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Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Fort Smith, AR (NOW HIRING)

Controls Specialist (A Shift)

Van Buren, AR

$27.75 - $36.75/hr

Variable Frequency Drives. · Work with engineering and maintenance teams to modify control systems in order to improve operations Participates as a member of the team . Participates in ongoing ...

Controls Specialist (A Shift)

Van Buren, AR · On-site

$27.75 - $36.75/hr

Variable Frequency Drives. • Work with engineering and maintenance teams to modify control systems in order to improve operations Participates as a member of the team . Participates in ongoing ...

SST Lead

Fort Smith, AR

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Control Plans for simulation-supported collective training events and exercises. What you'll need ... Experience with modelling and simulations systems and concepts; ability to produce technical ...

SST Lead

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Control Plans for simulation-supported collective training events and exercises. What you'll need ... Experience with modelling and simulations systems and concepts; ability to produce technical ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$78K - $97K/yr

The manufacturing engineer's responsibilities include identifying areas for improvement ... Developing and implementing cost-saving measures and quality control systems * Ensuring ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$78K - $97K/yr

The manufacturing engineer's responsibilities include identifying areas for improvement ... Developing and implementing cost-saving measures and quality control systems * Ensuring ...

Robotics Tutor

Fort Smith, AR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of robotics fundamentals including mechanical design, electronics, sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, programming for robots, control systems, and competition robotics platforms.

Constructive Simulation Engineer

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Client Solution Architects (CSA) is currently seeking a Constructive Simulation Engineer to support ... systems from a simulation training environment to fulfill the needs of a simulation control plan.

... control systems. Ability to explain free body diagrams, stress-strain relationships, Bernoulli ... Emphasizes systematic engineering problem-solving approaches and connects mechanical engineering to ...

Showing results 21-40

Control Systems Engineer information

See Fort Smith, AR salary details

$58.9K

$105K

$169.4K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems engineer in Fort Smith, AR is $104,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,100.00 and $122,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by control systems engineers in fast-paced industrial environments?

Control Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected system faults under tight deadlines, integrating new automation technologies with legacy equipment, and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including process engineers, IT specialists, and maintenance staff—is essential to address these issues efficiently. Staying current with evolving industry standards and cybersecurity practices also plays a critical role in maintaining reliable and safe control systems.

What is the difference between Control Systems Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControl Systems EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test control systems in manufacturing, automation, or robotics industriesDesign, develop, and test electrical systems in power, electronics, or communication sectors
Industry UsageCommon in automation, robotics, manufacturing, and process controlWidespread across power generation, electronics, telecommunications, and industrial sectors

Control Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining automated control systems, while Electrical Engineers work on broader electrical systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but their industry applications and daily tasks differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a control systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering along with expertise in control theory and system dynamics. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and programming languages such as ladder logic or MATLAB/Simulink is typically required, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the design, implementation, and optimization of safe, efficient, and reliable automated systems in industrial environments.

What is a control systems engineer?

Control systems engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that control and automate the operation of equipment or processes. They use principles from engineering, mathematics, and computer science to ensure that machinery and processes operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. Control systems engineers work in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and automotive, where automated control and precision are essential. Their responsibilities often include creating and testing control algorithms, integrating sensors and actuators, and troubleshooting system issues.
Infographic showing various Control Systems Engineer job openings in Fort Smith, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,977 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Controls Specialist (A Shift)

Simmons Foods

Van Buren, AR

$27.75 - $36.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Simmons Foods rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Ensures that all equipment is running in a safe and efficient manner. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES The Controls Technician is responsible for electrical control systems on all production/support equipment and machinery.  Must be proficient at troubleshooting/repairing all aspects of electrical control systems and electrical components for production equipment and machinery. This position requires a person that is very hands-on and assertive in driving continuous improvement activities pertaining to production equipment. ·       Work to effectively troubleshoot technical issues both related to maintenance and in emergency situations; Troubleshooting electrical, motor and control problems.·       Proficiency/Experience in FactoryTalk, RSLinx, RSLogix 5000 and RSLogix 500·       Ability to modify ladder logic programming·       Read and understand ladder logic and electrical schematics·       Strong knowledge of Allen Bradley HMIs and PLCs, relays, logic diagrams, etc..·       Assist Maintenance with electrical and control support·       Be responsible for supporting, creating, integrating, troubleshooting and improving a variety of processing and packaging control systems.·       Responsible for reduction in downtime Work with Maintenance Manager/Supervisors to develops plans to reduce downtime in the area.·       Familiar with AC / DC Motor Controls. Variable Frequency Drives.·       Work with engineering and maintenance teams to modify control systems in order to improve operations Participates as a member of the team.  Participates in ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members.  Attends appropriate team meetings.  As a member of the team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc.  Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and works with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization. Simmons operating systems principles and objectives:  Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas. Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the Electrician and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position. Physical Activities:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk. Enters and locates information on a computer.  Visually verifies information, often in small print.  Must be able to manually lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work in extreme temperatures, on feet for entire shift. Must be able to work in cramped, enclosed, elevated, wet, dirty area with a noise level above 90 decibels.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Steel toed shoes, ear plugs, hair net, hard hat and other PPE as required in appropriate environment. Travel: N/ATechnical Experience: Industrial controls experience/skills. Knowledge of RSLogix 500 and 5000 as well as FactoryTalk is required. ABB knowledge is a plus. Industry Experience:  Preference for food manufacturing organization. Minimum Education:  High School Diploma or equivalent. Preferred Education:  Some college and/or Tech School graduate.

#ZR2 

For Fort Smith Hiring Center area:


For immediate consideration of hourly production positions located in the area from Fort Smith, AR to Van
Buren, AR please apply in person Monday thru Friday, between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm at:


Simmons Foods Hiring Center
4900 Rogers Ave, Suite 103-D
Fort Smith, AR
72903


In person applications at our Hiring Center receive priority consideration. You may still apply for positions
online; however please note that positions may be filled at our Hiring Center before our online
applications are reviewed.


What Simmons Foods employees say

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About Simmons Foods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Simmons Foods, headquartered in Siloam Springs, AR, US, is an established player in the global food processing industry. The company was founded in 1949 by Bill Simmons, and over the decades, it has grown to become a world leader in poultry, pet, and animal nutrition industries. Through its official website (simmonsfoods.com), the company has consistently communicated its commitment to quality, reliable partnerships, and innovative solutions. It specializes in the production and distribution of chicken, pet foods, and specialty pet snacks. Their mission is to be at the forefront of innovation in food products and to provide quality and value to customers and consumers.

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Siloam Springs, AR, US

Year founded

1949

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