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Automation And Controls Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Controls Engineer (External Specialized Resource) is responsible for owning advanced automation ... Deliver interactive coaching and instructor-led training sessions directly on the shop floor ...

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Automation And Controls Instructor information

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$63.5K

$81.3K

$94K

How much do automation and controls instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation and controls instructor in the United States is $81,282.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $88,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automation and controls instructor do?

An Automation and Controls Instructor teaches students or trainees about the principles and practical skills needed to design, operate, and troubleshoot automated control systems used in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and robotics. They develop lesson plans, deliver lectures, oversee hands-on lab exercises, and assess student progress. Instructors may also update course material to reflect new technologies and industry standards, ensuring that learners are prepared for real-world applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation and controls instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation and Controls Instructor, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, industrial automation, and control systems, often supported by a relevant degree and teaching certification. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and training tools such as simulation software is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to diverse learning styles set top instructors apart. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, student engagement, and readiness for real-world automation challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by automation and controls instructors, and how can they be managed?

Automation and Controls Instructors often encounter the challenge of keeping course content current with rapidly evolving technologies and industry standards. Additionally, they must adapt their teaching methods to suit students with varying levels of technical background and learning styles. To manage these challenges, instructors regularly update their curriculum, engage in continuous professional development, and incorporate hands-on labs or real-world scenarios to enhance learning. Collaborating with industry partners and other educators also helps ensure that their instruction remains relevant and engaging.

What is the difference between Automation And Controls Instructor vs Electrical Technician?

AspectAutomation And Controls InstructorElectrical Technician
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in automation, controls, or related teaching credentialsRequires electrical certifications, licenses, or technical training
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, training centers, or corporate training environmentsIndustrial facilities, construction sites, or maintenance departments
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, training companies, manufacturing firmsManufacturing, construction, maintenance services
Common Search/ComparisonAutomation And Controls Instructor vs Electrical Technician

The main difference is that Automation And Controls Instructors focus on teaching automation systems and controls in educational or training settings, often requiring teaching credentials and specialized knowledge. Electrical Technicians, on the other hand, perform hands-on electrical work in industrial or commercial environments, focusing on installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. Both roles require electrical certifications but differ significantly in work environment and primary responsibilities.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Automation And Controls Instructor jobs?

The most popular types of Automation And Controls Instructor jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Automation And Controls Instructor jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation And Controls Instructor jobs are:

Infographic showing various Automation And Controls Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,282 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Automation Controls Engineer

Belcan

Normal, IL

$43.34 - $57.31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Contract Controls Engineer
Pay rate: $43.34- $57.31/hr.
Location: Normal, IL
Zip Code: 61761
Duration: 12 Months
Start Date: Right Away
Keywords: #NormalJobs; #ControlsEngineerjobs;
We provide a competitive pay and benefits package. This position is offering a pay range of $43.34- $57.31/hr. however, Belcan considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to education, experience, geographic location, and discipline. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law.
Job Description:
Role Summary
The Contract Controls Engineer (External Specialized Resource) is responsible for owning advanced automation, networking, robotics, and system-recovery blocks within our manufacturing environment. Sourced via specialized automation engineering agencies (e.g., Actalent, Aerotek), this position operates on an initial 12-month milestone contract framework.
The ideal candidate possesses a deep technical mastery of controls systems combined with a proven background in knowledge sharing and technical development. This individual must be creative, proactive, organized, flexible, and results-oriented. Bringing outstanding communication, facilitation, and mentoring skills, the Contract Controls Engineer will ensure our advanced automated systems are highly optimized while actively upskilling floor-level teams.
The Contract Controls Engineer will be directly responsible for the deployment, optimization, and floor-level mentorship of advanced automated blocks. Specifically, the resource must own and execute work across the following core technical areas:
* Advanced Automation & Rockwell Platforms
* Own the deployment, optimization, and troubleshooting of Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk environments on the active shop floor.
* Develop and refine control logic, ensuring alignment with client specifications and Industry Best Practices.
* Robotics & Fanuc Platforms
* Manage advanced robotic automation sequences, configurations, and paths utilizing Fanuc platforms.
* Lead hands-on troubleshooting and calibration exercises directly on manufacturing lines.
* Networking & System-Recovery Blocks
* Design, validate, and maintain robust industrial network architectures supporting automated lines.
* Establish, document, and test critical system-recovery blocks to minimize downtime and ensure rapid recovery from critical faults.
* System Integration Mentoring & Technical Education
* Facilitate hands-on coaching and technical mentoring for maintenance technicians and floor engineers utilizing adult learning principles.
* Utilize client-provided Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and schematics to bridge the gap between design intent and floor execution.
Core Responsibilities
* System Ownership & Recovery: Take complete ownership of complex automation, networking, and robotics blocks, ensuring high operational reliability and building comprehensive disaster recovery protocols.
* Technical Coaching & Mentoring: Partner with Manufacturing Operations to deliver structured, hands-on mentorship to floor technicians and junior engineers. Develop and execute a technical knowledge-transfer framework using adult education principles.
* Curriculum & Training Support: Support the development of technical skills and targeted training content based on the immediate needs of the business and opportunities on the floor.
* Instructional Delivery: Deliver interactive coaching and instructor-led training sessions directly on the shop floor, adapting delivery methods to accommodate different learning styles and technical skill levels.
* Continuous Improvement: Provide ongoing engineering and development support to ensure a problem-solving mindset is applied across the automation team. Maintain deep subject matter expertise in all owned hardware and software configurations.
Technical & Professional Qualifications
Required Qualifications
* Minimum of 5 years of dedicated shop-floor experience focusing heavily on Rockwell (Studio 5000/FactoryTalk) and Fanuc platforms.
* Verified historical experience in adult technical education, industrial instruction, or structured system integration mentoring.
* Sourced via an approved specialized automation engineering agency partner (e.g., Actalent, Aerotek) for an initial 12-month milestone contract.
* Demonstrated ability to be proactive, flexible, confident, professional, and self-directed in a fast-paced environment.
* Ability to thrive when working independently, contribute strongly as a member of a high-performing team, and handle high-stress situations.
* Strong facilitation and interpersonal communication skills paired with a high level of emotional intelligence.
* Deep ability to understand electrical, mechanical, fluid power, and control systems to analyze problems and execute repairs.
Preferred Qualifications
* An active Electrical Certification or relevant Controls Engineering credentials.
* Prior Industrial Maintenance or advanced system integration experience in high-volume manufacturing.
* Advanced understanding of industrial safety design standards and compliance (e.g., NFPA 70E).
* Direct experience with the maintenance, integration, and control of complex hydraulics and pneumatics.
* Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and curriculum development frameworks, specifically the ADDIE Model.
Belcan is a leading provider of qualified personnel to many of the world's most respected enterprises. We offer excellent opportunities for contract, temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct assignments. We are the employer of choice for thousands worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at Belcan.com

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About Belcan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Belcan is a leading provider of qualified personnel to many of the world's most respected enterprises. We offer excellent opportunities for contract/temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct assignments in the engineering, IT, and professional fields. We are the employer of choice for thousands worldwide. Our overriding goal is to provide quality staffing solutions that help people, organizations, and communities succeed.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cincinnati, OH, US

Year founded

1958