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Automation Controls Programmer Jobs in Gaffney, SC

Automation Controls Engineer

Spartanburg, SC ยท On-site

$76K - $101K/yr

Overview The primary purpose of this position is to provide electrical/automation controls engineering support for implementation of, maintenance of, and improvement of manufacturing process and ...

Automation Controls Engineer

Spartanburg, SC ยท On-site

$76K - $101K/yr

Overview The primary purpose of this position is to provide electrical/automation controls engineering support for implementation of, maintenance of, and improvement of manufacturing process and ...

Controls and Automation Engineer

Chester, SC ยท On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

Degree in Electrical & Electronic / Instrumentation / Control Automation / Chemical Engineering or equivalent, with minimum 5 years' experience in related field. Experience : * Working in execution ...

Controls and Automation Engineer

Chester, SC ยท On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

Degree in Electrical & Electronic / Instrumentation / Control Automation / Chemical Engineering or equivalent, with minimum 5 years' experience in related field. Experience : * Working in execution ...

Lead Controls Engineer

Spartanburg, SC ยท On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

A Senior Controls Engineer uses their knowledge of custom automation and precision machining as a member of a team of sales professionals, managers, designers and builders to develop world-class ...

New

Lead Controls Engineer

Spartanburg, SC ยท On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

A Senior Controls Engineer uses their knowledge of custom automation and precision machining as a member of a team of sales professionals, managers, designers and builders to develop world-class ...

New

Troubleshooting controls, communication networks, and automation-related production issues to minimize downtime. * Collaborating with manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to ...

Responsible for developing electrical, controls, and automation solutions for equipment built in CWST Engineering (Gastonia, NC) * As an integrator, this position will be heavily engaged in the ...

Controls Engineer

Gastonia, NC ยท On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Responsible for developing electrical, controls, and automation solutions for equipment built in CWST Engineering (Gastonia, NC) * As an integrator, this position will be heavily engaged in the ...

Controls Engineer

Gastonia, NC ยท On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Responsible for developing electrical, controls, and automation solutions for equipment built in CWST Engineering (Gastonia, NC) * As an integrator, this position will be heavily engaged in the ...

Controls Engineer

Gastonia, NC ยท On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Responsible for developing electrical, controls, and automation solutions for equipment built in CWST Engineering (Gastonia, NC) * As an integrator, this position will be heavily engaged in the ...

Controls Engineer

Gastonia, NC ยท On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Responsible for developing electrical, controls, and automation solutions for equipment built in CWST Engineering (Gastonia, NC) * As an integrator, this position will be heavily engaged in the ...

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Automation Controls Programmer information

See Gaffney, SC salary details

$37.5K

$74.7K

$103.7K

How much do automation controls programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls programmer in Gaffney, SC is $74,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $85,600.00 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 Gaffney, SC are hiring for Automation Controls Programmer jobs?

Cities near Gaffney, SC with the most Automation Controls Programmer job openings:

Automation Controls Engineer

Spartanburg, SC โ€ข On-site

$76K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

The primary purpose of this position is to provide electrical/automation controls engineering support for implementation of, maintenance of, and improvement of manufacturing process and facility equipment.ย 

Responsibilities
  • Applies standard engineering techniques to designing, developing, and maintaining instrumentation, equipment, and facility controls systems.ย 
  • Automates manufacturing process equipment, using controls systems to provide; lean elements such as Jidoka, Autonomation, Andon's, OEE indications/gains, etc..ย 
  • Develops new and modifying existing PLC or HMI applications, interfaces, or embedded controls.ย 
  • Participates in the specification of, design review of, testing of, and commissioning of new production and/or facility equipment.ย 
  • Assists in the troubleshooting of and resolution of equipment or control system malfunctions, and making recommendations that will improve reliability and prevent reoccurring malfunction.ย 
  • Documents and maintains all PLC programs, HMI screen files, other parameter files for all manufacturing and/or facility equipment.ย 
  • Maintains software interface programs and necessary hardware for legacy and up-to-date versions as needed to modify/maintain all machine controls.ย 
  • Interfaces with machine providers to require adherence to Contec requirements for machine control components, spare parts, etc.ย 
  • Understands and ensures compliance to all relevant national and international safety regulations, quality standards, and internal and external customer requirements. (NEC, CE, OSHA, etc.)ย 
  • Expands, as needed/as requested, Contec's SCADA system, providing additional functional capabilities for the monitoring and where appropriate, control of critical facility systems (HVAC, compressed air, boiler, etc.).ย 
  • Assists all functional areas, Production, Process Engineering, Facility Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, etc. as needed with technical expertise.ย 
  • Participates and works within ISO 9001 quality standards guidelines in accordance with Contec's quality goals.ย 
  • Others may be assigned.ย 
Competencies

To be successful in their essential duties, the individual is also expected to have general knowledge of and stay current in developments in the following areas:ย 

Learning Agility: Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as seeds for future learning.ย 

Problem Solving: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.ย 

Innovation & Creativity: Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.ย 

Being Resilient: Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.ย 

Supports Core Values: Able to demonstrate support and adherence to Contec's core values: respect for others, doing "whatever it takes" within Contec's core values, vision and strategic direction, exhibiting integrity, having a tolerance for risk, understanding there is life outside of work, enjoying the ride.ย 

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.ย 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCEย ย 

Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering or (B.S) in Computer Science from four-year college or university.ย  Minimum of five (5) years of experience in an equivalent role.ย 

  • Experience with PLCs and motion controls, programming and architecture, Industrial HMI design [Allen Bradley, Red Lion (preferred), etc.], machine level troubleshooting and debugging.ย 
  • Working knowledge of RSLOGIX 5000.ย 
  • Experience with robotics, vision systems, barcode systems, RFID systems, ad Schneider Electric systems (preferred).ย 

LANGUAGE SKILLSย ย 

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.ย  Ability to write reports, businessย ย 

correspondence, and procedure manuals.ย  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.ย 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLSย ย 

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.ย  Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.ย 

REASONING ABILITYย ย 

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.ย  Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases.ย  Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.ย 

Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.ย  ย  While performing the duties of this job, the associateis occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; and risk of electrical shock.ย  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.ย Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.ย  ย  While performing the duties of this job, the associateis frequently required to remain stationary while working and communicate and converse with others.ย  The associate is occasionally required to position self to move, traverse, retrieve, ascend, descend and work atop equipment or structures.ย  The associate must occasionally retrieve, move and place up to 25 pounds.ย  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.ย Employment Type: FULL_TIME