1

Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Baltimore, MD

Senior Controls Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

This person will provide team leadership in delivering automation systems for a wide variety of industries. As a Sr. Controls Engineer at WM you will become part of a company who is:

Controls Engineer

Columbia, MD · Hybrid

$88K - $125K/yr

ENR top 500 firm at #170 We have a Controls Engineer position open in Columbia, MD. This position ... Work on automation and control system integration projects for clients in industries such as power ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Columbia, MD

$96K - $127K/yr

This person will provide team leadership in delivering automation systems for a wide variety of industries. As a Sr. Controls Engineer at WM you will become part of a company who is:

As a member of the Manufacturing Automation and Development team-and the organization's first dedicated controls engineering role-you will help establish and grow a critical capability supporting ...

Controls Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$88K - $125K/yr

ENR top 500 firm at #170 We have a Controls Engineer position open in Columbia, MD. This position ... Work on automation and control system integration projects for clients in industries such as power ...

Control Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

The Controls Engineer supports the maintenance department by leading preventative maintenance, improvements, and repairs in automation systems and electrical controls while also assisting with ...

Automation Engineer - Jr

Gambrills, MD · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Automation Engineer - Data Centers (SCADA / Ignition / PLC ) We are seeking a Controls / Automation Engineer with hands-on experience in PLC programming, SCADA development, and system integration to ...

Automation Engineer - Jr

Gambrills, MD · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Automation Engineer - Data Centers (SCADA / Ignition / PLC ) We are seeking a Controls / Automation Engineer with hands-on experience in PLC programming, SCADA development, and system integration to ...

Automation Engineer - Jr

Gambrills, MD · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Automation Engineer - Data Centers (SCADA / Ignition / PLC ) We are seeking a Controls / Automation Engineer with hands‑on experience in PLC programming, SCADA development, and system integration ...

Control Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

The Controls Engineer supports the maintenance department by leading preventative maintenance, improvements, and repairs in automation systems and electrical controls while also assisting with ...

Controls Engineer 4 As a Controls Engineer, you will be pivotal in designing, developing ... Lead programming and configuration team efforts for complex automation and SCADA applications.

Showing results 21-40

Automation Controls Engineer information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$45.7K

$97.6K

$139.6K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Baltimore, MD is $97,562.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $109,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation controls engineer?

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 Baltimore, MD?

For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Baltimore, MD are:

What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Automation Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Automation Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,562 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world's largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®. ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.
OVERVIEW
The Senior Controls Engineer is the refinery's technical authority for automation, instrumentation, industrial networking, and process control systems. This role ensures reliable, secure, and sustainable control infrastructure that supports production, quality, safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence.
The position partners with Corporate Controls Engineering, leads controls lifecycle and modernization strategies, and advances the site from reactive maintenance toward preventive, condition-based, and predictive practices.
DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Leadership and Governance
  • Serve as the site technical authority for controls, instrumentation, industrial networks, and process automation.
  • Lead system implementations, upgrades, and modifications in accordance with company, ISA, functional safety, cybersecurity, and hazardous-area requirements.
  • Direct and mentor engineers, technicians, contractors, and cross-functional teams while promoting standardization and knowledge sharing across ASR.
  • Establish and govern programming, alarm management, architecture, documentation, testing, validation, and cybersecurity standards.

Asset Lifecycle, Reliability, and Spare Parts
  • Develop and execute a multi-year controls and automation roadmap aligned with operational, maintenance, and capital priorities.
  • Manage the lifecycle of PLCs, HMIs, historians, servers, operating systems, networks, instrumentation, and automation hardware.
  • Identify obsolescence and criticality risks; develop modernization, replacement, stocking, replenishment, and vendor-supported spare-parts strategies.
  • Maintain automation asset inventories and optimize costs while reducing exposure to obsolete or long-lead equipment.

Predictive Maintenance and Continuous Improvement
  • Lead preventive, predictive, and condition-based programs using PLC/VFD diagnostics, event logs, fault histories, network monitoring, historians, and asset management tools.
  • Use plant data and analytics to identify degradation, improve reliability, and develop asset-health KPIs and dashboards.
  • Lead root-cause investigations for controls and instrumentation failures and implement sustainable corrective actions.
  • Partner with IT, OT, Maintenance, Procurement, and Corporate Controls Engineering to improve system performance, cybersecurity, data access, and asset visibility.

Management of Change and Project Execution
  • Own the controls Management of Change process and ensure modifications meet testing, validation, documentation, cybersecurity, and process-safety requirements.
  • Provide controls and instrumentation expertise for capital projects, modernization work, commissioning, and major maintenance activities.
  • Troubleshoot and optimize refinery, packaging, and auxiliary control systems; lead recovery after failures and prevent recurrence.
  • Anticipate technical risks, provide on-call coverage, and support other engineers as needed.

WORK EXPERIENCES
  • 10+ years of controls, automation, instrumentation, or process-control experience in refining, manufacturing, food or chemical processing, power generation, or a related industrial environment.
  • Demonstrated success leading controls lifecycle, predictive maintenance, standards, modernization, and Management of Change programs.
  • Experience upgrading industrial control systems, instrumentation, networks, and automation infrastructure.
  • Experience leading capital projects from concept through startup and commissioning, including technical teams, contractors, consultants, and cross-functional partners.
  • Experience with spare-parts strategy, inventory optimization, asset management systems, or vendor-managed inventory is preferred.

Technical and Leadership Capabilities
  • Advanced knowledge of Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PLC5, SLC500, VFDs, soft starters, servo systems, and MCCs.
  • Advanced knowledge of Wonderware System Platform, InTouch, Historian, ArchestrA, and related platforms.
  • Working knowledge of industrial networks, managed switches, communication protocols, Windows Server, virtualization, and industrial cybersecurity.
  • Strong knowledge of process instrumentation, including control valves, transmitters, analyzers, and measurement devices.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, project management, planning, budgeting, communication, and stakeholder-influencing skills.
  • Ability to mentor technical teams, balance immediate operational needs with long-term strategy, and execute technology roadmaps aligned with business objectives.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited college or university is required.
ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES)
  • Light to heavy physical effort.
  • Exposure to varying degrees of noise levels.
  • Must be able to work at different height levels, working on ladders and platforms.
  • Must be able to work in confined spaces.
  • Must be able to work from a stooping, bending, squatting and standing position for extended periods.
  • Must be able to push, pull, and lift equipment into place or from one area to another.
  • Position requires standing and walking eight or more hours per day and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Working conditions vary from inside and outside elements which includes heat, humidity and cold. Wet conditions exist when using high pressure washing units and dusty conditions when cleaning.
  • Must be able to work rotating shifts, overtime, holidays and weekends as assigned or needed.
  • Overtime is required on a daily and weekly basis as scheduled.
  • Must be able to wear the required personal protective equipment

LOCATION:
  • Baltimore, Maryland

REWARD PACKAGE
The expected pay range for this position is $93,000 - $172,500 and will depend on the candidate's qualifications and prior experience.
  • Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K and other benefits

IND123
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.