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Automation Controls Programmer Jobs in Boston, MA

Rentschler

Automation & Controls Specialist

Milford, MA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

The Automation & Controls Specialist will report directly to the Manager, Plant Facilities. The ... Supporting engineering projects with technical expertise in automation, mechanical, and electrical

Rentschler

Automation & Controls Specialist

Milford, MA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

The Automation & Controls Specialist will report directly to the Manager, Plant Facilities. The ... Supporting engineering projects with technical expertise in automation, mechanical, and electrical

CDM Smith

Automation and Controls Specialist

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$90K - $119K/yr

CDM Smith is seeking an experienced Automation and Controls Specialist to join a great team of ... Programming, testing, and commissioning of SCADA systems which includes some, if not all of the ...

CDM Smith

Automation and Controls Specialist

Boston, MA · On-site

$90K - $119K/yr

CDM Smith is seeking an experienced Automation and Controls Specialist to join a great team of ... You will be responsible for designing and programming control systems for our Water/Wastewater ...

Lydian

Staff Controls & Automation Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Position Overview Lydian is hiring for a Staff Controls & Automation Engineer that will design, build, and own a state-of-the-art controls architecture for our novel chemical process. You will begin ...

Paper Converting Machine

Senior Controls Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer Who You'll Work With You will join one of our 45 offices in the US, be ... Develop automation solutions and participate in various phases of automation projects including ...

New

Methods Machine

Controls Engineer

Sudbury, MA · On-site

$43.16 - $55.89/hr

The Automation Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting the control systems that integrate CNC machine tools with a range of accessories and Fanuc robotic cells.

Methods Machine

Controls Engineer

Sudbury, MA · On-site

$87K - $112K/yr

The Automation Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting the control systems that integrate CNC machine tools with a range of accessories and Fanuc robotic cells.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAutomation Controls Programmer JobsAutomation Controls Programmer Jobs in Boston, MA

Automation Controls Programmer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$44K

$87.6K

$121.7K

How much do automation controls programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls programmer in Boston, MA is $87,634.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,900.00 and $100,500.00 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 Boston, MA are hiring for Automation Controls Programmer jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Automation Controls Programmer job openings:

Automation Controls Programmer jobs near you

New Technology Introduction Automation Controls Engineer , Global Central Reliability Team

Boston, MA

Amazon
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Amazonexternal

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead controls system design reviews for new automation and robotics technologies, identifying gaps and working with development teams to resolve them before deployment.

  • Define, maintain, and update control system standards, programming guidelines, and integration requirements based on new technology types and identified gaps.

  • Investigate control system failures, identify root causes, and drive solutions to prevent re-occurrence across the network.

Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,171 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Be the person who brings new automation to life. As an Automation Controls Engineer within the New Technology Introduction (NTI) team, you will be the primary controls subject matter expert for emerging automation and robotics - from autonomous mobile robots and robotic picking systems to next-generation sortation and material handling equipment. You'll identify where new control systems fall short of network standards, work with development teams to find solutions, and update requirements and standards to prevent issues from recurring across the network.

You will engage with engineering teams, vendors, and operations partners to represent RME requirements, provide input into revised designs, and evolve standards to keep pace with new technology types. You will balance operational needs with technical constraints, striving to develop robust control solutions while maintaining a strong focus on standards, scalability, and supportability. As the team scales, you'll have the opportunity to shape controls standards that become the baseline for our global network and mentor future team members.

You will be based in North America and travel to development sites across NA, with international travel as needed.
Key job responsibilities
What you'll do:
Lead controls system design reviews for new automation and robotics technologies, identifying gaps against network standards and working with development teams to resolve them before deployment.
Define and maintain control system standards, programming guidelines, and integration requirements - updating them as new technology types reveal gaps.
Evaluate PLC, HMI, and SCADA implementations against network standards and safety requirements, providing RME input and recommending where standards need to evolve.
Partner with engineering teams, vendors, and stakeholders to represent RME control system requirements during design, pilot, and full-scale rollout phases.
Review electrical schematics, control panel designs, and network architectures, providing feedback and updating business requirements where gaps are systemic.
Investigate control system failures to identify root causes, drive solutions with development teams, and update standards to prevent re-occurrence across the network.
Monitor control system performance metrics, identify recurring issues, and drive improvements back into standards and readiness criteria.
Identify where control system architectures are overly complex or inconsistent, and drive simplification through updated standards and common requirements.
A day in the life
Amazon Benefits:
Amazon offers a full range of benefits that support you and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. Benefits can vary by location, the number of regularly scheduled hours you work, length of employment, and job status such as seasonal or temporary employment. The benefits that generally apply to regular, full-time employees include:
1

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
2. Maternity and Parental Leave Options
3. Paid Time Off (PTO)
4.

401(k) Plan
About the team
NTI (New Technology Integration) sits within Central RME, responsible for embedding maintainability, reliability, and total cost of ownership into new technologies before they reach the field. We ensure next-generation systems meet RME requirements from concept through deployment.
Our vision is to transform RME into a proactive engineering partner - influencing design decisions early so that when technology lands at a site, it comes with a clear maintenance playbook, trained technicians, spare parts, and a known cost profile.
We're a growing, globally distributed team supporting 113+ technology programs across robotics, sortation, and material handling, interfacing with Amazon Robotics, Applied Sciences, FTR, OneMHS, and GES.

What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Amazon logo

About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate, computer and electronic product manufacturing and software development

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

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