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Controls Design Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Automation & Controls Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Design and develop control panels for industrial systems and manufacturing operations * Design, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment and plants that use Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) * PLC ...

The ideal candidate will have strong practical working knowledge of HVAC equipment, electrical systems, controls, CAD, programming logic, and technical documentation. This position is intended for ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Diboll, TX · On-site

$60K - $82K/yr

Working closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, controls, and project management. The Mechanical Design Engineer plays a key role in bringing concepts from design to production ...

Knowledge of RTU design, programming, and troubleshooting, ROC and PLC experience * Ability to spec ... Bachelor's degree or Masters of Science in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering * 10+ years ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Diboll, TX · On-site

$60K - $82K/yr

Working closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, controls, and project management. The Mechanical Design Engineer plays a key role in bringing concepts from design to production ...

... dies, tooling, controls, and assemblies to capture design intent and to accomplish the ... Interpret engineering specifications, customer requirements, and project documentation

... dies, tooling, controls, and assemblies to capture design intent and to accomplish the ... Interpret engineering specifications, customer requirements, and project documentation

Privacy by Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Engineer privacy controls that protect personal, sensitive, and regulated data throughout its ... Perform detailed design analysis and recommend privacy-by-design implementation approaches.

Works closely with broader process engineering, controls engineering, and manufacturing teams to create automated processes with an integrated process flow. * Supports and leads the design ...

Showing results 41-60

Controls Design Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$55.9K

$85.8K

$109.9K

How much do controls design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls design engineer in Texas is $85,797.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $97,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a controls design engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

Controls Design Engineers frequently work cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure that control systems integrate seamlessly with the overall machinery or process. They often participate in design reviews, coordinate interface requirements, and troubleshoot issues that arise during system integration. Clear communication and teamwork are essential, as controls must align with both hardware constraints and operational objectives. This collaborative environment fosters learning and can open doors for career advancement into project management or specialized technical roles.

What does a controls design engineer do?

A Controls Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They create schematics, select control components, and program controllers to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely. Their work often involves collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate complex automation solutions. Additionally, they troubleshoot existing systems and optimize performance to meet project requirements.

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

To thrive as a Controls Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, control systems, and automation, generally supported by a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with PLC programming, CAD software (such as AutoCAD or EPLAN), and relevant industry certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and address complex technical challenges. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable design of automation systems that meet project requirements and industry standards.

What is the difference between Controls Design Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls Design EngineerElectrical Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing control systems for automation and machineryDesigning electrical systems, circuits, and components for various applications
CertificationsOften requires PLC, automation, or control system certificationsTypically requires electrical engineering licensure or degrees
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation firms, industrial settingsPower plants, electronics companies, consulting firms
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower, electronics, construction

Controls Design Engineers focus on creating control systems for automation and machinery, often requiring specialized certifications. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, designing electrical circuits and systems across various industries. While both roles involve electrical knowledge, Controls Design Engineers specialize in automation controls, making their work more application-specific.

What job categories do people searching Controls Design Engineer jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Controls Design Engineer jobs in Texas are:

Infographic showing various Controls Design Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,797 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Automation & Controls Engineer

Salas O'Brien

Richardson, TX • On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 447 rated engineering


Job description

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER
The Job
Our office in Richardson, TX is looking for an Automation & Controls Engineer who will collaborate with a broader team of engineering professionals to provide engineering services on complex capital improvement projects for industrial and manufacturing clients across the country. Specifically, we need someone to design automation and controls systems for heavy industrial projects.
Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
  • Instrumentation design on projects for new plants and existing plant upgrades
  • Design and develop control panels for industrial systems and manufacturing operations
  • Design, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment and plants that use Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's)
  • PLC and HMI programming for various types of plant processes
  • Work with other project team members to foster a continuous learning environment
  • Participate in on-site systems and facilities inspections for customers
  • Perform on-site commissioning and start-ups of plant controls systems
  • Guide the work of Designers on the project team
  • Review and check the work of others on the project team
  • Be able to analyze plant processes and help make improvements based on their knowledge of electronics, engineering, and mechanics
  • Support business development and proposal efforts providing technical scope, budget, and scheduling information
  • Begin to establish industry ties at the technical, professional, and commercial level
  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned or deemed appropriate of the position by management

Your Background
To succeed in this role, you need to meet the following basic requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science
  • 2-10 years of experience in instrumentation design and/or controls
  • Specific experience in instrumentation and controls design in a manufacturing setting
  • PLC and HMI programming experience on the Allen Bradley platform (Required)
  • Wonderware and Ignition experience (Required)
  • Red Lion, Crimson and Simatic step7 (Siemens) knowledge is a plus
  • AutoCAD experience (Required)
  • Willing to travel, as needed (up to 30%)
  • Multi-discipline project leadership experience
  • Adaptable, striving to find creative solutions to problems as they arise and assist in the implementation process
  • Able to identify and provide reliable solutions for technical issues to assure complete customer satisfaction through all stages of the process

Benefits:
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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