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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Hickory, NC

AUTEC

Controls Engineer

Statesville, NC · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Bachelor's degree in electrical, Controls, or Automation Engineering preferred; Associate degree ... with relevant experience will be considered. * Technical Skills: Hands-on experience in PLC ...

Corning

Senior Engineer, Controls

Hickory, NC

$86K - $114K/yr

... Controls in Corning, NY . This is a full-time onsite role that typically works Monday-Friday, 40 ... If you're an automation engineer ready to move beyond single-site maintenance work and get hands-on ...

Corning

Controls Engineer

Newton, NC

$78K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

It requires advanced technical leadership in troubleshooting complex automation issues, integrating ... the controls engineering scope of process improvement, capital expansion, and obsolescence ...

Corning

Controls Engineer

Newton, NC · On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

It requires advanced technical leadership in troubleshooting complex automation issues, integrating ... the controls engineering scope of process improvement, capital expansion, and obsolescence ...

Corning

Controls Engineer

Newton, NC · On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

It requires advanced technical leadership in troubleshooting complex automation issues, integrating ... Mentor and train junior controls engineers Manage the controls engineering scope of process ...

HEXPOL

Corporate Controls Engineer

Statesville, NC

$74K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

US-North Carolina-Statesville HEXPOL is hiring for a Corporate Controls Engineer to join our technical team and provide hands-on automation and controls support across all U.S.-based rubber mixing ...

HEXPOL

Corporate Controls Engineer

Statesville, NC · On-site

$95 - $140/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Location US-North Carolina-Statesville Overview HEXPOL is hiring for a Corporate Controls Engineer to join our technical team and provide hands‑on automation and controls support across all U.S ...

Aampower

Electrical Controls Engineer

Newton, NC · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

Job Posting Title Electrical Controls Engineer Summary Dauch is seeking an Electrical Controls ... They bring a strong technical background in industrial automation, along with a proactive ...

HEXPOL

Corporate Controls Engineer

Statesville, NC · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

LocationUS-North Carolina-StatesvilleOverview HEXPOL is hiring for a Corporate Controls Engineer to join our technical team and provide hands-on automation and controls support across all U.S.-based ...

HEXPOL

Corporate Controls Engineer

Statesville, NC · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Location US-North Carolina-Statesville Overview HEXPOL is hiring for a Corporate Controls Engineer to join our technical team and provide hands-on automation and controls support across all U.S ...

Corning

Sr. Controls Engineer

Hickory, NC

$105K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead end-to-end automation projects from concept through commissioning and production start-up ... engineers and technicians in controls and system design, and collaborate cross-functionally with ...

Corning

Controls Engineer III

Hickory, NC · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

It requires advanced technical leadership in troubleshooting complex automation issues, integrating ... the controls engineering scope of process improvement, capital expansion, and obsolescence ...

Corning

Controls Engineer III

Newton, NC · On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

It requires advanced technical leadership in troubleshooting complex automation issues, integrating ... the controls engineering scope of process improvement, capital expansion, and obsolescence ...

Daniels Health

Senior Controls Engineer

Bessemer City, NC · Hybrid

$125K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

If you enjoy complex automation challenges and want your work to have meaningful impact across ... a controls or automation engineering role * Strong PLC and HMI programming experience with ...

Corning

Controls Engineer III

Hickory, NC · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

It requires advanced technical leadership in troubleshooting complex automation issues, integrating ... the controls engineering scope of process improvement, capital expansion, and obsolescence ...

Corning

Controls Engineer III

Hickory, NC · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

It requires advanced technical leadership in troubleshooting complex automation issues, integrating ... Mentor and train junior controls engineers Manage the controls engineering scope of process ...

Corning

Controls Engineer III

Hickory, NC · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

It requires advanced technical leadership in troubleshooting complex automation issues, integrating ... Mentor and train junior controls engineers Manage the controls engineering scope of process ...

Corning

Controls Engineer III

Newton, NC

$73K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

It requires advanced technical leadership in troubleshooting complex automation issues, integrating ... Mentor and train junior controls engineers Manage the controls engineering scope of process ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAutomation Controls Engineer JobsAutomation Controls Engineer Jobs in Hickory, NC

Automation Controls Engineer information

See Hickory, NC salary details

$41.2K

$87.9K

$125.8K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Hickory, NC is $87,909.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,800.00 and $98,900.00 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

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The top searched job categories for Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Hickory, NC are:

What cities near Hickory, NC are hiring for Automation Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Hickory, NC with the most Automation Controls Engineer job openings:

Automation Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in Hickory, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,909 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Controls Engineer

AUTEC

Statesville, NC • On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Controls Engineer to join our engineering team at AUTEC Car Wash Systems. This role is responsible for the design, development, and support of control systems that power our automated car wash equipment. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in PLC programming, control system design, and industrial automation, with the ability to collaborate across teams to deliver innovative and reliable solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Design, program, and test control systems using PLCs, relays, timers, and other industrial automation components.
  • Create and maintain accurate engineering documentation, including schematics, layout drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), product manuals, and technical bulletins.
  • Develop test procedures and tools to validate product performance and ensure reliability.
  • Support production and field technicians by troubleshooting control system issues.
  • Collaborate with software engineers on PLC logic and HMI development.
  • Research and implement cost-effective, innovative control solutions to enhance product performance.
  • Create and deliver technical training materials for internal teams and customers.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (NEC, UL 508A, OSHA, NFPA).
  • Occasionally travel (<10%) to customer sites for equipment installation, troubleshooting, or training.

Qualifications

  • Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Controls, or Automation Engineering preferred; Associate degree with relevant experience will be considered.
  • Technical Skills: Hands-on experience in PLC programming (Siemens, Mitsubishi, GE) and ladder logic; proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical or SOLIDWORKS Electrical, and Microsoft Office tools.
  • Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with SAP, NEC/NFPA standards, and UL 508A requirements; experience with VFDs, servo systems, motion control, pneumatics, hydraulics, and wire harness design.
  • Other Skills: Strong troubleshooting ability, organizational skills, and effective communication.

Physical Demands

  • Regularly required to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
  • Frequently required to stand, sit, reach with arms, talk, and hear.
  • Occasionally required to walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 lbs, frequently up to 25 lbs, and occasionally up to 50 lbs.
  • Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role