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Controls Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Designer Based in our Omaha office, this position is also remote eligible for candidates located in the Des Moines, IA ; or Minneapolis, MN areas. Join IMEG's Controls team as a ...

The Electrical & Controls Designer plays an important role in that work, supporting the development of detailed electrical, power, and control design deliverables that allow industrial systems to be ...

As an Automation and Controls Designer, you will apply your knowledge to assist in the development of industrial control panel designs, select instrumentation and controls components, and provide ...

The Electrical & Controls Designer plays an important role in that work, supporting the development of detailed electrical, power, and control design deliverables that allow industrial systems to be ...

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Controls Designer information

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$17

$38

$62

How much do controls designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls designer in the United States is $38.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.09 and $45.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Controls Designers?

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

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.
More about Controls Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Controls Designer jobs? Cities with the most Controls Designer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Controls Designer jobs? The top employers for Controls Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Controls Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Controls Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Controls Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,811 per year, or $38.9 per hour.
Senior Controls Designer

Senior Controls Designer

IMEG

Omaha, NE • On-site, Remote

$107/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


IMEG rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

243rd of 368 rated engineering


Job description

Senior Controls Designer

Based in our Omaha office, this position is also remote eligible for candidates located in the Des Moines, IA; or Minneapolis, MN areas. Join IMEG's Controls team as a Senior Controls Designer supporting the design and delivery of industrial automation and control systems-from networked control architectures to PLC/SCADA solutions. In this role, you'll collaborate with engineers and senior staff to produce high-quality documentation, support PLC and HMI programming, and provide limited on-site implementation and commissioning

Principal Responsibilities

  • Lead design and engineering for control system projects of all complexities, including network systems, motor starters, PLC/SCADA, and control enclosures
  • Collaborate with Controls Project Designers to develop engineering solutions, hardware specs, and submittal documents
  • Perform PLC and HMI programming, commissioning, and on-site implementation as needed
  • Ensure quality assurance of all client deliverables and adherence to standards and codes
  • Manage and coordinate projects of varying sizes, overseeing scope, schedule, and execution
  • Support proposal development by assisting with design scopes, fee estimates, and contract reviews
  • Develop and maintain project schedules, tracking milestones and deadlines
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams and clients
  • Handle monthly billing, financial reporting, and project forecasting
  • Lead design reviews, enforce quality control, and provide timely construction support
  • Conduct site visits, manage change orders, and resolve client or construction issues
  • Mentor and train staff while building and maintaining strong client relationships

Required Qualifications and Skills

  • Strong expertise in design techniques, tools, and production of technical plans and specifications
  • Proficient in interpreting and creating controls documentation, including P&ID (Process & Instrumentation Diagram) drawings and symbols
  • Skilled in managing and completing moderately complex control system designs
  • Knowledgeable in commissioning processes such as PLC programming, HMI development, IO testing, and drive setup
  • Strong technical and analytical skills across all aspects of controls design
  • Capable of performing PLC programming and HMI development independently
  • Proficient with Adobe and Bluebeam Revu for document handling and markup
  • Experienced in mentoring, training, and leading team members
  • Able to perform final quality control reviews within area of expertise
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and client relationship-building skills
  • Proficient with MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, Excel, and Outlook
  • Ability to travel up to 20% with occasional overnight stays that may range up to a two-week period
  • This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent required
  • 7 years of experience minimum required, 8 preferred, in the control systems automation and instrumentation consulting or construction industry

OR

  • Associates degree, or certificate, in Automation and Instrumentation, or Engineering preferred
  • 11 years of experience minimum required, 12 preferred, in the control systems automation and instrumentation consulting or construction industry

Why Join Us
IMEG puts people first-with a strong focus on career growth, work-life balance, and meaningful impact. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we offer the resources of a national design leader with the close-knit culture of a local office. You'll collaborate across disciplines, contribute to innovative, sustainable projects, and shape the communities we serve. Join a team where your ideas are valued, your development is supported, and your work truly matters.
Build end-to-end automation solutions that connect controls design, PLC/SCADA implementation, and commissioning support to help clients run safer and more efficient operations.

Controls Team Highlights

  • IMEG's Automation & Controls group delivers advanced industrial control system design to optimize processes and facility operations.
  • They develop process automation solutions that integrate with the mechanical and electrical systems, often utilizing P&IDs (piping and instrumentation diagrams) as the basis for control logic.
  • Close collaboration between IMEG's process engineers, controls engineers, and the client is critical to fully understand process requirements and safety needs.
  • The team produces functional specifications, implements PLC/SCADA programming, and performs thorough check-out and startup commissioning of the control systems.
  • By leveraging modern automation technology, IMEG helps clients achieve efficient, reliable, and safe operation of their industrial processes.

Locations available:

Omaha, NE
Des Moines, IA (remote eligible in this location)

Minneapolis, MN (remote eligible in this location)

Indianapolis, IN

Salary Range: $107,000 - 149,000
Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay will be based on several factors including experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant. Other rewards may include annual bonuses and stock ownership options. In addition, IMEG Corp. provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO). This information is being provided in compliance with local laws. Additional information regarding employee benefits may be found on our company website at www.imegcorp.com

Apply today to help deliver high-performing industrial control systems with IMEG!

IMEG, an employee-owned corporation, is committed to investing in employees' futures through professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement. Additionally, employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment.

Want to learn more about IMEG and our other amazing career opportunities? Please visit https://www.imegcorp.com/careers/.

IMEG is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard torace, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information(including family medical history), parental status (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions includinglactation), ethnic origin, hair type (including hairstyle or hair texture), citizenship status, marital status, military service, veteran'sstatus, political affiliation, non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by law. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to put into effect these principles and mandates. IMEG prohibitsdiscrimination and harassment of any type. IMEG conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws andregulations.

All applicants have the right to request access, correction, and deletion of their personal information from our system. In order to make a request, please email careers@imegcorp.com.


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