Handling experience is relevant.