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Automation Controls Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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This position reports directly to and works closely with the Automation & Controls Manager. Key Responsibilities * Traveling to customers' facilities to set up and commissioning control systems to ...

Be Seen First

This position reports directly to and works closely with the Automation & Controls Manager. Key Responsibilities * Design and develop electrical systems and instrumentation packages for industrial ...

$120K - $140K/yr

This leadership role is responsible for overseeing automation and controls systems, implementing new technologies, and managing a team of automation and maintenance technicians to ensure reliable ...

Controls Manager

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Controls Manager Position Overview As a Controls Manager at a Modigent operating company, you will ... You will set the strategy for the automation team, oversee project execution, service delivery ...

Controls Manager

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Controls Manager Position Overview As a Controls Manager at a Modigent operating company, you will ... You will set the strategy for the automation team, oversee project execution, service delivery ...

$61K - $81K/yr

Work directly with customers, project managers, engineers, technicians, and other project team ... Troubleshoot and resolve automation, controls, and electrical system issues both remotely and at ...

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$78K - $103K/yr

This leadership role is responsible for overseeing automation and controls systems, implementing new technologies, and managing a team of automation and maintenance technicians to ensure reliable ...

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Automation Controls Manager information

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$31K

$116.6K

$169.5K

How much do automation controls manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls manager in the United States is $116,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation controls manager?

Automation Controls Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated control systems within manufacturing or industrial environments. They manage teams of engineers and technicians, ensure that control systems operate efficiently and safely, and coordinate improvements to increase productivity. Typically, they also work on troubleshooting and upgrading control hardware and software, while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Their role is crucial in optimizing automated processes and minimizing downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation controls manager?

To thrive as an Automation Controls Manager, you need expertise in control systems engineering, PLC programming, industrial automation, and typically a bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI software, industry-standard PLCs (such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens), and relevant certifications like ISA CAP are essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills help manage teams and facilitate cross-departmental collaboration. These competencies ensure the reliable design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems that drive operational efficiency and safety.

What are some common challenges faced by automation controls managers when overseeing multidisciplinary teams?

Automation Controls Managers often coordinate between engineering, IT, and operations departments, which can present challenges in aligning priorities and communication styles. Managing projects that involve both hardware and software components requires strong organizational skills and the ability to translate technical requirements across disciplines. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly evolving automation technologies while ensuring team members receive proper training is a key aspect of the role. Successful managers foster collaboration by promoting open communication and cross-functional problem-solving.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Manager vs Automation Technician?

AspectAutomation Controls ManagerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP)Associate degree or technical diploma, certifications like Siemens or Allen-Bradley technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees automation projects, manages teams, coordinates with engineering and managementPerforms hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automation systems
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, industrial facilities, and large-scale automation settingsCommon in factories, plants, and maintenance departments

The Automation Controls Manager focuses on overseeing automation projects and managing teams, requiring higher-level credentials and strategic responsibilities. In contrast, the Automation Technician handles the technical installation and maintenance tasks. Both roles are essential in automation environments but differ in scope and seniority.

What do Automation Controls Managers get paid?

Automation Controls Managers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often require knowledge of PLC programming, control systems, and relevant certifications, which can influence compensation levels.
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Cities with the most Automation Controls Manager job openings:

What states have the most Automation Controls Manager jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Manager jobs?

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Infographic showing various Automation Controls Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,607 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Automation & Controls Manager

Fairfield, AL • On-site

United States Steel Corporation
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$80K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


