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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

ADDiTEC

R&D Controls Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

If you have a solid controls or automation foundation and the self-motivation to learn new systems ... Hands-on PLC programming experience (Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, or similar industrial ...

ADDiTEC

Electrical Controls Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$72K - $96K/yr

We are seeking a versatile and motivated Electrical Controls Engineer to join our team developing ... Experience with multi-axis motion control systems and real-time automation * Ability to read ...

Eaton

Sr. Controls Engineer

Middlesex, NC · On-site

$97K - $143K/yr

Eaton's Aerospace Division is currently seeking a Sr. Controls Engineer to join our team. This ... automation projects / Capex Projects • PLC programming standards / error proofing strategy ...

Actalent

Controls Systems Engineer

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$39 - $45/hr

Controls Systems Engineer This role involves working on data center building automation with the ... Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols. * Troubleshoot and remediate ...

Amazon

Automation Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

As an Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and ...

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

Automation Controls Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$44.7K

$95.4K

$136.6K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Raleigh, NC is $95,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,200.00 and $107,400.00 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
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What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Automation Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Automation Controls Engineer job openings:
Automation Controls Engineer jobs near you
R&D Controls Engineer

R&D Controls Engineer

ADDiTEC

Durham, NC • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

About the Role
We are seeking a driven and curious R&D Controls Engineer to join our team developing next-generation metal additive manufacturing systems, including Liquid Metal Jetting (LMJ) and Laser-Assisted Directed Energy Deposition (DED) 3D printers.
You'll work at the intersection of laser physics, thermal control, CNC/PLC programming, and real-time systems. The role involves designing control architectures that coordinate sensors and actuators at interpolation cycle rates, developing advanced waveform generation for electromagnetic coil drivers, and collaborating with an external automation integrator (similar to a CSI-type relationship) to push the Siemens Sinumerik platform for additive manufacturing R&D.
We value mindset over checkbox credentials. If you have a solid controls or automation foundation and the self-motivation to learn new systems quickly, this role will give you the opportunity to work on problems that very few teams in the world are tackling.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and tune closed-loop control systems for real-time thermal management during metal additive manufacturing.
  • Develop PLC logic and CNC synchronized actions for coordinating printing.
  • Implement PID and advanced control strategies (feedforward, adaptive gain scheduling).
  • Architect and configure CNC/PLC analog and digital I/O for integrating sensors (pyrometers, thermocouples) and actuators (laser power supplies, shutters, micro-motor pyrometer steering)
  • Develop and validate control algorithms that adapt to varying print speeds, toolpath geometries, and thermal conditions
  • Develop advanced waveform generation for electromagnetic coil drivers including sub-thresholding pulse patterns, variable pulse widths, and complex frequency profiles using the Prio card or equivalent hardware
  • Collaborate with the print optimization and path planning team to ensure control strategies align with toolpath direction, speed profiles, and feature-type transitions
  • Serve as the internal bridge to automation integrators and Siemens support for CNC/PLC platform issues
  • Instrument and characterize system dynamics measure plant transfer functions, identify thermal time constants, and size controller bandwidth accordingly
  • Support machine commissioning, integration testing, and design-of-experiments for process development
  • Maintain rigorous documentation of control architectures, tuning parameters, commissioning procedures, and test results
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engineering with controls focus (or equivalent demonstrated experience)
  • 2+ years of experience designing and implementing closed-loop control systems in industrial or R&D environments
  • Strong foundation in classical control theory: PID tuning, stability analysis, frequency response, and system identification
  • Hands-on PLC programming experience (Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, or similar industrial automation platforms)
  • Experience with real-time sensor integration (pyrometers, thermocouples, photodiodes, or similar high-speed analog instrumentation)
  • Experience configuring and commissioning industrial motion control systems (multi-axis CNC, servo drives, or motion controllers)
  • Ability to read, develop, and troubleshoot electrical schematics and control panel wiring
  • Proficiency with at least one industrial communication protocol (EtherCAT, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP)
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Siemens Sinumerik CNC systems synchronized actions ($A_INA, $A_OUTA, WHENEVER/DO), structured text, machine data configuration
  • Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT or similar real-time platforms
  • Familiarity with laser systems power modulation, analog control interfaces, safety interlocks
  • Experience with non-contact temperature measurement (pyrometry) including spectral filtering and emissivity considerations
  • Background in thermal process control (welding, heat treatment, laser processing, or additive manufacturing)
  • Knowledge of advanced control methods: feedforward compensation, Smith predictors for transport delay, gain scheduling, or model-predictive control
  • Electronics design experience particularly H-bridge circuits, high-current motor drivers, or power electronics
  • FPGA or microcontroller programming for custom waveform generation or high-speed signal processing
  • Familiarity with G-code/CNC part program structure and post-processor development
  • Experience with machine safety systems (STO, SS1, SLS) and relevant standards (IEC 62443, ISO 13849)
Mindset & Attributes (What Matters Most)
  • Curious and self-motivated the kind of engineer who hangs around, asks questions, and tries to figure things out without being told. This is the #1 trait we're looking for
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset able to diagnose issues across mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software domains simultaneously
  • Self-directed and resourceful in an R&D environment where requirements evolve and solutions aren't predefined
  • Comfortable iterating rapidly: prototype control logic, test on hardware, analyze data, refine
  • Clear communicator who can explain control system behavior to mechanical engineers, process engineers, and leadership
  • Collaborative and low-ego willing to support builds, run experiments, and do hands-on work alongside design work
  • Comfortable working with external vendors and automation integrators as technical counterpart
  • Detail-oriented with a systems-level perspective understands how a control loop interacts with toolpath planning, thermal physics, and part quality
What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge metal additive manufacturing technology at the frontier of closed-loop process control
  • Direct impact on product development your control systems directly determine print quality and material properties
  • A collaborative, low-ego team environment focused on innovation and execution
  • Exposure to multidisciplinary challenges spanning controls, laser physics, materials science, and CNC systems
  • A culture that values curiosity, initiative, and continuous improvement
Even if you don't meet every qualification listed above, we strongly encourage you to apply. We'relooking for engineers with the right mindset people who are curious, self-driven, and excited to learn. If you have a solid technical foundation and the motivation to push boundaries, our team will provide the guidance and resources to get you up to speed quickly. The right attitude and aptitude matter far more than checking every box.