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Controls Application Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Modigent

Controls Application Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$80K - $110K/yr

Controls Application Engineer REPORTS TO: Director - Controls JOB DUTIES / GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The Controls Application Engineer will be involved in many areas of Building Automation and Energy ...

Modigent

Controls Application Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Controls Application Engineer REPORTS TO: Director - Controls JOB DUTIES / GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The Controls Application Engineer will be involved in many areas of Building Automation and Energy ...

Air Carolinas

Controls Application Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$76K - $122K/yr

Controls Application Engineer Operating Company: AIR Carolinas Job Location: Charlotte, NC FLSA Status: Exempt Salary Range: $76-122k About : AIR Carolinas - A member of the AIR Control Concepts ...

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Air Carolinas

Controls Application Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$76K - $122K/yr

Controls Application Engineer Operating Company: AIR Carolinas Job Location: Charlotte, NC FLSA Status: Exempt Salary Range: $76-122k About : AIR Carolinas - A member of the AIR Control Concepts ...

New

Veteran-friendly

Urgent

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Controls Application Engineer information

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$50.5K

$110.7K

$152K

How much do controls application engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls application engineer in the United States is $110,698.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Controls Application Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common among executive roles or specialized senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Most engineering roles in automation and control systems have salaries significantly below that figure, though top executives or consultants in the field may reach or exceed it.

How much do control engineers get paid?

Control engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $110,000 annually.

What does a controls engineer do?

A controls application engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems for machinery and processes, often working with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and automation software. They analyze system requirements, troubleshoot issues, and ensure equipment operates efficiently and safely, typically requiring knowledge of electrical engineering, automation tools, and industry standards.

How does a Controls Application Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Controls Application Engineers frequently work alongside cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as project managers and field technicians. Collaboration often involves translating project requirements into control system designs, integrating hardware and software components, and troubleshooting issues during commissioning. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential, as you will need to ensure all technical aspects align with broader project goals and client expectations. Regular meetings and design reviews are common, providing opportunities to address challenges and refine solutions together.

What are Controls Application Engineers?

Controls Application Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems for machinery, equipment, or industrial processes. They work with hardware and software to ensure systems operate efficiently, safely, and according to specifications. Their responsibilities often include programming controllers (like PLCs), troubleshooting system issues, and collaborating with other engineers to integrate controls with mechanical and electrical components. They play a critical role in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, and building automation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Application Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Application Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, control systems design, and programming, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, HMI software, and industry-standard automation platforms is typically required, along with certifications like Siemens or Rockwell Automation if applicable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and clients. These capabilities ensure the development and implementation of reliable automation solutions that meet project requirements and support operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Controls Application Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls Application EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like PLC or SCADA are commonBachelor's in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering; similar certifications often required
Work EnvironmentDesign, programming, and testing control systems; often customer-facingDeveloping, testing, and maintaining control systems; primarily in manufacturing or industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in automation, manufacturing, and process industriesCommon in industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing sectors

Controls Application Engineers focus on designing and implementing control systems for specific applications, often working directly with clients. Controls Engineers typically develop, test, and maintain control systems within manufacturing environments. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications but differ in their primary responsibilities and work settings.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Controls Application Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and specialized certifications can reach annual salaries of $300,000 or more, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Such compensation often reflects expertise in PLC programming, system integration, and project management in complex automation environments.
More about Controls Application Engineer jobs
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Controls Application Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Application Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,698 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Controls Application Engineer

Modigent

Phoenix, AZ

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

TITLE: Controls Application Engineer
REPORTS TO: Director - Controls
JOB DUTIES / GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
The Controls Application Engineer will be involved in many areas of Building Automation and Energy Management Controls and will perform duties in Controls Service, Construction Startup and Controls Programming. This candidate must be certified in controls programming of BACNet Advance Application Controllers and be certified and considered proficient in programming and Niagara AX or N4 as well as IT computer networking . This position is also capable of all diagnostics, repair and programming in the field. This position will also oversee the more complicated jobs involving subcontractors as well as function as the foreman for self-performed work.
  • In depth knowledge of HVAC systems, as well as engineer in-house control systems, controls programming, start-up and commissioning.
  • Create engineering documents for system integration, including but not limited to, sequence of operation, controller drawings and submittals.
  • Programming of controllers and graphical user interface in Tridium AX or N4 environment.
  • Experience in the following: AutoCad and KMC.
  • Oversee the field installation of energy management systems in strict accordance with specifications and quality control.
  • Promptly respond to customers by identifying needs, generating quotes, troubleshooting problems and closing orders.
  • Work with the Controls Manager and Controls Application Engineer to complete internal project updates to other departments and management to ensure jobs are completed on time, within budget and within customer expectations.
  • Additional duties include the representation of the Company at various conferences, trade shows or marketing events as required.
  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering or 5 or more years Controls Engineering experience.
  • Manage the on-site performance to assure projects are completed in a professional manner and on time.
  • Manage and perform job duties in a timely manner and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
  • Support and manage others in the controls and mechanical service division to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
  • Oversee how project reviews are conducted with owners on an ongoing and closeout basis.
  • Oversee the project closeout process to ensure required documents are prepared and letters of satisfaction are obtained from our customer.
  • Review the monthly evaluation of job costs and cost to complete projections.
  • Produce effective and professional documentation of project activities.
  • Participate in weekly production meetings.
  • Promptly address customers’ needs and immediately report all issues that are of an urgent nature to the Controls Manager.
  • Respond to customers by identifying needs, providing solutions to meet project objectives.
  • Coordinate activities of subcontractors to maintain project schedules.
  • Provide internal project updates to other departments/management to ensure jobs are completed on time, within budget, and within customer expectations.
  • Provide site superintendent support as directed.
  • Review the processing of all plans, submittals and O amp;M Manuals.
  • Review the weekly e-mail updates regarding project status provided by the Controls Application Engineer.
  • Ensure established company project delivery policies/procedures are enforced at all times; develop new and enhanced procedures when required.
  • Ensure all assigned work is conducted in a safe and effective manner.
  • Effectively and tactfully resolve project problems in a timely manner via frequent and clear communications with owners, subcontractors, design professionals, vendors, and other individuals involved with the project.
A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION

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