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Automation Controls Programmer Jobs in Gaffney, SC

Senior Controls Engineer

Forest City, NC · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming, and testing of custom automation equipment used to manufacture modular construction assemblies. This role ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Forest City, NC · On-site

$84K - $111K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming, and testing of custom automation equipment used to manufacture modular construction assemblies. This role ...

... controls and robotic programming expertise Attend Trade shows and seminars to stay current with automation technology Qualifications: Required Basic Qualifications: Minimum Bachelors Degree in ...

Industrial Technician

Spartanburg, SC · On-site

$36K - $42K/yr

Serve as the technical resource for controls and automation throughout the plant. * Mentor and ... PLC Programming * Allen-Bradley ControlLogix * Allen-Bradley CompactLogix * RSLogix / Studio 5000

Showing results 21-40

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:

Senior Controls Engineer

Bessemer City, NC • Hybrid

Daniels Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees

$125K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Daniels Health rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Daniels Health is seeking an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to join our growing US engineering team and help design, build, and optimize the next generation of automated medical waste processing systems. This is a handson, highimpact role where you will work at the intersection of PLC control systems, robotics, and machine vision in safetycritical, highthroughput industrial environments. If you enjoy complex automation challenges and want your work to have meaningful impact across healthcare safety and environmental outcomes, this role offers both technical depth and scale.
 
Daniels Health is a global leader in healthcare waste management and infection prevention, partnering with hospitals and health systems across the United States and internationally.
 
We are experiencing strong and sustained growth, driven by expanding healthcare demand and continued investment in automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. This is a hybrid role. Travel will be required throughout the USA and Canada and some other overseas locations. Travel to Taylor, Michigan will be required for Induction training. 
What You Will Do:
  • Design, develop, program, and maintain PLCbased control systems for advanced medical waste processing equipment,
  • Integrate, program, and commission industrial robots for material handling, sorting, and automated processing
  • Design, implement, and optimize machine vision systems for detection, classification, inspection, and process verification
  • Train, tune, and validate vision models to ensure accuracy, robustness, and regulatory compliance
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, robotics, and software engineering teams to deliver fully integrated automation solutions
  • Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and rootcause analysis across controls, robotics, and vision systems
  • Prepare and review electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic control drawings for new equipment and system upgrades
  • Develop system documentation including functional specifications, control narratives, operator manuals, maintenance documentation, and validation protocols
  • Ensure all control system designs comply with applicable US medical waste, environmental, and machine safety regulations
  • Work closely with suppliers, system integrators, and external service providers to deliver projects on time and to specification
  • Drive continuous improvement in automation performance, reliability, safety, and sustainability
About You:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline
  • 8+ years of experience in a controls or automation engineering role
  • Strong PLC and HMI programming experience with platforms such as AllenBradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, or Automation
  • Direct Handson industrial robotics experience including programming, commissioning, and safety integration (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Hyundai, or similar)
  • Strong machine vision experience using Cognex, Keyence, OpenCV, or comparable systems
  • Solid understanding of industrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, Modbus, and OPC UA
  • Experience with motion control, servo systems, and safetyrated automation components
  • Ability to read and create electrical schematics, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings
  • Experience working in regulated or safetycritical environments such as medical, pharmaceutical, or waste processing is highly desirable
  • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problemsolving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate across crossfunctional teams
  • Ability to work independently and manage projects with multiple stakeholders and vendors
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
Why Join Daniels?
  • Work on largescale, complex industrial automation systems with realworld impact
  • Be part of a rapidly growing organization investing heavily in robotics, machine vision, and advanced controls
  • High autonomy with strong engineering influence and endtoend system ownership
  • Career growth aligned with a scaling US and global business
  • Purposedriven work in a highly regulated, safetycritical environment
$125,375 - $141,079 a year
"The pay range for this position is $125,375to $141,079 salary. Actual compensation within this range will depend on factors unique to each candidate, such as prior experience, skill, certifications, and work location. Pay variations by location reflect local conditions and differences in the cost of labor. 
 
At Daniels Health, we are committed to supporting our employees' well-being, work-life balance, and career growth through a comprehensive benefit package. Eligible employees enjoy benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans with company match contributions, paid vacation and sick time, wellness resources, life insurance, and professional development opportunities."
Check out what our engineering teams do!
 
https://youtu.be/Czre5y3WvDs?si=qJWpLS5MIwIzPXJ4
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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