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Controls Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$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 ...

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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 13, 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.
Building Automation Controls Designer

Building Automation Controls Designer

Johnson Controls

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

$26 - $37/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

New


Johnson Controls rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 399 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

About Us:

Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.


For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward

What you will do

Under direct supervision and using established standards,responsible for hardware designs and software programming for HVAC control systems to meet the intent of the project requirements.Provides detailed information and submittals to communicate design and operation to customers, consultants, Johnson Controls field installation team and subcontractors. Responds to basic warranty calls.

How you will do it

  • Selects hardware designs from standard design library for flow diagrams, sequence of operations, bill of material, network layouts and electrical schematics as required.

  • Performs software programming using established standards as a basis of design.

  • Coordinates the creation of necessary drawings and equipment schedules for submittals and installation.

  • Selects, orders, and tracks the delivery of materials for assigned projects. Coordinates factory-mounting processes to meet factory and project schedule.

  • Assists in the loading and commissioning of all system and network-level controllers as required. Assists in validation of complete system functionality and troubleshoots problems with subcontractors and other trades to ensure proper operation.

  • Gathers field changes from the project team and creates as-built drawings and software. Prepares proper documentation and/or manuals for system operation.

  • Keeps management and JCI contractor or customer informed of job progress and issues.

  • Assists in performing site-specific training for owner/operator on the total system.

  • Completes paperwork including but not limited to time sheets, expense reports, and on-site documentation.

  • Adheres to safety standards. High degree of regard to employee and subcontractor safety.

What we look for

Required

  • University degree and 1 year suggested minimum experience, or 2 year degree and 6 years suggested minimum experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Experience with installing and/or commissioning controls systems including system-level controllers

  • Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and control systems.

  • Demonstrated technical aptitude.

  • Demonstrated advanced computer skills required

Preferred

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical /Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

HIRING HOURLY RANGE: $26-$37 (Hourly rate to be determined by the education, experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with marketdata.) This position includes a competitive benefits package.The posted salary range reflectsthe target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidatesmay bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe yourbackground warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply.Tosupport an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, includingartificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions areultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on theJohnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us

#techhiring

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.


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About Johnson Controls

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Johnson Controls is a world leader in smart buildings, creating safe, healthy and sustainable spaces. For nearly 140 years, we’ve made buildings better and now we’re transforming them again with our award-winning digital technologies and services. We’re using artificial intelligence and data driven solutions to give you deeper insight into your building’s health, sustainability and performance. It’s changing the way we design, operate and maintain indoor environments and driving to a new era of autonomous buildings. We deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, hotels, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive suite of connected solutions. Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology, software and services. Supported by a team of more than 100,000 dedicated employees working across 150 countries, we’re helping customers achieve their sustainability goals and power their mission.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing, water transportation, public safety statistics centers and offices and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US