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Automation Controls Programmer Jobs in Massachusetts

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to support automation, controls, instrumentation, and manufacturing systems within a GMP biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role will ...

Controls Engineer Intern

Springfield, MA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Description As a design/build engineering firm and general contractor that designs and builds food and beverage processing facilities, Dennis Group's Automation & Controls Engineers work closely with ...

Controls Engineer Intern

Springfield, MA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

As a design/build engineering firm and general contractor that designs and builds food and beverage processing facilities, Dennis Group's Automation & Controls Engineers work closely with our process ...

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Automation Controls Programmer information

What is an automation controls programmer?

Automation Controls Programmers are professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems that automate machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities. They typically work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and various sensors and actuators to ensure systems run efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting, testing, and optimizing automated systems to improve productivity and reduce downtime. These specialists play a crucial role in modernizing production lines and ensuring operational excellence.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an automation controls programmer?

To thrive as an Automation Controls Programmer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, PLC programming, and control systems, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Proficiency with PLC platforms (such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens), HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networking protocols is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for addressing complex automation challenges and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing reliable automated systems that maximize productivity, efficiency, and safety in manufacturing or industrial environments.

What are common challenges faced by automation controls programmers during project implementation?

Automation Controls Programmers often encounter challenges such as integrating new control systems with legacy equipment, troubleshooting unexpected communication issues between devices, and managing tight project deadlines. They also need to ensure that safety standards are met while optimizing system efficiency. Strong collaboration with mechanical engineers, electricians, and project managers is crucial to address these challenges and deliver successful automation solutions.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Programmer vs PLC Programmer?

AspectAutomation Controls ProgrammerPLC Programmer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering; certifications in control systems are commonOften requires similar technical degrees or certifications in PLC programming and automation
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, automation facilitiesManufacturing environments, automation projects, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, automation service providers, industrial plantsFactories, automation system integrators, industrial automation companies
Common Search & ComparisonAutomation Controls Programmer vs PLC Programmer

The main difference is that Automation Controls Programmers design and develop entire control systems, including hardware and software, while PLC Programmers focus specifically on programming PLCs used within those systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but Automation Controls Programmers typically have broader responsibilities in system integration and design.

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Automation Controls Programmer jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Automation Controls Programmer job openings:

Controls/Automation Engineer MPDE

Webster, MA • On-site

TE Connectivity Corporation
Engineering Professional Services • 10K+ employees

$86K - $114K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and deploy automated manufacturing systems, control architectures, robotics, machine vision solutions, and test platforms.

  • Develop and maintain control systems, PLC, servo motion control, robotics, and HMI software for manufacturing processes.

  • Integrate electrical hardware, sensors, actuators, robotics, and software controls into manufacturing solutions.


TE Connectivity rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 72 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Title: Controls/Automation Engineer MPDE

Posting Start Date: 8/25/26

At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.

Job Description:

Job Overview

Join TE Connectivity's innovative Digital Data Networks organization as an Automation & Controls Engineer and help develop the next generation of advanced optical connectivity systems powering AI, cloud computing, and hyperscale data center infrastructure.

Please note: operations are currently based at a temporary site in Webster, NY. The team will transition to a permanent Rochester location (near RIT) upon completion.

We are hiring Multiple Automation and Controls Engineers:

  • Staff 8-10 years of experience
  • Senior: 5- years of experience
  • Engineer II: 2-5 Years of experience

In this role, you will design, develop, and deploy automated manufacturing systems, control architectures, robotics, machine vision solutions, and advanced test platforms that enable the production of industry-leading optical connectivity products. You will work at the intersection of controls engineering, manufacturing automation, and product development to drive innovation, quality, and operational excellence.

Why This Role Matters

As AI applications drive unprecedented demand for bandwidth, reliability, and production scale, advanced manufacturing technologies have become critical to delivering next-generation optical interconnect solutions.

As an Automation & Controls Engineer, you will be instrumental in creating intelligent manufacturing systems that improve throughput, precision, quality, and scalability. Your work will directly influence TE's ability to deliver breakthrough technologies supporting the world's most demanding data center and networking environments.

Job Requirements

Automation & Controls Development

  • Automated Equipment Design
  • Design and develop control systems for automated assembly equipment, robotics, precision manufacturing cells, vision-guided systems, and custom production machinery.