United States Steel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


We are seeking a results-driven Electrical & Controls Project Manager to lead the delivery of electrical, automation, and process control projects within our steel manufacturing operations. This role demands deep technical expertise in electrical engineering, industrial automation, and process control combined with strong leadership and project management skills. The candidate will ensure all designs meet applicable industry codes and USS engineering standards, manage both standalone controls/electrical projects and E&C scopes within larger capital investments, and lead diverse teams of internal personnel-process control, IT, and networking-alongside external contractors, OEMs, and system integrators.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Planning
  • Champion a Safety First culture across all project phases-planning, design, execution, and commissioning.
  • Lead electrical, automation, and process control capital projects from feasibility through closeout, ensuring alignment with business objectives, budgets, schedules, and USS engineering standards.
  • Manage both standalone E&C projects and electrical/automation scopes within larger capital investments (e.g., new processing lines, rolling mill upgrades).
  • Form and lead cross-functional teams including internal process control, IT, and networking personnel as well as automation contractors, OEMs, and electrical contractors.
  • Develop scopes of work, cost/benefit analyses, and capital appropriation requests; present to plant and corporate management.
Technical Oversight & Standards Compliance
  • Provide technical leadership in electrical engineering, industrial automation, PLC/DCS/SCADA systems, HMI platforms, MCCs, VFDs, and instrumentation design and implementation.
  • Direct and approve electrical designs, control system architectures, specifications, and drawings-ensuring strict compliance with NEC, NFPA 70E, IEC 61511/62443, and USS engineering and design standards.
  • Lead AI implementation initiatives on process control and automation projects; drive design-for-AI-capability to ensure systems are architected to support machine learning, predictive analytics, and intelligent process optimization.
  • Manage OEM and contractor deliverables including functional design specs, software development, FAT, and SAT.
  • Incorporate cybersecurity, network segmentation, and IT/OT integration requirements into control system designs per USS and industry standards.
Contractor, Vendor & Stakeholder Management
  • Manage external automation and electrical contractors, OEMs, system integrators, and engineering firms through all project phases, including scope definition, hold points, inspection, and acceptance.
  • Coordinate internal process control, IT, and plant networking teams to ensure seamless integration with existing plant infrastructure.
  • Engage stakeholders across operations, maintenance, procurement, finance, and EHS to align on objectives, priorities, and execution strategies.
Execution, Commissioning & Financial Control
  • Manage project risks, monitor equipment delivery schedules, and oversee commissioning, start-up, and acceptance testing of electrical and control systems, including operator and maintenance training.
  • Execute projects on brownfield sites within active steel facilities with minimal production impact.
  • Develop and maintain detailed project schedules (MS Project, Primavera); track costs, control budgets, and manage scope change.
  • Develop and implement project safety plans with emphasis on electrical safety, arc flash mitigation, and LOTO procedures.

Qualifications & Experience
Required
  • A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field is preferred, though equivalent technical training and applicable experience will be considered in its place.
  • 7-10 years of project management experience in industrial electrical, automation, and process control, preferably in steel or heavy industrial manufacturing.
  • Proven expertise with PLC/DCS/SCADA systems, HMI platforms, MCCs, VFDs, and industrial instrumentation.
  • Demonstrated experience managing external contractors, OEMs, and system integrators alongside internal IT and networking teams.
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, and IEC 61511/62443 standards; familiarity with USS engineering design standards (or equivalent corporate standards in steel/heavy industry).
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and multi-project management skills.
  • Military technical experience is a plus
Preferred
  • Steel industry or heavy metals manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
  • Exposure to AI/ML applications in industrial automation, predictive maintenance, or process optimization.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, MS Project, or Primavera.
  • NFPA 70E Arc Flash, OSHA 10/30-Hour, and/or PMP certification.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.

What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Opportunity to lead high-impact automation and electrical capital projects in a dynamic steel manufacturing environment.
  • Professional growth and advancement within a collaborative engineering organization.

Company Overview
Since 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.
Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.
We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:
  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies® 2022, '23, '24
  • Disability: IN's Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 2021, '22, '23, '24
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equality 100 Award 2020, '21, '22, '23-24, '25
  • Military Times' Best for Vets: Employers 2023, '24

Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel's success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company's success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit www.ussteel.com/CANotice regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.)
Competency Summary
At U. S. Steel all employees are expected to display the following core competencies every day to advance corporate, team and individual goals:
Think: Think Critically and Drive Change
Lead: Develop Talent and Collaborate
Do: Empower Performance and Deliver Results

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