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Controls Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

DevSecOps Engineer, Staff

Middletown, RI · On-site

$82K - $131K/yr

Responsibilities The DevSecOps Engineer will design, implement, and maintain secure, automated ... Manage system services, networking, access controls, logging, and system monitoring on Linux ...

Brownhealth

Stationary Engineer

Providence, RI

$26.80 - $44.21/hr

... and controls, periodically adjusts controls, as required, and maintains systems for the duty ... City of Providence Stationery Engineer license required.EXPERIENCE:A minimum of one year of related ...

REGENT

Chief Engineer

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

Role Overview As Chief Engineer, you will be the vehicle-level technical authority for REGENT ... controls - and ensures that every design decision, interface, and assumption fits together into a ...

Regent Craft Inc

Chief Engineer

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

Role Overview As Chief Engineer, you will be the vehicle-level technical authority for REGENT ... controls - and ensures that every design decision, interface, and assumption fits together into a ...

Brownhealth

Stationary Engineer PD

Providence, RI · On-site

$26.80 - $44.21/hr

... and controls, periodically adjusts controls, as required, and maintains systems for the duty ... City of Providence Stationery Engineer license required.EXPERIENCE:A minimum of one year of related ...

SEACORP

DevOps Engineer

Middletown, RI · On-site

$52.50 - $72/hr

Understanding of the application of policy, process, and technical controls. * Position requires familiarity with System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), System Engineering process, Risk Management ...

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All JobsControls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island

Controls Engineer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$53.9K

$94.6K

$128.3K

How much do controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer in Rhode Island is $94,576.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $105,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Controls engineers in senior or specialized roles, especially those working in industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or automation, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, often including bonuses and profit sharing. High-level positions typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in programming, system integration, and project management.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior controls engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or large manufacturing often offer such compensation, particularly for those managing complex projects or leading teams.

What Is a Controls Engineer?

Controls engineers design, develop, and test automated or dynamic systems that are controlled through feedback with sensors or detectors. Examples include automated irrigation systems that can sense moisture levels in soil, or self-driving cars that can navigate congested streets. Controls engineers apply control theory to devices, machines, and processes to attain desired outcomes. They can work on everything from boilers, washing machines, or light switches to complex industrial machinery.

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

To thrive as a Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or Siemens/Rockwell training are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems critical to industrial and manufacturing environments.

What does a Controls Engineer do?

A Controls Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that control machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They work with automation systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, actuators, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operation. Controls Engineers also troubleshoot and optimize existing systems, implement upgrades, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Their expertise is crucial for improving productivity, reducing downtime, and integrating new technologies into production environments.

What exactly does a controls engineer do?

A controls engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that automate machinery and processes. They work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and software to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often collaborating with electrical and mechanical teams. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of automation tools are essential in this role.

How much do control engineers get paid?

Control engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $110,000. Salaries can also vary based on the complexity of automation systems and the use of tools like PLCs and SCADA systems.

What is the difference between Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation facilities, industrial settingsDesign offices, research labs, power plants, industrial sites
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower generation, electronics, telecommunications, industrial systems
Common Search/ComparisonControls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer

Controls Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for automation and manufacturing processes, often working closely with machinery and PLCs. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power distribution, and electronic devices. While both roles require electrical knowledge and certifications, Controls Engineers specialize more in automation and control systems, whereas Electrical Engineers may work across various electrical disciplines.