PLC & Motion Control Programming

  • Develop and maintain PLC, servo motion control, robotics, and HMI software to enable safe, repeatable, and efficient manufacturing processes.

Machine Vision Integration

  • Implement and optimize machine vision systems for inspection, alignment, measurement, defect detection, and process monitoring applications.

System Integration

Integrate electrical hardware, sensors, actuators, robotics, industrial networks, safety systems, and software controls into robust manufacturing solutions.

Manufacturing Process Development

  • Prototype Equipment Development
  • Lead automation and controls development from concept through commissioning for new manufacturing processes and product introductions.

Process Optimization

  • Identify opportunities to improve cycle time, yield, uptime, and equipment effectiveness through controls enhancements and automation innovation.

Verification & Validation

  • Develop test plans, validation protocols, and commissioning procedures to ensure equipment performance, safety, reliability, and compliance.

Root Cause Analysis

Troubleshoot complex equipment and process issues using structured problem-solving methodologies and data-driven decision-making techniques.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Engineering Partnerships
  • Collaborate with mechanical, optical, manufacturing, quality, product development, and process engineering teams to develop integrated solutions.

Continuous Improvement

  • Support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence initiatives through automation, controls optimization, and process improvements.
  • Technical Documentation
  • Create and maintain electrical schematics, controls narratives, software documentation, equipment manuals, validation reports, SOPs, and engineering change records.
What your background should look like
  • BS or higher in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.

Experience

  • experience designing, programming, commissioning, or supporting industrial automation and controls systems.
  • Controls & Automation Expertise
  • Hands-on experience with PLC programming, motion control systems, robotics, machine vision, industrial networking, and automated manufacturing equipment.
  • Engineering Tools
  • Experience with automation and electrical design software, including controls development environments, electrical CAD platforms, mechanical CAD software, and industrial communication tools.

Core Technical Competencies

PLC Programming & Controls

  • Strong experience with industrial control systems, ladder logic, structured text, function block programming, and machine sequencing.

Motion Control & Robotics

  • Knowledge of servomotors, multi-axis motion systems, robotic automation, positioning systems, and coordinated machine control.

Industrial Networking

  • Experience with Ethernet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, Modbus, OPC-UA, and other industrial communication protocols.

Machine Vision

  • Understanding of vision-based inspection systems, smart cameras, image processing, and vision-guided automation.

Manufacturing Automation

  • Knowledge of automated assembly, process controls, equipment integration, production support, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Troubleshooting & System Integration

  • Ability to diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, software, mechanical, and process issues within complex manufacturing environments.

Safety Systems

  • Experience designing and implementing machine safety systems, risk assessments, safety PLCs, and safeguarding solutions in accordance with applicable standards.

Professional Skills

Problem Solving

Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to solve complex automation and manufacturing challenges.

  • Communication
  • Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts across multidisciplinary engineering teams and production organizations.

Project Management

  • Experience leading automation projects from concept through deployment while managing schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables.

Continuous Learning

  • Passion for emerging automation technologies, Industry 4.0 concepts, smart manufacturing systems, and advanced controls solutions.
Competencies

Values: Integrity, Accountability, Inclusion, Innovation, Teamwork

ABOUT TE CONNECTIVITY

TE Connectivity plc (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. As a trusted innovation partner, our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, energy networks, automated factories, data centers enabling artificial intelligence, and more.

COMPENSATION

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience:

  • Staff level Engineer: $124,700- $165,000 8-10 years (subject to change dependent on physical location)
  • Senior level Engineer: $102,700- $154,000 5- 8 years (subject to change dependent on physical location)
  • Engineer II: $82,000- $123,000 2-5 years (subject to change dependent on physical location)

Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. TE Connectivity reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualification of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.

Total Compensation = Base Salary + Incentive(s) + Benefits

BENEFITS

A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), disability, life insurance, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off and voluntary benefits.

EOE, Including Disability/Vets

Job Locations:

Posting City: WEBSTER

Job Country: United States

Travel Required: Less than 10%

Requisition ID: 158061

Workplace Type: Onsite

External Careers Page: Engineering & Technology

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What TE Connectivity employees say

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