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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Bethlehem, PA

Clemens Food Group

Controls & Automation Engineer

Hatfield, PA · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

Controls & Automation Engineer Location: Onsite | Hatfield, PA Travel: Up to 10% to support other facilities About Clemens Food Group For more than 125 years, Clemens Food Group has been guided by a ...

AVTC Group

Controls Engineer

Trexlertown, PA · On-site +1

$79K - $102K/yr

Controls Engineer * Bachelors Degree or Associates Degree required * 1-5+ years of experience ... Must have a background with process automation * Programming PLC's for process automation systems

Victaulic

Controls Engineer

Easton, PA

$79K - $102K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Engineering Laboratory Reports to ... Engineering Lab Technical Lead - Automation THIS ROLE WILL START AS TEMPORARY FOR APPROX. 3-6 ...

Victaulic

Controls Engineer

Easton, PA · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Engineering Laboratory Reports to ... Engineering Lab Technical Lead - Automation THIS ROLE WILL START AS TEMPORARY FOR APPROX. 3-6 ...

Flowserve

Controls Engineer, Senior

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

... such as ABB Automation Builder, Allen-Bradley, CODESYS, Unitronics, and related platforms ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related ...

Flowserve

Controls Engineer, Senior

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

We are seeking a technically strong and innovation-driven Controls Engineer responsible for ... as ABB Automation Builder, Allen-Bradley, CODESYS, Unitronics, and related platforms. • ...

Oliver Healthcare Packaging

Controls Engineer

New Britain, PA · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

... automation opportunities and defect reduction. * Apply working knowledge of PLC/HMI programming ... Implement process controls and data monitoring methodologies to increase equipment reliability and ...

VIVA USA INC

Senior Controls Engineer

Mount Bethel, PA · On-site

$90K - $119K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer will be responsible for applying engineering principles independently ... The Engineer will have deep and broad competency in process automation of chemical plants using DCS ...

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Automation Controls Engineer information

See Bethlehem, PA salary details

$45.5K

$97K

$138.8K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Bethlehem, PA is $97,016.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $109,200.00 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.

More about Automation Controls Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Bethlehem, PA? For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Bethlehem, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Bethlehem, PA are hiring for Automation Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Bethlehem, PA with the most Automation Controls Engineer job openings:
Automation Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in Bethlehem, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,016 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Controls & Automation Engineer

Clemens Food Group

Hatfield, PA • On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Clemens Food Group rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

272nd of 435 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Controls & Automation Engineer
Location: Onsite | Hatfield, PA
Travel: Up to 10% to support other facilities
About Clemens Food Group
For more than 125 years, Clemens Food Group has been guided by a simple principle: do the right thing. As a family-owned, fully integrated food company, we operate across the entire supply chain-from raising livestock to delivering finished products. We combine tradition with innovation to produce quality food while creating opportunities for our people to grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact.
Controls & Automation Engineer
As a Controls & Automation Engineer at Clemens Food Group, you'll design, program, commission, and optimize the automation systems that keep our manufacturing operations running safely and efficiently. You'll lead controls projects from concept through startup, develop PLC and HMI applications, integrate drives, motion control, and automated equipment, and provide advanced troubleshooting support for complex production systems. Working alongside Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations, you'll improve equipment reliability, increase system performance, and help shape the future of automation across our facilities.
What You'll Do
  • Design, program, test, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems supporting manufacturing operations.
  • Develop and support automation solutions including Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs, VFDs, servo systems, motion control, and robotics.
  • Lead small to medium-sized controls and automation projects from design through startup and commissioning.
  • Support data acquisition systems and manufacturing automation technologies.
  • Maintain electrical drawings, PLC/HMI documentation, backups, and version control.
  • Perform root cause analysis to resolve equipment and automation issues while improving system reliability.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, vendors, and contractors to implement automation improvements.
  • Train and mentor Maintenance and Production team members on automation systems and troubleshooting best practices.
  • Recommend and implement improvements that increase equipment reliability, safety, and production performance.

What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field.
  • Approximately 10 years of experience working with industrial controls, automation systems, and computerized manufacturing environments.
  • Strong experience with PLC programming, HMI development, motion control, VFDs, servo systems, robotics, and SCADA.
  • Experience with Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens automation platforms.
  • Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and control drawings.
  • Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience managing multiple projects while supporting daily manufacturing operations.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across Engineering, Maintenance, and Production teams.
  • Experience in food manufacturing or other high-speed manufacturing environments is a plus.

Agency Statement
Clemens Food Group does not accept unsolicited resumes from search or staffing firms. All resumes submitted by search or staffing firms to any employee at Clemens Food Group via email, the Internet, or directly without a valid written search agreement for this role, and without having been asked to participate in this by Talent Acquisition, will be deemed the sole property of Clemens Food Group, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired. Firms not authorized to submit candidates will not be eligible for any fee or ownership claim.
Disclaimer & EEOC Statement:
It is the policy of Clemens Food Group to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. All employees are subject to a pre-employment screening process including a background check and drug screen. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to your recruiter.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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