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Automation Controls Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Automation & Controls Specialist

Mojave, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Automation & Controls Specialist Department: Assembly, Integration & Test Employment Type: Full Time Location: Mojave Compensation: $100,000 - $150,000 / year Description The Propulsion Test Team at ...

WI ยท On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Job Title: Automation Controls Specialist The Automation Controls Specialist designs, installs, tests, and supports electrical and control systems used in advanced manufacturing and testing ...

Automation & Controls Specialist

York, PA ยท On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Support the execution of automation and controls initiatives at ACE to advance Industry 4.0 objectives. Oversee daytoday automation and manufacturing system operations, ensuring equipment uptime ...

Automation & Controls Specialist

York, PA ยท On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Support the execution of automation and controls initiatives at ACE to advance Industry 4.0 objectives. Oversee day-to-day automation and manufacturing system operations, ensuring equipment uptime ...

Automation & Controls Specialist

Milwaukee, WI ยท On-site

$82K - $108K/yr

The Automation and Controls Specialist at the Milwaukee, WI site is responsible for designing, programming, and implementing control strategies to optimize manufacturing processes using advanced ...

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Automation Controls Specialist information

See salary details

$22.5K

$76.5K

$110.5K

How much do automation controls specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls specialist in the United States is $76,465.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation controls specialist?

An Automation Controls Specialist is a professional who designs, programs, installs, and maintains control systems used to automate industrial processes. They work with technologies such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and various sensors and actuators to ensure machinery and processes operate efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting system issues, optimizing processes, and integrating new equipment into existing systems. Automation Controls Specialists are essential in industries like manufacturing, energy, and logistics, where automation increases productivity and reduces human error.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation controls specialist?

To thrive as an Automation Controls Specialist, you need expertise in electrical engineering, PLC programming, and industrial automation, often supported by a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with control systems such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, SCADA interfaces, and relevant safety standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding specialists apart in this field. These skills ensure reliable system performance, safe operations, and successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in industrial environments.

How does an automation controls specialist typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Automation Controls Specialists often work closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions. They participate in project planning meetings, clarify control system requirements, and coordinate on installation and troubleshooting. Effective communication is essential, as they translate technical specifications into actionable tasks for electricians or technicians and provide ongoing support to operators. This collaborative approach helps ensure that automation systems meet performance goals while aligning with broader organizational objectives.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Specialist vs Controls Engineer?

AspectAutomation Controls SpecialistControls Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications or associate degrees in automation or electrical technologyOften requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, automation service providersDesign firms, manufacturing, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, automation service companies, industrial plantsEngineering firms, manufacturing companies, consulting firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, required skills, and career paths in automationDesigning, developing, and implementing control systems

Automation Controls Specialists focus on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting automation systems, often with technical certifications. Controls Engineers typically have a degree in engineering and are involved in designing and developing control systems. Both roles work in industrial environments but differ in scope and educational requirements.

More about Automation Controls Specialist jobs
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,465 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Automation Controls Specialist I/II/III

Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District

Louisville, KY โ€ข On-site

$63K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Summary This position will be filled as an Automation Controls Specialist I, II, or III based on candidate's qualifications. Salary ranges are as follows: Automation Controls Specialist I Grade 17 $30.72- $46.84 Hourly $63,897.60-$97,427.20 Annually Automation Controls Specialist II Grade 18 $33.07- $50.86 Hourly $68,785.60- $105,788.80 Annually Automation Controls Specialist III Grade 20 $38.44- $60.10Hourly $79,955.20-$125,008.00 Annually This position will be located at our Derek R. Guthrie Water Quality Treatment Center

Automation Controls Specialist I Provides installation, hardware and software support for industrial automated process Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems throughout the MSD Operations Division. Performs hardware installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and basic programming, configuration and troubleshooting of PLCs, OITs, electrical controls, process instrumentation, network/telemetry components and SCADA/HMI systems ensuring Operations Technology (OT) level of service is maintained to the organization. Creates, analyzes, and maintains documentation for regulatory compliance, telemetry hardware, process control hardware, automation, P&ID diagrams, electrical schematics and network layouts.

Assists with final checkout on equipment installed by contractors. Automation Controls Specialist II Provides intermediate support for industrial automated process Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems throughout the MSD Operations Division. Performs programming, configuration and troubleshooting of PLCs, OITs, electrical controls, process instrumentation, network/telemetry components and SCADA/HMI systems ensuring Operations Technology (OT) level of service is maintained to the organization.

Creates, analyzes and maintains all documentation and historical data associated with the industrial automated process SCADA systems. Provides intermediate support to engineering, consultants, contractors, and other MSD divisions to support projects. Provides design review, integration and final checkout for industrial automated process SCADA systems.

Automation Controls Specialist III Provides advanced support for industrial automated process Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems throughout the MSD Operations Division. Performs programming, configuration and troubleshooting of PLCs, OITs, electrical controls, process instrumentation, network/telemetry components and SCADA/HMI systems ensuring Operations Technology (OT) level of service is maintained to the organization. Creates, analyzes, and maintains all documentation and historical data associated with the industrial automated process SCADA systems.

Provides advanced support and coordination with engineering, consultants, contractors and other MSD divisions to support projects. Provides design review, integration, final checkout and approval for industrial automated process SCADA systems. Essential Job Functions Automation Controls Specialist I Provides hardware and software support for industrial automated process Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for all operations facilities including pump stations, flood stations, treatment plants, Real Time Control (RTC) sites, CSO, SSO, rain gauge and remote monitoring sites.

Provides hardware support including hardware selection and specification, installation and wiring, modification, preventive maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, repair, coordination and collaboration. Provides technical support to engineering staff and contractors. Supports Automation Controls Specialists II and III in maintaining SCADA systems, project work and troubleshooting.

Utilizes, maintains, organizes, and updates various vendor software applications for SCADA and instrumentation hardware and advises management for the need of any new additions. Provides hardware and software support for Allen Bradley PLCs (Micrologix, SLC 500, PLC5, Contrologix and Compactlogix) using Controlnet, Devicenet, Ethernet/IP and serial communication devices, Seimens PLC's (S7-200) using MPI/PPI, Profibus and Modbus communications devices, and Motorola PLC's (Moscad) using serial, Modbus, ethernet and fiber communication devices. Installs, maintains, and provides hardware support of OT network switches, routers, fiber optic and copper media, telemetry radios and cellular modem hardware and software.

Performs termination and testing of fiber optic, Coaxial, Catt5 and Cat6e, DH+, ControlNet, DeviceNet. and Serial communications media. Fabricates SCADA telemetry and local control panels.

Provides hardware support for process instrumentation that integrates with process controls and automation systems (pressure, Level, Flow, temperature, environmental detection and analytical). Monitors and operates the Real Time Control System (RTC) during Rain events to ensure proper conveyance of wastewater to meet storage volumes and eliminate CSOs. Develops and maintains Piping and Instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), electrical drawings, Control panel layouts, OT network drawings, instrument loop diagrams and other documentation associated with industrial automated process SCADA and OT systems.

Reviews proposed construction documents to assure compliance with MSD guidelines for recording and monitoring. Reviews processes and equipment and provides input to operations, maintenance and engineering personnel concerning technical issues and applications concerning controls, monitoring, and recording instruments and devices. Automation Controls Specialist II Provides intermediate support and integration functions for industrial automated process Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for all operations facilities including pump stations, flood stations, treatment plants, Real Time Control (RTC) sites, CSO, SSO, rain gauge and remote monitoring sites.

Provides intermediate technical support including hardware selection and specification, hardware installation and wiring, software programming, modification, preventive maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, repair, coordination and collaboration. Reviews process control narratives and functional descriptions to ensure design, integration and startup stages follow MSD SCADA and Operations Technology (OT) guidelines for internal and capital projects. Provides intermediate support for Allen Bradley PLCs (Micrologix, SLC 500, PLC5, Contrologix and Compactlogix) using Controlnet, Devicenet, Ethernet/IP and serial communication devices, Seimens PLC's (S7-200) using MPI/PPI, Profibus and Modbus communications devices, and Motorola PLC's (Moscad) using serial, Modbus, ethernet and fiber communication devices.

Develops and modifies PLC logic programming, OIT configuration and industrial communication network configuration to meet the requirements of the process control narrative for automation and control systems projects. Troubleshoots and repairs PLC, OIT and industrial network communication hardware and software and supports MSD Standard and non-standard applications. Provides intermediate support to implement SCADA (GE Proficy IFIX) applications, IO drivers, databases, operational graphics, alarm and security configuration.

Reviews and follows functional system test plans used in field commissioning of automation and controls systems. Creates written descriptions, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and conducts training for operations staff on completion of automation and control systems projects. Monitors and operates the Real Time Control System (RTC) during Rain events to ensure proper conveyance of wastewater to meet storage volumes and eliminate CSOs.

Provides intermediate support for process instrumentation that integrates with process controls and automation systems (pressure, Level, Flow, temperature, environmental detection and analytical). Configures and programs the controls process historical databases providing the process data necessary for operations systems analysis and regulatory reporting. Configures and programs the Real Time Control automated system.

Installs, maintains, and provides intermediate support of OT controls computer, server, thin server/client, OT network switches, routers, fiber optic and copper media, telemetry radios and cellular modem hardware and software. Provides intermediate support and troubleshooting assistance for SCADA, electrical controls, historical data, and OT systems to internal and external customers. Develops and maintains Piping and Instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), electrical drawings, Control panel layouts, OT network drawings, instrument loop diagrams and other documentation associated with industrial automated process SCADA and OT systems.

Assists with tasks to support Operations Technology Infrastructure Engineer I and II. Reviews proposed construction documents to assure compliance with MSD guidelines for recording and monitoring. Reviews processes and equipment and provides input to operations, maintenance and engineering personnel concerning technical issues and applications concerning controls, monitoring, and recording instruments and devices.

Provides technical training to Automation Controls Specialist I for Operational facilities, SCADA, PLC, OIT, process instrumentation, OT networks, computer, server, thin server/client, network switches, fiber optic and copper media, telemetry radios and cellular modem hardware and software. May perform the duties of the Automation Controls Specialist I. Automation Controls Specialist III Provides system integration and advanced support functions for industrial automated process Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for all operations facilities including pump station, flood stations, treatment plants, Real Time Control (RTC) sites, CSO, SSO, rain gauge and remote monitoring sites.

Provides advanced technical support including design, hardware selection and specification, hardware installation and wiring, software programming, modification, preventive maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, repair, coordination, and collaboration. Creates and reviews process control narratives and functional descriptions to ensure design, integration and startup stages follow MSD SCADA and Operations Technology (OT) guidelines as the Controls Project Lead role for internal and capital projects. Provides advanced system integration support for Allen Bradley PLCs (Micrologix, SLC 500, PLC5, Contrologix and Compactlogix) using Controlnet, Devicenet, Ethernet/IP and serial communication devices, Seimens PLC's (S7-200) using MPI/PPI, Profibus and Modbus communications devices, and Motorola PLC's (Moscad) using serial, Modbus, ethernet and fiber communication devices.

Designs, develops, and modifies PLC logic programming, OIT configuration and industrial communication network configuration to meet the requirements of the process control narrative for automation and control systems projects. Troubleshoots and repairs PLC, OIT and industrial network communication hardware and software and supports MSD Standard and non-standard applications. Provides advanced support to manage SCADA (GE Proficy IFIX) applications, IO drivers, databases, operational graphics, alarm and security configuration.

Creates functional system test plans for use in field commissioning of automation and controls systems. Creates written descriptions, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and conducts training for operations staff on completion of automation and control systems projects. Monitors and operates the Real Time Control System (RTC) during Rain events to ensure proper conveyance of wastewater to meet storage volumes and eliminate CSOs.

Provides advanced support for process instrumentation that integrates with process controls and automation systems (pressure, Level, Flow, temperature, environmental detection and analytical). Performs advanced system management support, configuration and programming for the controls process historical databases providing the process data necessary for operations systems analysis and regulatory reporting. Performs advanced system management support, configuration, and programming for the Real Time Control automated system.

Installs, maintains, and provides advanced support of OT controls computer, server, thin server/client, OT network switches, routers, fiber optic and copper media, telemetry radios and cellular modem hardware and software. Provides advanced support and troubleshooting assistance for SCADA, electrical controls, historical data, and OT systems to internal and external customers. Develops and maintains Piping and Instrumentation diagrams (P&ID), electrical drawings, Control panel layouts, OT network drawings, instrument loop diagrams and other documentation associated with industrial automated process SCADA and OT systems.

Provides support for Automation Controls supervisors, Operations Controls manager and Operations Technology Program Manager. Coordinates and works closely with Operations Technology Infrastructure Engineer I and II. Reviews proposed construction documents to assure compliance with MSD guidelines for recording and monitoring.

Reviews processes and equipment and provides input to operations, maintenance and engineering personnel concerning technical issues and applications concerning controls, monitoring, and recording instruments and devices. Provides technical training to Automation Controls Specialists I and II for Operational facilities, SCADA, PLC, OIT, process instrumentation, OT networks, computer, server, thin server/client, network switches, fiber optic and copper media, telemetry radios and cellular modem hardware and software. May perform the duties of the Automation Controls Specialist I and/or II.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Necessary to the Work Automation Controls Specialist I Knowledge of electronics, electrical controls, VFDs, NEC electrical code, and ISA design Standards; knowledge of wastewater processes and equipment, pumps, valves, gates, blowers, grinders, filters, etc.; knowledge of process instrumentation (Pressure, Level, Flow, temperature, environmental detection and analytical); knowledge of correct and safe usage of electrical and electronic test equipment; knowledge of industrial controls and business level local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN) Layer 2 and 3 Network switches, routers, telemetry radios and modems; knowledge of installation and testing of fiberoptic and copper media communications media; knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Operator Interface Terminal ( OIT) configuration and programming (Allen Bradley, Siemens), and Rockwell software (RSLogix 5, 500, 5000, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk Linx, RS Linx, Siemens S7200, RSView Studio, FactoryTalk Vi...