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Controls And Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Controls /Automation Engineer

Mount Pleasant, IA · On-site

$74K - $99K/yr

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, automation, Controls Automation, mechatronics, or related engineering field * 2+ years' experience with control systems in a manufacturing environment

Controls Automation Engineer

Warminster, PA · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

Automation Controls Engineer, Integrator Seeking talented Engineers for our Electrical, Controls Engineer position to join our innovative team! Are you eager to thrive in a stable, evolving ...

Controls Automation Engineer | Onsite in Johnson Creek, WI MasterMold is hiring a Controls Automation Engineer for our manufacturing facility in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. This is a full-time, fully ...

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Controls And Automation Engineer information

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$46K

$98.2K

$140.5K

How much do controls and automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls and automation engineer in the United States is $98,186.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Controls And Automation Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls And Automation EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, control systems, or automation engineering; certifications like PLC programming or control system design are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure may be required for certain roles
Work EnvironmentDesigning, programming, and testing control systems in manufacturing, industrial, or automation settingsDesigning electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry in various industries
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automation, and process control industriesWidespread across power, construction, manufacturing, and consulting sectors

Controls And Automation Engineers focus on designing and implementing control systems and automation solutions, while Electrical Engineers have a broader scope including power systems and electrical infrastructure. Both roles require electrical knowledge but differ in specialization and application areas.

What is a controls and automation engineer?

Controls and Automation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that automate processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Their main goal is to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability by implementing control systems like PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and robotics. They work closely with other engineering disciplines to integrate hardware and software solutions, troubleshoot system issues, and ensure optimal operation of automated processes. These engineers play a vital role in modern industrial settings by enabling advanced automation and data-driven decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls and automation engineer?

To thrive as a Controls and Automation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation systems, and process control, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial network protocols is essential, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills set top performers apart in this field. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges controls and automation engineers face when integrating new systems into existing processes?

One common challenge Controls and Automation Engineers encounter is ensuring that new automation systems are compatible with existing legacy equipment and processes. This often requires careful planning, extensive testing, and sometimes custom interface development to avoid disruptions in production. Additionally, balancing the need for increased automation with maintaining system reliability and safety standards can be complex. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as IT, production, and maintenance, is crucial to address these integration hurdles effectively.
More about Controls And Automation Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Controls And Automation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Controls And Automation Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Controls And Automation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Controls And Automation Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Controls And Automation Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Controls And Automation Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Controls And Automation Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,186 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Controls Automation Engineer

Winland Foods, Inc.

Grand Forks, ND • On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Winland Foods rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

177th of 435 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The Controls Engineer will work as part of a diverse team and act as a subject matter expert with PLC's, VFD's, (HMI) and plant operating systems. As a Controls Engineer, you will work as part of a diverse team and act as a subject matter expert with PLC's, VFD's, (HMI) and plant operating systems. You will work directly with maintenance technicians, maintenance operators, supervisors and managers to resolve automation issues as you play a vital role in developing and implementing best practices that are aligned with Winland Foods maintenance, and reliability strategies. You will also champion continuous improvement efforts across the plant. This person is a self-starter, forward thinking, known for bringing ideas forward, and able to utilize data to drive operational and cost efficiency initiatives in the controls and automation space.
Employee Type:
Full time
Location:
ND Grand Forks
Job Type:
Engineering
Job Posting Title:
Controls Automation Engineer
Job Description:
Schedule: Primary work schedule is 1st shift, Monday-Friday, with flexibility as needed
Work Location:1801 N 36th St, Grand Forks, ND
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.
Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $73,000 - $108,900 annually with additional bonus potential
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist Engineering with updates, changes and testing of new modifications for multiple high speed food processing production lines.
  • Assist with automations implementation, design and recommendations for existing and future high-speed production line projects.
  • Perform periodic maintenance of systems.
  • Capable of performing and executing troubleshooting of equipment automation/instrumentation issues for all automated food processing systems, robotic systems, and transfer systems applications.
  • Ability to troubleshoot electrical and control systems with minimal documentation or information provided.
  • Research, recommend and implement automations improvements for equipment reliability.
  • Plan, lead and execute automations preventative maintenance efforts to minimize equipment downtime.
  • Demonstrate creative problem solving to identify and perform equipment improvements
  • Coach and mentor operators, technicians and other peers with automations procedures related to high-speed food manufacturing equipment
  • Participate in special projects on equipment upgrades or installations
  • Collaborate with peers and team members to transfer specialist technical knowledge.
  • Practice plant safety guidelines at all times and inspire peers to practice safety all times
  • Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
  • Research and implement continuous improvement opportunities.

Qualifications and Requirements:
  • BA/BS degree in Engineering or related discipline (BSEE degree preferred); 10+ yrs. related experience in lieu of university degree, or 5+ yrs. related experience plus a technical degree/certification will be considered
  • Experience in control panel design and layout for new production equipment.
  • Proficient using Rockwell Software such as Studio 5000, RSLogix5000, RSLogix500, Factory Talk View Studio.
  • Proficient use of various electrical troubleshooting tools such as multimeters, loop simulators, meggers.
  • Experience with Allen Bradley PLC's, VFD's, and HMI.
  • Experience with SCADA systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and resolve issues across multiple departments and levels of the organization.
  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Effective communication of issues and solutions to cross-functional team members.
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics: electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic.
  • Willingness to be a technical leader and trainer within a specific area of plant or machine center
  • Recommend inventory of automation products.
  • Execute additional instrumentation and electrical duties as assigned.
  • Knowledge of high-tech automation and control products.
  • Knowledge of engineering principles related to automation products.
  • Knowledge of suppliers' automation products

EEO Statement:
Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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