What are common challenges faced by Controls Engineers when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Controls Engineers frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, which can present challenges in aligning design standards, timelines, and communication styles. They must ensure that control systems integrate seamlessly with hardware and software components while also meeting safety and regulatory requirements. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as Controls Engineers often act as a bridge between technical disciplines to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions efficiently.
More about Controls Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Rhode Island? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineer jobs in Rhode Island? For Controls Engineer jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Engineer jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Engineer jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Controls Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineer jobs in RI? For Controls Engineer jobs in RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Controls Engineer jobs near you
DevSecOps Engineer, Staff

DevSecOps Engineer, Staff

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Middletown, RI • On-site

$82K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Overview
AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.
Responsibilities
The DevSecOps Engineer will design, implement, and maintain secure, automated
software delivery pipelines in support of U.S. defense acquisition programs. This role
requires strong Linux expertise, hands-on experience with modern DevSecOps practices, and a solid understanding of DoD acquisition environments, processes, and security requirements. You will collaborate with development, security, and operations teams to ensure mission-critical systems are built, tested, and deployed securely and reliably.
Key Responsibilities
  • DevSecOps & Automation
    • Design, implement, and maintain CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, Azure DevOps) to automate build, test, security scanning, and deployment processes.
    • Integrate security tools (SAST, DAST, SCA, container scanning, secret detection) into the pipeline and enforce "shift-left" security practices.
    • Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, Helm, or CloudFormation.
    • Implement and manage configuration management and environment provisioning for development, test, staging, and production environments.
  • Linux & Platform Engineering
    • Administer and harden Linux-based systems (RHEL, CentOS, Rocky, Ubuntu, or similar) in accordance with DoD security standards (e.g., STIGs, CIS Benchmarks).
    • Manage system services, networking, access controls, logging, and system monitoring on Linux platforms.
    • Troubleshoot performance, reliability, and security issues on Linux servers, containers, and virtual machines.
    • Build and maintain containerized workloads (Docker/Podman) and orchestrated environments (Kubernetes/OpenShift or similar).
  • Security & Compliance
    • Implement and maintain security controls in line with DoD and federal requirements (e.g., RMF, NIST SP 800-53, NIST 800-171, CMMC).
    • Support Authority to Operate (ATO) activities by producing required DevSecOps and system artifacts (e.g., pipeline documentation, security test results, configuration baselines).
    • Collaborate with ISSOs, security engineers, and program managers to ensure continuous compliance and vulnerability remediation.
    • Implement monitoring, alerting, and logging solutions (e.g., ELK/EFK, Splunk, Prometheus/Grafana) to support security operations and incident response.
  • Defense Acquisition Support
    • Work within the constraints and requirements of DoD acquisition lifecycle frameworks (e.g., DoDI 5000 series, DoD 5000.02, Adaptive Acquisition Framework).
    • Align DevSecOps practices with program milestones, deliveries, and documentation expectations (e.g., CDR, TRR, test events, fielding).
    • Participate in technical reviews, risk assessments, and planning sessions with program stakeholders and government customers.
    • Provide technical input to acquisition artifacts such as System Engineering Plans, Test Plans, and Cybersecurity Strategies.
  • Collaboration & Technical Leadership
    • Partner with developers, system engineers, cybersecurity, and program management to define secure architecture patterns and deployment strategies.
    • Champion DevSecOps best practices, secure coding standards, and continuous improvement across the team.
    • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to internal standards, templates, and playbooks.

Qualifications
  • 3-5 years experience in classified or air-gapped environments and with cross-domain or
    disconnected DevSecOps workflows.
  • Secret Clearance REQUIRED.
  • Hands-on experience with:
    • DoD Enterprise DevSecOps platforms (e.g., Platform One, Iron Bank, relevant containers registries)
    • Secrets management tools (e.g., HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, Key Management Systems)
    • Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid/multi-cloud environments in a government context (e.g., IL4/IL5, GovCloud).
  • Relevant certifications, such as:
    • Security+ CE, CISSP, CASP+, or other DoD 8570/8140 certifications Red Hat (RHCSA/RHCE), Linux Foundation (CKA/CKAD), or similar DevOps/Cloud certifications (e.g., AWS/Azure DevOps Engineer, CNCF).
  • Experience with Agile/Scrum or SAFe in defense programs.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document architectures, pipelines, and security controls clearly for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary, multi-contractor environment.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ownership mindset in highly regulated,
    mission-critical contexts.

Pay Transparency Statement
AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $82,100.00/Yr. - USD $131,360/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.
EEO Statement
EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status

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