1

Controls Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thermal System Controls Developer

Westerville, OH · On-site

$43.50 - $55.75/hr

Position Summary The Thermal System Controls Developer will be responsible for the development, implementation and support of software and control logic for Vertiv's system-level thermal controls and ...

Lead Fusion Controls Developer

Madison, WI · On-site

$45.50 - $58.25/hr

The Lead Fusion Controls Developer will design, build, and own parts of the control systems and software that operate Realta's suite of fusion devices, post-processing, and simulation tools. This is ...

Lead Fusion Controls Developer

Madison, WI · On-site

$45.50 - $58.25/hr

The Lead Fusion Controls Developer will design, build, and own parts of the control systems and software that operate Realta's suite of fusion devices, post-processing, and simulation tools. This is ...

Lead Fusion Controls Developer

Madison, WI · On-site

$45.50 - $58.25/hr

The Lead Fusion Controls Developer will design, build, and own parts of the control systems and software that operate Realta's suite of fusion devices, post-processing, and simulation tools. This is ...

Controls Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

The Controls Engineer LV1 will learn various aspects of engineering work in the design and startup of PLC controlled systems for material handling equipment. A Controls Engineer LV1 is expected to ...

Controls Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

$79K - $102K/yr

The Controls Engineer LV1 will learn various aspects of engineering work in the design and startup of PLC controlled systems for material handling equipment. A Controls Engineer LV1 is expected to ...

Controls Engineer Location : Elgin, IL Hire Type : Contract to direct hire Compensation : $45/hr to $65/hr based on experience Benefits : As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to ...

Controls Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$72K - $94K/yr

The Controls Engineers are given the opportunity to work on projects from the initial planning stages to field installation and commissioning for the Water-Wastewater and Manufacturing Industry.

Controls Software Design Engineer - Machine Automation Location: Lansing, MI Employment Type: Direct Hire Travel: Approximately 5% Compensation: $100-120k, based on experience A growing industrial ...

Controls Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95K - $122K/yr

Controls Engineer Seattle, WA Work for a leading mechanical design-build contractor with a rooted presence in the Pacific Northwest. This firm has a strong reputation in the industry with over 1,500 ...

Senior Motor Controls Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$83K - $110K/yr

Job Purpose Canoo is looking for a senior motor controls developer with a solid in controls and calibration of electric motors and related topics, and ideally some automotive experience. In this ...

Controls Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Controls Engineer Location : Rockford, IL Hire Type : Direct Hire Compensation : $110,000 to $130,000 based on experience Benefits : Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, 401k, Paid Time Off About ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Controls Developer information

See salary details

$19

$33

$48

How much do controls developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls developer in the United States is $33.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls developer?

A Controls Developer is an engineer or software specialist who designs, develops, and implements control systems for machines, manufacturing processes, or automated equipment. They work with hardware and software to create systems that monitor and adjust variables like temperature, speed, or pressure to ensure optimal operation. Controls Developers typically use programming languages such as PLC programming, C, or Python, and may work closely with electrical and mechanical engineers. Their work is crucial for industries like manufacturing, automotive, and robotics.

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

To thrive as a Controls Developer, you need a strong background in control systems engineering, programming (such as PLC, HMI, or SCADA), and a relevant degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering. Familiarity with automation platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens), industrial networking, and certifications like ISA CAP or related vendor credentials are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These skills ensure the efficient design, implementation, and maintenance of automated processes critical to industrial and manufacturing operations.

What are some common challenges controls developers face during the integration phase of a project?

Controls Developers often encounter challenges when integrating control systems with existing machinery or new equipment. Issues such as hardware-software compatibility, communication protocol mismatches, and unexpected system behaviors can arise. Effective troubleshooting, thorough documentation, and close collaboration with electrical engineers and machine operators are crucial for resolving these integration hurdles. Being proactive in testing and validation can help ensure seamless deployment and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Controls Developer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectControls DeveloperAutomation Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control systems engineering; certifications like PLC or SCADA are commonSimilar credentials; often holds engineering degrees and certifications in automation or control systems
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, or facilities with automation systemsManufacturing, process industries, or any environment involving automated processes
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, automation service providers, industrial facilitiesIndustrial companies, system integrators, and automation solution providers
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Controls Developers and Automation Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often collaborating on automation projects. While Controls Developers focus on designing and programming control systems, Automation Engineers may have a broader role including system integration and process optimization. Both roles are vital in industrial automation, with overlapping skills and industry usage.

Is controls engineering in high demand?

Controls engineering is in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, automation, and energy, as companies seek to improve efficiency and integrate advanced control systems. Professionals with skills in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and automation tools are particularly sought after, often leading to strong job growth and competitive salaries.

