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Controls Designer Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Controls Designer

Woodbridge, ON · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Work with Electrical Engineers in designing new and / or re-design improved methods/systemsEstablish test reports using statistical methods to achieve high performance and minimize costsWork with the ...

Senior Controls Designer

Cambridge, ON · On-site

$43.78 - $52.53/hr

RidgeTech Automation is seeking a highly skilled Senior Controls Designer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have a post-secondary degree/diploma in Electrical Engineering, Control ...

Senior Controls Designer

Cambridge, ON · On-site

CA$43.78 - CA$52.53/hr

RidgeTech Automation is seeking a highly skilled Senior Controls Designer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have a post-secondary degree/diploma in Electrical Engineering, Control ...

CA$77K - CA$102K/yr

Electrical and Controls Designer Join WSP's Energy & Process team as an Electrical and Controls Designer. Your technical expertise will help shape energy systems across Canada, from low‑carbon ...

CA$77K - CA$102K/yr

Electrical and Controls Designer Join WSP's Energy & Process team as an Electrical and Controls Designer. Your technical expertise will help shape energy systems across Canada, from low‑carbon ...

New

CA$77K - CA$102K/yr

Electrical and Controls Designer Build the Future With Us - Step into a role where your technical expertise helps shape energy systems across Canada. From emerging low‑carbon initiatives to major ...

New

GFT is seeking an Junior Protection and Control Designer to fill a position within our Power Team ... Under supervision of senior engineers, develop Substation Protection & Controls drawings including ...

New

GFT is seeking an Junior Protection and Control Designer to fill a position within our Power Team ... Under supervision of senior engineers, develop Substation Protection & Controls drawings including ...

New

GFT is seeking an Junior Protection and Control Designer to fill a position within our Power Team ... Under supervision of senior engineers, develop Substation Protection & Controls drawings including ...

New

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Showing results 1-20

Controls Designer information

See Ontario salary details

$39.5K

$63.7K

$83.5K

How much do controls designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls designer in Ontario is $63,721.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls designer?

Controls Designers are professionals who design and develop control systems for machinery, equipment, or industrial processes. They create detailed electrical schematics, select control hardware and software, and ensure systems meet safety and operational requirements. Controls Designers often collaborate with engineers and technicians to integrate automation solutions, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance. Their work is essential in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy, where automated control systems improve efficiency and reliability.

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

To thrive as a Controls Designer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, automation systems, and experience with control panel design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software (such as AutoCAD Electrical), PLC programming, and familiarity with industry standards like NEC or IEC are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex project requirements. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing reliable, efficient, and compliant control systems that meet client and regulatory expectations.

What types of teams or departments do controls designers typically collaborate with during a project?

Controls Designers frequently work alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure that control systems are seamlessly integrated into larger automation projects. They also interact with project managers to align on timelines and objectives, and may consult with procurement or manufacturing teams to select suitable components. This cross-functional collaboration is key to ensuring that the designed systems meet performance, safety, and cost requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

What is the difference between Controls Designer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls DesignerControls Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering; certifications like PLC or automation certifications are common.Requires similar degrees; often holds professional engineering (PE) license and advanced certifications.
Work EnvironmentDesign-focused, often in office settings or design labs, collaborating with engineers and clients.More fieldwork, testing, and troubleshooting on-site or in manufacturing environments.
Industry UsageUsed in automation system design, control panel layout, and schematic development.Involved in system implementation, testing, and optimization of control systems.

While both roles require technical knowledge of control systems and similar educational backgrounds, Controls Designers primarily focus on creating and drafting control system designs, whereas Controls Engineers are more involved in implementing, testing, and maintaining these systems in real-world settings.

What job categories do people searching Controls Designer jobs in Ontario look for?

The top searched job categories for Controls Designer jobs in Ontario are:

Infographic showing various Controls Designer job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,721 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Controls Designer

Woodbridge, ON

Winters Technical Staffing
51 - 200 employees

CA$80K - CA$100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and implement electrical control design packages including schematics, cable routing diagrams, panel layouts, bills of materials, and material requisition forms.

  • Work with electrical engineers and project teams to design control systems that ensure machine functionality, safety, and reliability.

  • Troubleshoot electrical circuits and machinery, and program PLCs (Beckhoff) and motor drives used in test equipment.


Job description

Our client in Woodbridge, Ontario is seeking an experienced Controls Designer to develop and implement electrical controls solutions within a fast-paced, technology-driven manufacturing environment

Role: Controls Designer

Pay rate- $80K to $100K

This is a Fulltime Permanent Role

Starting -- ASAP

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop and implement a complete electrical control design package, which includes detailed schematics, cable routing diagrams, panel layouts, bills of materials, and material requisition forms, based on standard specifications and the customers’ requirements.
  • Work with Electrical Engineers in designing new and / or re-design improved methods/systems
  • Establish test reports using statistical methods to achieve high performance and minimize costs
  • Work with the project team to design a control system that will enable the machine to perform its intended functionality, safety, and reliability.
  • Trouble shoot electrical circuits and machinery
  • Integrate electronic equipment and components into electrical design packages. Verify that the electrical design package is complete, accurate, and safe, based on sound design practices, accepted electrical codes regulations and standards.
  • Liaise with suppliers to understand the application of their products and monitor technological trends
  • Work with customers, designers, and manufacturing to solve problems, in order to provide the customer with a complete and functional system.
  • Perform initial power up of machine to ensure all components function as intended
  • Program PLC (Beckhoff) and motor drives and other 3rd part electrical devices used in the test equipment
  • Willingness to travel and work extended hours from time to time
  • Other duties as assigned by your manager
  • Participate in R&D meetings. Maintain accurate time log of all activities
  • Reduce design time compared to budgeted time

Education/Experience:

  • A degree in Electrical Engineering or BSEE
  • 2+ years’ experience in designing electrical control systems and PLC programming
  • Experience programming Beckhoff PLC’s using the TWINCAT software is an asset
  • Experience in instrumentation and data acquisition hardware
  • Working knowledge of CAD systems (preferably Zuken E3) for control designs
  • Working knowledge of safety standards for control systems
  • Ability to keep abreast of leading-edge technology

Authorities:

  • To recommend control and instrumentation solutions fulfilling design requirements.
  • To select and recommend electrical components, instruments, and manufacturing methods.
  • To select and recommend design modifications that will improve product quality and performance.
  • To select and purchase development tools, component samples and manufacturing services as required.
  • To check other engineer’s work.

If you have the skills and experience that we are looking for to be successful in this role, please apply online or email your resume to Irena Shema

irena@winterstaffing.com

416 270 7862

www.winterstaffing.com .