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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Perrigo

Automation & Controls Engineer

Eau Claire, WI · On-site

$82K - $109K/yr

Description Overview Perrigo Nutritionals, located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has an opening for an Automation and Controls Engineer. This Engineering position supports all aspects of Perrigo ...

MGS Mfg. Group, Inc

Senior Controls Engineer

Germantown, WI · On-site

$98K - $130K/yr

MGS has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Controls Engineer to join our MGS Germantown Automation team. As a Senior Controls Engineer at MGS, you will be responsible for the design of industrial ...

MGS Mfg. Group, Inc

Senior Controls Engineer

Germantown, WI

$98K - $130K/yr

MGS has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Controls Engineer to join our MGS Germantown Automation team. As a Senior Controls Engineer at MGS, you will be responsible for the design of industrial ...

MGS Mfg. Group, Inc

Senior Controls Engineer

Germantown, WI

$98K - $130K/yr

MGS has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Controls Engineer to join our MGS Germantown Automation team. As a Senior Controls Engineer at MGS, you will be responsible for the design of industrial ...

Merck Group

Automation & Controls Specialist

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$82K - $108K/yr

The Automation and Controls Specialist at the Milwaukee, WI site is responsible for designing, programming, and implementing control strategies to optimize manufacturing processes using advanced ...

Actalent

Controls Engineer

Menomonee Falls, WI

$80K - $120K/yr

Job Title Controls Engineer Position Summary The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design ... Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning and startup. * Create and maintain ...

formtechnologies

CONTROLS ENGINEER

Hartford, WI · On-site

$91K - $117K/yr

Under the direction of the Automation Manager, the Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing all aspects of our automation and electrical control systems. ESSENTIAL ...

S & S Cycle

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

Viola, WI · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager LOCATION: Viola JOB SUMMARY: A Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to design, build, and support ...

S & S Cycle

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

Viola, WI · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager LOCATION: Viola JOB SUMMARY: A Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to design, build, and support ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAutomation Controls Engineer JobsAutomation Controls Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin

Automation Controls Engineer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$46.4K

$99.1K

$141.8K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Wisconsin is $99,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $111,500.00 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.

More about Automation Controls Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Wisconsin? For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Automation Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Automation Controls Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in WI? For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Automation Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,105 per year, or $47.6 per hour.
Automation & Controls Engineer

Automation & Controls Engineer

Perrigo

Eau Claire, WI • On-site

$82K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Perrigo rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 74 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

At Perrigo, we are driven by our mission to Makes Lives Better Through Trusted Health and Wellness Solutions, Accessible to All. We are proud to be a Top 10 player in the European Consumer Self-Care market and the largest U.S. store brand provider of over the counter and infant formula. Dedicated to providing The Best Self-Care for Everyone, we are the people behind the brands you trust. We are Opill®, Compeed®, Solpadeine®, NiQuitin®, and many more. We Are Perrigo. We are committed to enhancing the wellbeing of our colleagues and consumers alike. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture where each person can experience a sense of belonging.

Join us on our One Perrigo journey as we evolve to win in self-care.

Description Overview

Perrigo Nutritionals, located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, has an opening for an Automation and Controls Engineer. This Engineering position supports all aspects of Perrigo Nutritionals automation and control systems. Provides support and maintenance of manufacturing automation and control systems to minimize downtime. Identifies and implements continuous improvement within process, automation and control systems as well as modifying systems to meet new/changing process requirements. Plans and execute capital projects that align with strategic site objectives. Work must be conducted in such a manner as to meet all FDA/GMP requirements. This position reports to the Engineering Manager.

Scope of the Role
  • Plan, manage, and execute projects that support strategic site objectives, continuous improvement initiatives, and mitigation of hardware/software obsolescence.
  • Full life cycle project management: planning, system design, programming, vendor/contractor management, procurement, project schedule and budget adherence, installation, startup, validation, etc.
  • Compliance with site documentation practices: change management, validation, and GMP requirements, etc.
  • Technical writing: functional descriptions/specifications, engineering standards, investigation findings, engineering analysis/studies and regulatory compliance requirements.
  • Maintain site electrical and control panel drawings
  • Provide technical support and act as SME for new and existing systems
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting support for maintenance, calibration and automation technicians
  • Limited after-hours support for urgent issues
Experience Required
  • 5+ years relevant experience
  • B.S. degree in Engineering or related field
  • Project engineering and project management
  • Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs
  • Rockwell Automation VFDs/MCCs
  • AVEVA (Wonderware) System Platform or similar SCADA

Preferred Experience

  • Food/pharmaceutical industry experience
  • Electrical/Control panel design and applicable standards (NEC, UL508A, etc.)
  • Electrical distribution up to 480VAC and applicable standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, etc.)
  • Machine safety standards
  • Networking and switch configuration (Cisco, Stratix, Siemens)
  • Industrial communication networks (EtherNet/IP, IO-Link, ControlNet, DeviceNet, ASI, PROFIBUS)
  • Virtual machines (VMware vSphere)
  • Thin client architecture (ThinManager)
  • Active Directory user and group management
  • Microsoft SQL Server, Management Studio, Reporting Services
  • Siemens MCCs/VFDs
  • GE iFix/iBatch
  • Keyence vision systems

Benefits
We believe our people are our greatest asset. Alongside competitive compensation, we offer benefits tailored to supporting you and your family, as well as career development opportunities to ensure you feel valued and supported, both professionally and personally.

Find out more about Total Rewards at Perrigo.

We are proud to be included in the Forbes list of "America's Best Employers by State 2024". Find out more here

Applicants please note: To apply to this position please click the APPLY button at the bottom of the application.  (The SAVE button will only save your profile information but not submit an application for this open position.)  Thank you.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by law.  #weareperrigo

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