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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

CLX Engineering's Integration or Controls Engineer III serves as a technical leader on complex automation and controls integration projects. This role owns system architecture, technical execution ...

Controls Engineer III

Sanford, FL · On-site

$106K - $130K/yr

CLX Engineering's Integration or Controls Engineer III serves as a technical leader on complex automation and controls integration projects. This role owns system architecture, technical execution ...

Controls & Automation Engineering CoOp

Pensacola, FL · On-site

$78K - $104K/yr

The Controls & Automation Engineering Co Op is responsible for supporting ongoing engineering, compliance, and equipment readiness initiatives across the manufacturing site. This role provides hands ...

Building Automation Controls Engineer II

Tampa, FL · On-site

$78K - $102K/yr

... in controls design engineering OR 5+ years as a controls technician. * Sound knowledge of electrical circuits, HVAC and controls required. * Advanced computer skills and proficiency in MS Office ...

Controls Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$111K - $140K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Orlando, Florida Salary: $111,000 - $140,000 Relocation: Limited ... Projects involve complex automation systems across industries including advanced manufacturing and ...

Controls Engineer

Orlando, FL

$77K - $100K/yr

Industrial Automation Overview An established engineering and system integration firm is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to lead electrical and control system design on large-scale ...

Controls Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$78K - $102K/yr

As a Controls Engineer at Cirkul, you will be responsible for the design, development ... Own the performance and reliability of PLC, HMI, and automation systems by troubleshooting issues ...

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Automation Controls Engineer information

See Florida salary details

$34.4K

$73.4K

$105K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Florida is $73,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,400.00 and $82,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Automation Controls Engineers?

Automation Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems that automate manufacturing and industrial processes. They typically work with hardware and software such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and robotic systems to ensure efficient and reliable operation of automated equipment. Their responsibilities include programming control systems, troubleshooting electrical and control issues, and collaborating with other engineers to optimize production processes. Automation Controls Engineers play a crucial role in improving productivity, safety, and quality in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy.

What Does an Automation Controls Engineer Do?

Automation controls engineers help create the layout of electrical and mechanical control systems. In this role, you may help program an automation process, modify existing programming when necessary, and help ensure the company is using the safest and most productive system possible for its needs. You may also be responsible for creating training documentation to show employees how to control and adjust their operations. Most automation control engineers work in manufacturing plants and similar companies where physical automation is used to speed up production tasks. This job should not be confused with automation programming outside of the manufacturing sector, such as software programming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automation Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and automation, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure reliable system integration, efficient troubleshooting, and successful collaboration in complex industrial environments.

What are some common challenges Automation Controls Engineers face when working on new system integrations?

Automation Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as compatibility issues between legacy equipment and new control systems, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, and software), and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Troubleshooting unforeseen problems during testing phases and maintaining clear documentation are also frequent hurdles. Proactive communication and thorough planning help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth integration projects.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectAutomation Controls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering; certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) may be preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in manufacturing, automation, and control system settingsWorks in various sectors including power, construction, and manufacturing, often focusing on electrical systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in automation, process control, and manufacturing industriesUsed across power generation, construction, and industrial sectors

Automation Controls Engineers focus on designing, programming, and maintaining control systems for automation processes, while Electrical Engineers have a broader scope involving electrical system design and analysis. Both roles require strong technical skills and often overlap in industrial settings, but their primary responsibilities and certifications differ.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Florida? For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Automation Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Automation Controls Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in FL? For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in Florida as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,374 per year, or $35.3 per hour.
Automation & Controls Engineer (Starship Launch Hardware)

Automation & Controls Engineer (Starship Launch Hardware)

SpaceX

Cape Canaveral, FL • On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER (STARSHIP LAUNCH HARDWARE)

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry in excess of 100 metric tons to Earth orbit. The launch hardware Automation & Controls Engineer role will be hands-on in designing and activating the systems that build and launch Starship. The successful applicant will work as part of a team of elite engineers designing and improving the electrical, and control systems across our rocket launch facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Participate in the design and development of new and existing control systems critical to the launch organization
  • Architect, write, and debug PLC code, emphasizing generating organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code for manufacturing applications
  • Design and implement the controls network infrastructure and interfaces to data acquisition systems trading cost, complexity and redundancy
  • Design, operate, upgrade, and maintain SCADA infrastructure at launch and production sites
  • Lay out new industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
  • Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic and fluid plumbing
  • Manage the checkouts and activation testing of new equipment
  • Write robust and scalable procedures to activate technicians to quickly and reliably build and activate new control systems
  • Provide hands on troubleshooting support for a variety of active and critical ground support equipment tooling
  • Provide innovative solutions to special requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from integrating specialized equipment to challenging operating environment, packaging or loading

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechatronics engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with instrumentation power systems design, data acquisition systems, or programable controllers (internship/project experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Proficiency or direct hands-on experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, data acquisition setup and field measurements, build of electronics systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications
  • Exposure to a wide variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, Nut-Runners, etc)
  • Hands-on experience building and commissioning high quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems
  • Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan
  • C#, .NET, python and/or SQL experience
  • PLC programming experience, preferably Siemens TIA Portal
  • HMI and SCADA programming experience, preferably with Ignition software
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, UL508A codes
  • Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team in a high-pressure, dynamic environment
  • Able to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
  • Must be willing to work weekends and night shifts as needed; flexibility required
  • Must be willing to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

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