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Controls Design Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Design Controls Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$82.90K - $107.20K/yr

Design Controls Engineer This position is responsible for designing controls products while providing top-tier customer service for both internal and external customers. The role primarily focuses on ...

Design Controls Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$82.90K - $107.20K/yr

Design Controls Engineer This position is responsible for designing controls products while providing top-tier customer service for both internal and external customers. The role primarily focuses on ...

Proficient in the design of low voltage power distribution systems and lighting systems, including ... Minimum of five (5) years electrical and industrial controls engineering experience in Water ...

Electrical Design Engineer Department: Electrical/Energy Employment Type: Full Time Location: Tempe ... Minimum of five (5) years electrical and industrial controls engineering experience in Water ...

Proficient in the design of low voltage power distribution systems and lighting systems, including ... Minimum of five (5) years electrical and industrial controls engineering experience in Water ...

... controls impacts, and facade thermal/moisture response) * Performs detailed engineering analysis to reduce energy consumption and associated GHG emissions across design, construction, and operations ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$76K - $103.10K/yr

As a Mechanical Engineer in the Design group at SV Microwave, you will: * Develop manufacturable ... This position requires access to controlled technology that is subject to US export controls.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$76K - $103.10K/yr

As a Mechanical Engineer in the Design group at SV Microwave, you will: * Develop manufacturable ... This position requires access to controlled technology that is subject to US export controls.

... controls impacts, and detailed thermal/moisture response of facade assemblies * Guides design ... Professional engineering licensure preferred * Typically 10+ years of experience * Modeling ...

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Controls Design Engineer information

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$91.4K

$117.2K

How much do controls design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls design engineer in Phoenix, AZ is $91,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $103,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Controls Design Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ? For Controls Design Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Controls Design Engineer job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,438 per year, or $44 per hour.
Senior Software Controls Design Engineer - VMEC

Senior Software Controls Design Engineer - VMEC

General Motors

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$121.60K - $160.40K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 301 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Job Description

The Role:

The VMEC team develops the embedded controllers and software that power GM’s propulsion, steering, and suspension systems, enabling advanced features such as suspension control, high‑ performance handling, and next‑ generation steering capabilities. This ‑fastmoving group values creative, highly motivated engineers who thrive in Agile environments and want to solve complex problems at scale while contributing directly to both ICE and EV vehicle lines. In this role, you’ll‑ work within the VMEC Steering, Suspension, and Performance Race Software team to design, implement, and test controls and diagnostic algorithms for GM’s latest chassis systems, collaborating across engineering groups and influencing both system direction and junior engineer development.

What You’ll Do:

  • Lead controls design development using Lean‑Agile principles and drive requirements decomposition with Systems and Architecture teams.

  • Design and implement supervisory controls, diagnostics, and fault handling behavior for new steering and suspension systems using innovative methods and state‑ of‑ the‑ art tools.‑

  • Collaborate with Steering and Suspension calibration teams to create robust algorithms that meet vehicle level‑ performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.

  • Lead FMEA activities, analyze failure modes, and integrate safety learnings into production algorithms.

  • Develop and verify controls through unit, integration, SIL, HIL, and vehicle level‑ testing; review results and refine designs to meet acceptance criteria and performance metrics.

  • Support Scrum processes: feature decomposition, user story elaboration, definition of done, team alignment, and delivery of maintainable software components.

  • Provide inputs for Calibration procedures and Behavioral Technical Specifications (BTS), and support robustness and BTS testing.

  • Host algorithm design reviews, communicate findings, and provide feedback to hardware teams to improve system robustness.

  • Lead issue re‑solution efforts, document lessons learned and best practices, and maintain tracking via PRTS.

  • Leverage AI to enhance efficiency, produce innovative methods, document IP, and participate in Scrum and ART ceremonies.

Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications):

  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or other applicable Engineering focuses.

  • Minimum 5+ years Engineering experience with proven technical and professional skills in job-related area

  • Knowledge of DOORS/DNG, GIT environment(s); plant modeling and/or analysis tools.

  • Knowledge of sub-system integration including design, implementation, and testing

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with sometimes incomplete/changing requirements.

  • Analytical problem-solving skills where problems are unusual and difficult.

  • Demonstrated honesty, integrity, and trust. Lead by example.

  • Demonstrated examples of collaboration and positive relationship management

What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

  • Experience with Safety-Critical Systems/ISO26262

  • MS in Engineering with a focus on controls

  • Knowledge of Simulink, MATLAB

  • Knowledge of Suspension Control systems or Steering Control Systems

  • DFSS Black Belt Certified

  • Knowledge of integration testing

  • Knowledge of Behavior Driven Development and Test-Driven Development

  • Experience with C/C++ programming

Compensation: The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position, as well as geography of the selected candidate.

• The salary range for this role is between 125,000 and 217,100. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

• Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits:

• Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).

This role is based remotely, but if the selected candidate lives within a specific mile radius of a GM hub, they will be expected to report to the location three times a week {or other frequency dictated by your manager}.

This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources (https://search-careers.gm.com/en/working-at-gm/total-rewards) .

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire (https://search-careers.gm.com/en/how-we-hire) .

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email (Careers.Accommodations@GM.com) us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

We are leading the change to make our world better, safer and more equitable for all through our actions and how we behave. Learn more about:

Our Company (https://search-careers.gm.com/en/working-at-gm/)

Our Culture

How we hire​​​​​​​ (https://search-careers.gm.com/en/how-we-hire/)

Our diverse team of employees bring their collective passion for engineering, technology and design to deliver on our vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion. We are looking for adventure-seekers and imaginative thought leaders to help us transform mobility.

Explore our global locations (https://search-careers.gm.com/en/locations/)

We are determined to lead change for the world through technology, ingenuity and harnessing the creativity of our diverse team. Join us to help lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all by becoming a member of GM’s Talent Community (beamery.com) (https://flows.beamery.com/generalmotors/talcom) . As a part of our Talent Community, you will receive updates about GM, open roles, career insights and more.

Please note that filling out the form below will not add you to our Talent Community automatically; you will need to use the link above. If you are seeking to apply to a specific role, we encourage you to click “Apply Now” on the job posting of interest.

The policy of General Motors is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status. Additionally, General Motors is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us at Careers.Accommodations@GM.com .In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.


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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908