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Controls Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IMEG

Senior Controls Designer

Omaha, NE · On-site +1

$107/hr

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 ...

PNE

Automation and Controls Designer

Tualatin, OR · On-site

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 ...

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How much do controls designer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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 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.

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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Controls Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Designer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Designer jobs? For Controls Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Controls Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Designer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $80,811 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Automation and Controls Designer

Pacific Northern Environmental LLC

Tualatin, OR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

Taurus Power and Controls - a Pacific Northern Environmental LLC Company, is seeking an Automation and Controls Designer who thrives in a fast-paced, team environment and has the ability to provide exceptional service to our company, clients, and employees.

Pacific Northern Environmental, LLC consists of five divisions include Advanced Electrical Technologies (AET), Taurus Power and Controls (Taurus), Cowlitz Clean Sweep (CCS), Pacific Northern Environmental Construction (PNEC), and WasteXpress Environmental (WXE). Together, we specialize in commercial and petroleum construction, industrial and commercial electrical, industrial cleaning, and hazardous waste disposal. PNE LLC is a multi-state organization with operating offices in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Hawaii. In addition, we have multiple job sites across the US.

Since 1985, Taurus has been designing control systems, automating tasks, and fabricating control panels for industrial, municipal, and commercial customers-on time and on budget. Taurus is a NETA Accredited Company that offers full-service, third party, independent testing for all electrically powered systems and equipment. Being a 24/7 field service company remains at the core of what we do. We have expertise in a wide array of systems and industries, whether it's servicing projects we developed, or systems built by others.

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 technical documentation to meet customer specifications. You will interface with the manufacturing team during construction and may assist with programming and testing of the final product. The Automation and Controls Designer works on projects that serve a wide variety of customers in the Industrial and Water/Wastewater Municipal markets.

Education and Experience Qualifications

Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technical degree in Automation, Electrical Systems, or similar related field, or equivalent professional experience in the field of automation and controls design.


Required Skills:

  • Knowledge of electrical systems and industrial control panel design.
  • Ability to read and understand P&IDs.
  • Understanding of PLC I/O schematics and relay logic.
  • Understanding of motor control / VFD circuits.
  • Experience with current versions of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe.
  • Acute attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Flexibility for prioritizing multiple tasks.
  • Ability to work both alone and collaboratively in a team environment.

Desired Skills:

  • Programming experience with PLC Platforms: Allen Bradley, Siemens, SQ D, GE.
  • Programming experience with HMI/SCADA Platforms: Allen Bradley, Aveva, Ignition.
  • Programming experience with VFDs: Allen Bradley, ABB, Yaskawa, Eaton.
  • Familiarity with communication networks (Ethernet, Modbus, etc.).
  • Experience in the Water/Wastewater industry.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Automation and Controls Designer's primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

  • Consult with engineering management and project management teams for clear understanding of assignments.
  • Review and interpret contract specifications & drawings to comprehend project scopes.
  • Select suitable part numbers for components to meet integration requirements.
  • Develop control panel Bill of Materials (BOM).
  • Create instrumentation schedules compliant with specifications.
  • Collaborate with the CAD department on control panel layout design, thermal requirements, and electrical/control schematics.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of CAD drawing sets, submittals, and O&Ms (Operation and Maintenance manuals).
  • Produce various technical documents including instrument data sheets, instrument calibration sheets, control panel test forms for FAT (factory acceptance testing), ORT (operational readiness testing), and PAT (performance acceptance testing).
  • Draft RFIs (Requests for Information) and change orders as needed.
  • Provide technical assistance during panel construction, responding to inquiries from the shop floor.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The candidate must possess and be adaptable to the following physical abilities and working conditions:

  • Move about the jobsite as needed.
  • Move work related equipment up to 50lbs.
  • Remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
  • Operate various technological devices, including but not limited to a computer.
  • Occasionally ascend/descend ladders and/or stairs.

Employee Benefit Program

Pacific Northern Environmental, LLC presently provides coverage for:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision options with low premiums for employees and eligible dependents
  • Life AD&D - Voluntary and Company paid.
  • Specialty RX programs.
  • Group AFLAC options - Hospital, Critical, Accident and short-term Disability Plans
  • Pre-Tax Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
  • Pre-Tax Dependent Care Savings Account (DCSA)
  • Telehealth by Teladoc.
  • 401(k) with discretionary annual company matching contributions.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid Trainings and Certifications
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holiday for qualifying employees
  • Up to $2,000 per year profit sharing for qualifying employees
  • Annual company events
  • Safety Incentives


Please apply directly - https://pneco.bamboohr.com/careers/178


***Not open to outside recruiters***

Pacific Northern Environmental, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees of Pacific Northern Environmental, LLC (PNE, LLC) are expected to perform tasks as assigned by PNE supervisory/management personnel, regardless of job title or routine job duties.

We are a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. All new hires are subject to testing in accordance with local, federal, and state guidelines.


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