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Controls Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Controls Designer II will provide advanced technical support in developing and improving control panels and components. This role involves leveraging extensive design and drafting expertise to ...

Controls Designer II

Thomaston, CT · On-site

$83K - $115K/yr

The Controls Designer II will provide advanced technical support in developing and improving control panels and components. This role involves leveraging extensive design and drafting expertise to ...

The Electrical Controls Designer works directly with the Controls Engineer and Engineering team to create and maintain electrical and pneumatic drawings for custom automation equipment. This role is ...

$64K - $68K/yr

AutoCAD Controls Designer Location: Onsite in East Windsor, NJ or Carmel, IN Employment Status: Full Time | Direct Hire Compensation: $64,000 $68,000 per year + Annual Bonus Eligibility Travel: Up to ...

AutoCAD Controls Designer Location: Onsite in East Windsor, NJ or Carmel, IN Employment Status: Full Time | Direct Hire Compensation: $64,000 - $68,000 per year + Annual Bonus Eligibility Travel: Up ...

Provides detailed information and submittals to communicate design and operation to customers, consultants, Johnson Controls field installation team, and subcontractors. How you will do it * Designs ...

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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 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:
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.
AutoCAD Controls Designer I

AutoCAD Controls Designer I

Thermo Systems LLC

Philadelphia, PA

$64K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

AutoCAD Controls Designer

Location: Onsite in East Windsor, NJ or Carmel, IN
Employment Status: Full Time | Direct Hire
Compensation: $64,000 – $68,000 per year + Annual Bonus Eligibility
Travel: Up to 5% as project needs require
Relocation: Will review candidates that are open to relocation to these offices
On Call: No


Who We Are
Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering premier class automation solutions across the Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets.

Guided by The Thermo Way, we are unified, dynamic, and committed to delivering excellence. Our culture is grounded in three core principles:

• Employee Success – investing in our people and their growth
• Customer Success – delivering reliable, high-quality solutions
• Financial Strength – operating with discipline and long-term focus

We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive sustainable success.

The Opportunity
Thermo Systems is growing and we are adding an AutoCAD Controls Designer to support automation and control system projects across District Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical facilities.

This role focuses on developing accurate AutoCAD drawings and electrical design documentation for industrial control systems, instrumentation, and automation infrastructure. Working alongside experienced designers, engineers, and project managers, you will help produce high-quality drawing packages used for installation, commissioning, and long-term facility operations.

This position offers strong mentorship and exposure to industrial automation, control panels, instrumentation systems, and electrical design, making it an excellent opportunity for designers who want to grow their career within controls engineering and automation.

What You’ll Do

Core Responsibilities

  • Create and revise AutoCAD drawings and technical documentation for industrial control systems and automation projects.
  • Develop and maintain drawing packages including control panel layouts, electrical schematics, P&IDs, loop diagrams, and panel risers.
  • Produce mechanical and electrical installation drawings for field construction and commissioning.
  • Support development of as-built documentation following project completion.
  • Maintain organized drawing packages and documentation in accordance with company standards and project requirements.
  • Perform drawing reviews and self-checks to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality.
  • Identify design conflicts or technical issues early and collaborate with project teams to resolve them.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Work closely with controls engineers, project managers, and technical teams to ensure drawing packages align with project scope and requirements.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to maintain alignment with project schedules and deliverables.
  • Communicate design updates, revisions, and technical issues clearly and proactively.
  • Support project documentation and drawing revisions throughout the project lifecycle.

Quality, Safety & Process

  • Follow company policies, Quality Management System (QMS) requirements, and established safety standards.
  • Ensure drawings meet applicable engineering standards and internal documentation requirements.
  • Deliver accurate, high-quality work with strong attention to detail.
  • Identify opportunities to improve design processes, drawing standards, and documentation practices.

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

  • Associate degree in Drafting, Engineering Technology, Electrical Technology, or related technical discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Typically 2–5 years of experience producing AutoCAD drawings in controls, electrical, industrial automation, or engineering environments.
  • Experience supporting industrial control systems, electrical design, or instrumentation projects preferred.

Skills & Qualifications

  • Proficiency with AutoCAD (AutoCAD Electrical experience is a plus).
  • Experience producing electrical schematics, control panel drawings, instrumentation diagrams, or P&IDs.
  • Familiarity with industrial automation systems, PLC panels, and instrumentation preferred.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office tools.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple drawing packages simultaneously.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with engineers and project teams.
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Commitment to quality, safety, and accountability.

What You’ll Get

  • Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options
  • Paid time off and sick leave
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
  • In-house and external technical training opportunities
  • Exposure to complex automation and control system projects
  • A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork
  • Casual work environment, team events, and company-sponsored activities

Learn more at www.thermosystems.com

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status.

Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.