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Automation Controls Programmer Jobs in Pflugerville, TX

Ichor Systems, Inc.

Automation Engineer

Austin, TX

This role is industrial automation and controls-focused (not a pure software position), and will ... Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering teams to define automation requirements and develop ...

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All JobsAutomation Controls Programmer JobsAutomation Controls Programmer Jobs in Pflugerville, TX

Automation Controls Programmer information

See Pflugerville, TX salary details

$38.1K

$75.9K

$105.4K

How much do automation controls programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls programmer in Pflugerville, TX is $75,876.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $87,000.00 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 Pflugerville, TX are hiring for Automation Controls Programmer jobs?

Cities near Pflugerville, TX with the most Automation Controls Programmer job openings:

Automation Controls Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Programmer job openings in Pflugerville, TX as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 86% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $75,876 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Automation & Controls Specialist, Assembly Manufacturing (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SpaceXexternal

$83K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Build, install, and commission new automation assets, panel builds, and electromechanical controls systems.

  • Troubleshoot and modify PLC and HMI software, and assist with complex controls issues to improve system reliability.

  • Create, modify, and correct electrical and pneumatic schematics, and develop control logic for automation systems.

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS SPECIALIST, ASSEMBLY MANUFACTURING (STARLINK)

SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. The Automation & Controls Specialist will be responsible for building, installing, and commissioning new automation assets, panel builds, and electromechanical controls systems. Additionally, the Automation & Controls Specialist will be responsible for assisting equipment maintenance with troubleshooting complex controls issues within existing SpaceX critical assets, with the focus on adding long term repairs that increase the overall reliability of production systems, rather than implementing quick fix solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Create, redline, modify, and correct electrical and pneumatic schematics for automated equipment using EPLAN Electrical/Fluid and Visio software suites
  • Wire, commission, and validate electromechanical and pneumatic control systems
  • Build control panels to NFPA 79 & UL 508A standards
  • Design and commission basic PLC and HMI software applications
  • Interpret and develop logic for Beckoff Twincat, Siemens TIA, and Allen-Bradley RSLogix
  • Troubleshoot and modify PLC and HMI software
  • Spec and procure required components, sensors, and hardware needed for implementing controls solutions
  • Develop new and improve design on existing production assets
  • Establish effective project management skills to drive efficient project completion
  • Promote 5S principles of organizing and sustaining efficient and presentable team work spaces
  • Read, understand, and utilize system-level schematics (mechanical/electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic)
  • Support production devices (HMIs, VM's, Thin Clients, IoT devices)

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate and 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing and production environment; OR bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
  • 2+ years of experience with working with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Associate or bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
  • Demonstrated hands-on skill in fault finding, mechanical system troubleshooting, and solid problem resolution skills
  • Highly motivated with strong interpersonal skills; a team player, yet able to work independently when necessary
  • Exceptional problem solving and communication skills, creative, and has strong organizational skills as well as documentation
  • Strong, working knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety), NFPA 79 & UL508A codes
  • PLC & HMI programming experience or familiarization using Ladder Logic and Structured Text Language
  • Mechanical equipment design/build experience
  • Experience with electrical control panel design, building, and wiring
  • Electrical schematic drawing/updates
  • Excellent skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Detail oriented, organized, and able to demonstrate a high sense of urgency
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and drawings
  • Analytical skills - Skilled at gathering and analyzing information to understand complex situations and solve problems
  • Ability to maintain a safe and clean working environment while adhering to company policies, quality policies, and industry standards

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be available one or more of the following shifts:
    • A shift, 5am-5pm Sunday-Tuesday, every other Wednesday
    • B shift, 5am-5pm Thursday-Saturday, every other Wednesday
    • C shift, 5pm-5am Sunday-Tuesday, every other Wednesday
    • D shift, 5pm-5am Thursday-Saturday, every other Wednesday
  • Must be willing and able to work all shifts and available for overtime and weekends as needed
  • Must be able to gain forklift certification
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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