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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Springdale, AR

Garver

Automation Specialist

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

Developing PLC programming logic and SCADA HMI graphic screens for automation of water and ... Technically competent in controls, instrumentation, and automation and process control systems

Garver

Automation Specialist

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

Developing PLC programming logic and SCADA HMI graphic screens for automation of water and ... Technically competent in controls, instrumentation, and automation and process control systems

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All JobsAutomation Controls Engineer JobsAutomation Controls Engineer Jobs in Springdale, AR

Automation Controls Engineer information

See Springdale, AR salary details

$40.7K

$86.8K

$124.3K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Springdale, AR is $86,830.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,800.00 and $97,700.00 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 cities near Springdale, AR are hiring for Automation Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Springdale, AR with the most Automation Controls Engineer job openings:
Automation Controls Engineer jobs near you
Senior Director, Material Handling Equipment Controls (MHE)

Senior Director, Material Handling Equipment Controls (MHE)

Walmart

Decatur, AR • On-site

$130K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Walmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 21,882 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

Position Summary...About Supply Chain Acceleration Support
Supply Chain Acceleration Support enables faster, more reliable fulfillment by scaling automation capabilities and standardizing how we deploy, operate, and continuously improve them. We partner across Engineering, Technology, Operations, Security, and integrators to translate strategy into execution—building repeatable platforms, governance, and performance disciplines.
Role summary
The Senior Director, MHE Controls is the enterprise leader accountable for the controls strategy that powers Walmart’s automated material handling network. This role sets the long-range vision, architecture direction, and governance model for controls/communication platforms (PLC/IPC/SCADA and adjacent industrial software) across fulfillment and distribution facilities.
You will define how controls capabilities are standardized, secured, measured, and evolved—ensuring controls systems are resilient, scalable, and interoperable as Walmart expands automation. Success is measured through enterprise outcomes: availability, throughput, recovery speed, and the ability to deploy new automation capabilities faster and more consistently across the network.What you'll do...
  • Set enterprise controls strategy and roadmap: Establish the multi-year controls platform strategy aligned to Supply Chain automation priorities, including resource needs, standardization, modernization, and lifecycle management.
  • Define architecture and operating model: Create and govern reference architectures, integration patterns, and platform guardrails for controls ecosystems across sites—balancing reliability, flexibility, and speed to deploy.
  • Build governance and standards at scale: Own enterprise standards for controls engineering, documentation, change management, commissioning, and sustainment; ensure consistent adoption across programs and facilities.
  • Drive performance management and reliability outcomes: Establish the enterprise KPI framework (availability, throughput, MTTR/MTTRS/MTBI, fault recurrence) and the mechanisms to improve performance through disciplined problem management and continuous improvement.
  • Enable observability and data-driven optimization: Sponsor telemetry and diagnostics strategy for controls systems to improve detection, prediction, and prevention of failures; ensure performance insights translate into repeatable improvements.
  • Lead enterprise incident and risk management: Direct cross-site response and remediation for high-severity controls events; institutionalize root cause learning, corrective actions, and systemic prevention.
  • Shape the ecosystem and partnerships: Set the enterprise approach to integrators, OEMs, and technology partners—defining selection criteria, performance expectations, and scalable delivery models.
  • Influence investment and portfolio decisions: Guide capital and operating investment priorities for controls platforms and modernization, ensuring ROI, resilience, and long-term maintainability.
  • Develop enterprise talent and capability: Build a high-performing controls engineering leadership bench; define capability standards, training pathways, and succession for a multi-site organization.
What you’ll bring...
  • Enterprise leadership in industrial controls: Senior leadership experience setting direction for controls engineering in large-scale automation environments (material handling, logistics, manufacturing, or similar).
  • Controls platform and architecture expertise: Deep knowledge of PLC/SCADA ecosystems, controls integration patterns, and how to standardize platforms across heterogeneous sites and vendors.
  • Reliability and performance discipline: Demonstrated ability to improve availability and throughput through KPI-driven operating rhythms, structured problem management, and scalable corrective action programs.
  • Ecosystem and vendor governance: Proven ability to lead complex integrator/OEM landscapes with clear standards, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
  • Executive influence and cross-functional leadership: Ability to align Engineering, Technology, Operations, Security, and Legal around enterprise guardrails and shared outcomes.
Key outcomes (how success is measured)
  • Controls strategy and resource needs defined and deployed
  • Controls platform standardization adoption across the network
  • Improved availability, throughput, and recovery performance at enterprise scale
  • Faster, more repeatable deployment of automation capabilities across sites
At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable. For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices. Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $260,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
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Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Option 1: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or related area and 7 years’ experience in controls engineering, automation, or MHE systems.
Option 2: 9 years’ experience in controls engineering, automation, or large-scale MHE environments.
Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Demonstrated experience establishing enterprise controls standards and governance frameworks., Experience leading enterprise-wide automation programs with direct capital accountability., Master’s degree in a technical or engineering discipline., Proven leadership of cross-functional engineering and analytics teams at scale.Primary Location...805 Respect, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of AmericaWalmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

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About Walmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

From our humble beginnings as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Ark., Walmart has opened thousands of stores in the U.S. and expanded internationally. Through innovation, we're creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs in 19 countries and eCommerce websites. We employ 2.1 million associates around the world — nearly 1.6 million in the U.S. alone.

Industry

Retail and transportation and warehousing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bentonville, AR, US

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