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Automation Controls Programmer Jobs in Athens, GA

Landmark Properties

Microsoft Fabric Data Engineer

Athens, GA · On-site

$110K - $132K/yr

Develop secure and reliable data models that support role-based access controls, governance ... Utilize automation and AI-assisted development tools responsibly to improve productivity while ...

Landmark Properties

Microsoft Fabric Data Engineer

Athens, GA · On-site

$110K - $132K/yr

Develop secure and reliable data models that support role-based access controls, governance ... Utilize automation and AI-assisted development tools responsibly to improve productivity while ...

Scorpion Therapeutics

Sr. Plant Engineer

Social Circle, GA · On-site

$89K - $141K/yr

Partner cross-functionally (Manufacturing, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Automation, Validation ... Support commissioning/qualification/validation, change controls, SOPs, P&IDs, and technical ...

SP Associates

Maintenance Manager -1473

Athens, GA · On-site

Provide hands-on technical leadership for electrical, mechanical, automation, and controls-related ... Ability to work effectively across Production, Engineering, Management, and outside vendors.

SP Associates

Maintenance Manager -1473

Athens, GA · On-site

Provide hands-on technical leadership for electrical, mechanical, automation, and controls-related ... Ability to work effectively across Production, Engineering, Management, and outside vendors.

SP Associates

Maintenance Manager -1473

Athens, GA · On-site

Provide hands-on technical leadership for electrical, mechanical, automation, and controls-related ... Ability to work effectively across Production, Engineering, Management, and outside vendors.

IPME Corp

Commissioning Technician

Jefferson, GA · On-site

$35 - $65/hr

Troubleshoot electrical power, control, communication, and automation-related issues. * Test motors ... Support equipment vendors, controls engineers, installation teams, and customer personnel during ...

IPME Corp

Commissioning Technician

Jefferson, GA · On-site

$35 - $65/hr

Troubleshoot electrical power, control, communication, and automation-related issues. * Test motors ... Support equipment vendors, controls engineers, installation teams, and customer personnel during ...

SP Associates

Maintenance Manager -1473

Athens, GA · On-site

... controls, automation, and manufacturing equipment, along with the leadership skills needed to ... The Maintenance Manager will work closely with Plant Management, Engineering, Production, and other ...

Proctor & Gamble

Engineering Manager

Greensboro, GA

Lead the Future of Engineering at P&G - From Day 1 Are you a highly motivated and innovative ... Intelligent Controls & Automation (ICA): Lead design, development, and implementation of complex ...

Cargill

Platform Engineering Manager

Flowery Branch, GA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... automation Key Accountabilities * Lead the development of resilient AI services that protects ... Assess AI security risks, automate security controls, and support the Incident Response team while ...

ABB

Senior Project Engineer

Athens, GA · Remote

$101K - $132K/yr

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Automation, or related field (or equivalent work ... Hands-on knowledge of generator controls and protection relays. * Experience in customer-facing ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAutomation Controls Programmer JobsAutomation Controls Programmer Jobs in Athens, GA

Automation Controls Programmer information

See Athens, GA salary details

$39.1K

$77.9K

$108.1K

How much do automation controls programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls programmer in Athens, GA is $77,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,700.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 near Athens, GA are hiring for Automation Controls Programmer jobs?

Cities near Athens, GA with the most Automation Controls Programmer job openings:

Automation Controls Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Programmer job openings in Athens, GA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,888 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Mechanical Systems Engineer

Gainesville, GA • On-site

Cantrell Gainco Group, Inc.
See more jobs at Cantrell Gainco Group, Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The Mechanical Systems Engineer is responsible for the mechanical design, analysis, development, testing and life-cycle support of machinery and equipment. This role owns the complete mechanical design of mechanical equipment, robotic cells, and automated manufacturing systems, including end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), fixtures, guarding, support structures, and integration with conveyors, actuators, and ancillary automation. The role is also responsible for supporting transfer to manufacturing. The engineer collaborates closely with controls, robotics, manufacturing, and field-service teams to ensure the equipment meets performance, reliability, maintainability, safety, and cost objectives.
The role is also required to support in-house and field testing, installation, startup, commissioning, problem-solving, and troubleshooting at customer sites, as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Design
  • Design and develop integrated electromechanical systems
  • Create detailed 3D CAD models and production drawings for equipment, EOAT, frames, tooling, and guarding.
  • Apply hygienic design principles for wash-down, food contact, and sanitary environments.
  • Ensure proper motion design and integration including clearance and service access.
  • Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, safety, and regulatory requirements.
  • Produce BOMs, routings, change documentation, maintenance procedures, and build instructions.
  • Create, develop and maintain system documentation including equipment manuals and videos, technical data, part information, and as-build and as-fielded technical data sets.

Integration & Collaboration
  • Work closely with robotics and controls engineers on motion planning constraints, EOAT requirements, and simulation-driven layout decisions.
  • Incorporate sensors, pneumatics, cabling, dress packs, and safety devices into the mechanical design.

Engineering Analysis & Validation
  • Perform structural, dynamic, motion, and tolerance analyses (FEA, mechanism analysis, DFMEA, PFMEA) applying both theoretical and practical design principles.
  • Conduct design reviews, Design for X (Manufacturability, Assembly, Installation, Maintainability, etc.) reviews, and seek cross organizational input to designs.

Testing, Validation & Commissioning
  • Develop and execute test plans for prototypes, subsystems, and full systems to verify performance and compliance
  • Support prototype builds, system bring-up, and validation activities in lab and production environments
  • Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), field commissioning, site acceptance and life testing, and system startup
  • Document results, identify issues, and drive corrective actions to closure

Troubleshooting & Product Support
  • Diagnose and resolve issues in electromechanical systems during development, production, and field operation
  • Provide technical support to manufacturing, service, and customer teams
  • Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions
  • Support ongoing product maintenance, upgrades, and sustaining engineering activities

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver product solutions
  • Drive improvements in system performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost
  • Contribute to engineering standards, best practices, and documentation processes

Field Support
  • Provide on-site installation and commissioning support for robotic equipment.
  • Assist with root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar program from an ABET accredited program
  • 3 years' experience in the design of equipment and machinery.
  • 3 years' experience using Solidworks or Inventor in a professional environment
  • Experience troubleshooting machine applications in production environments
  • Strong documentation and cross-functional collaboration skills

Additional Qualifications
  • Experience in food or sanitary equipment environments
  • Ability to work collaboratively and execute tasks autonomously with transparency and integrity, incorporating multiple sources of input and aligning with consensus direction.
  • Excellent English language communication (oral, written, and listening) and interpersonal skills.
  • Team-oriented; able to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
  • Strong research and analytical skills for investigating project-related issues and innovations.
  • Able to troubleshoot, solve problems and quickly recommend solutions.
  • Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
  • Able to travel 25% of the time.

The responsibilities are not to be considered exhaustive. Other responsibilities will be applied to the role as needed.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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