What cities are hiring for Controls Developer jobs?

Cities with the most Controls Developer job openings:

What states have the most Controls Developer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Controls Developer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Controls Developer jobs?

For Controls Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Thermal System Controls Developer

Westerville, OH • On-site

$43.50 - $55.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Vertiv rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

372nd of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Position Summary

The Thermal System Controls Developer will be responsible for the development, implementation and support of software and control logic for Vertiv's system-level thermal controls and optimization solutions.

The role will support the evolution of Vertiv's control platforms across the full thermal chain, including CDU systems, secondary fluid network management, pumps, chillers, heat rejection systems, heat reuse applications and plant-level optimization solutions.

This position will contribute to both product development and customer project execution, developing control software, reusable software modules, GUI/HMI elements, integration features and project-specific control logic.

The role will work closely with Offering Management, Platform Engineering, Controls Engineering, Commissioning, Service and other Vertiv business units to support standardization, product growth and successful deployment of system-level thermal control solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop software and control logic for Vertiv's system-level thermal controls and optimization solutions.
  • Support the development of software for platforms such as the Chilled Water Manager and Optimizer, Secondary Fluid Network Manager and future thermal system control applications.
  • Write, test and maintain PLC/control code, primarily using Codesys and IEC 61131-3 programming languages.
  • Develop supporting tools, scripts, data processing routines and automation utilities using Python.
  • Support the development and configuration of GUI/HMI interfaces, dashboards, visualization pages and operator workflows.
  • Implement control strategies for hydronic and liquid cooling systems, including CDU systems, secondary loops, pumps, valves, chillers, buffer tanks, heat rejection equipment and heat reuse applications.
  • Develop standard software modules, reusable control blocks and libraries to support scalable deployment across multiple projects and platforms.
  • Support project-specific customization based on customer requirements, site-specific sequences of operation and project architecture.
  • Collaborate with Offering Management to translate roadmap needs, customer feedback and new feature requests into technical software requirements.
  • Collaborate with Platform Engineering and Business Unit teams to identify synergies, standardization opportunities and reusable software components.
  • Support integration with Vertiv and third-party equipment using industrial communication protocols such as Modbus TCP, BACnet, MQTT and other relevant interfaces.
  • Support factory testing, software validation, simulation, functional testing and project preparation activities.
  • Support commissioning teams during remote troubleshooting, urgent software modifications and selected field activities.
  • Maintain software documentation, version control, release notes and development records in line with Vertiv processes.
  • Capture field feedback and lessons learned to improve future software releases and product roadmap priorities.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical experience.
  • Experience in industrial automation, HVAC controls, liquid cooling controls, BMS, PLC programming or data center thermal controls.
  • Strong programming capability with Codesys or similar PLC development environments.
  • Knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming languages, especially Structured Text.
  • Working knowledge of Python for scripting, automation, data handling or software support tools.
  • Experience with HMI/GUI development, SCADA systems or industrial visualization platforms.
  • Good understanding of control systems, sensors, actuators, control loops and plant-level automation.
  • Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus TCP, BACnet, MQTT or similar.
  • Ability to read and interpret control diagrams, sequence of operation documents, P&IDs, electrical schematics and I/O lists.
  • Ability to work in a global, cross-functional environment.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with chilled water systems, hydronic plants, liquid cooling systems, CDU systems, secondary fluid networks or data center cooling systems.
  • Experience with plant-level optimization, energy efficiency strategies, PID tuning, equipment sequencing or supervisory controls.
  • Experience with Ignition, Unify or equivalent SCADA/HMI platforms.
  • Experience with Git or other software version-control tools.
  • Experience supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning or field troubleshooting activities.
  • Familiarity with data center infrastructure, mission-critical environments and thermal system integration.

Travel

Willingness to travel up to approximately 20%, including customer sites, Vertiv facilities, factory testing, commissioning support and project troubleshooting activities.

#LI-RB1

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv's Core Principles & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.

OUR CORE PRINCIPLES: Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

High-Performance Culture

Customer Focus

Operational Excellence

Innovation

Financial Strength

VERTIV BEHAVIORS

Own it

Act with urgency

Foster a customer-first mindset

Think big and execute

Lead by example

Drive continuous improvement

Learn and seek out development

Promote transparent & open communication

About Vertiv

Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services to enable its customers' vital applications to run continuously, perform optimally and grow with their business needs. Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today's data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extend from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs around 34,000 people and does business in more than 130 countries. Visit Vertiv.com to learn more.

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to help.join@vertiv.com


What Vertiv employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom