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Controls Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Data Center Controls Engineer

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

DC Controls Engineer share responsibility for after-hours support through a weekly rotating on-call schedule that is distributed to all participating on-site team members and managed on a monthly ...

The Role T1 Energy is looking to hire a Project Controls Engineer that will support in the management of construction schedules, cost tracking, reporting and document control to keep large-scale ...

The Role T1 Energy is looking to hire a Project Controls Engineer that will support in the management of construction schedules, cost tracking, reporting and document control to keep large-scale ...

CONTROLS ENGINEER 2ND SHIFT

Austin, TX

$82K - $107K/yr

Controls Engineer * Type of Contract: Long-term At-will * Expected Hiring Date: July 2026 * Scope: Single-site manufacturing environment Responsibilities * Execute preventive, predictive, and ...

CONTROLS ENGINEER 2ND SHIFT

Manor, TX ยท On-site

$90K - $116K/yr

Controls Engineer * Type of Contract: Long-term At-will * Expected Hiring Date: July 2026 * Scope: Single-site manufacturing environment Responsibilities * Execute preventive, predictive, and ...

CONTROLS ENGINEER 2ND SHIFT

Manor, TX

$90K - $116K/yr

Controls Engineer * Type of Contract: Long-term At-will * Expected Hiring Date: July 2026 * Scope: Single-site manufacturing environment Responsibilities * Execute preventive, predictive, and ...

Automation Controls Engineer

San Marcos, TX ยท On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Automation Controls Engineer Location: San Marcos, Texas We have one goal: to manufacture quality magnets! We are looking for exceptional individuals who want to learn, build, and lay a foundation ...

Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

Senior Automation & Controls Engineer Location: Austin, TX Job Type: Contract * Experienced in Rockwell ControlLogix platform (PLC's, HMI, networking, servo drives, etc). * Ability to perform ...

Controls Engineer II

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

The Controls Engineer II, Engineering Services designs and maintains the diagnostic infrastructure ICON's fleet depends on - building troubleshooting tools, guided diagnostics, telemetry-sourced ...

Controls Engineer II

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

The Controls Engineer II, Engineering Services designs and maintains the diagnostic infrastructure ICON's fleet depends on - building troubleshooting tools, guided diagnostics, telemetry-sourced ...

Controls Engineer II

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

The Controls Engineer II, Engineering Services designs and maintains the diagnostic infrastructure ICON's fleet depends on -- building troubleshooting tools, guided diagnostics, telemetry-sourced ...

Controls Engineer, Capacity Delivery

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$164K - $206K/yr

Own controls engineering for assigned sites: BMS and EPMS design review, integration oversight, and commissioning support. * Review controls submittals against the standard: architecture, points ...

Controls Engineer, SCADA

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$164K - $206K/yr

Design and deploy the SCADA architecture that monitors and controls power, cooling, and mechanical ... You write configuration and point documentation precise enough that another engineer can maintain ...

Manufacturing Controls Engineer

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$83K - $98K/yr

About the Role Base is seeking a Manufacturing Controls Engineer to contribute to deliver new manufacturing lines to produce battery backup systems. In this role you are directly responsible for the ...

Showing results 41-60

Controls Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$53.6K

$94.2K

$127.7K

How much do controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer in Austin, TX is $94,172.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $105,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,172 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Data Center Controls Engineer

Austin, TX โ€ข On-site

Element Critical
11 - 50 employees

$82K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Element Critical provides hybrid infrastructure solutions in an expanding portfolio of data center facilities across the country. Our mission is to meet the diverse needs of today's business and technology leaders by delivering superior service and product offerings, cultivating trusted relationships with our customers, and motivating and enabling our employees.
This is an opportunity to get involved near the ground level and grow exponentially with a company that is poised to execute. Come join our team!
Department: Facility Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Austin, TX (on-site)
Reports to: Director of Facility Operations
OVERVIEW
Element Critical is seeking to add a Data Center Controls Engineer to the Facility Operations team, who aligns with our company values of accountability, integrity, grit, and problem-solving.
This position participates in a 24/7 operational support model. DC Controls Engineer share responsibility for after-hours support through a weekly rotating on-call schedule that is distributed to all participating on-site team members and managed on a monthly rotation basis.
This role will be responsible for all things related to controls, including but not limited to design standards, implementation, and project management, and maintaining the company building electrical power management systems (EPMS), automation systems (BAS), and building management systems (BMS) for all Data Centers. You will develop new processes and standards while innovating in the control space. Overall desire is to create reliable and efficient controls (BAS, BMS, EPMS) that serve Operations and Customers.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:
  • General
    • Collaborate with design and operations teams to develop and enforce automation logic, ensuring systems meet operational standards.
    • Manage cross-functional partnerships with internal operations and engineering teams to troubleshoot complex control loop issues. Utilize 3rd party vendors and contractors to resolve issues.
    • Assist in procurement related activities including request for quotation/proposals, responding to request for information, assist in review of vendors proposals and submittal processing.
    • Attend project related meetings, coordinate with project leaders, and regularly report status to management.
    • Frequent visits to data centers to troubleshoot issues and supervise 3rd party vendor's work to ensure compliance with the scope, design, and applicable local codes.
  • Create and maintain SOOs and documentation of existing controls infrastructure.
    • Assemble library of I&C design documents, submittals, as-builts, and O&Ms
    • Controls equipment inventory: sensors, valves, controllers, etc
    • Vendors, contacts, contracts, warranties, licenses, entitlements, passwords, 3rd party network access
  • Initial and periodic audit of existing implementations
    • Security risks
    • Operations risks (reliability, SLA risks)
    • Excessive energy or maintenance costs
  • Annual controls opex and capex budgeting
    • Critical remediation capex
    • Maintenance contracts
    • Maintenance capex: end-of-life equipment replacement
    • Upgrades in support of corporate goals, e.g. energy efficiency, operating efficiency, safety and reliability, reporting
  • Corporate design & operations standards
    • Develop, document, publish design guidelines
      • Architecture
      • Hardware, vendors
      • Operator interfaces - style guide (ISA 101)
      • Naming schemes (ISA 5.1)
      • SOOs
      • Monitoring
      • Alerting/Notifications
  • SME and leader for 3rd party implementations (new construction, upgrades/additions, special projects)
    • Lead scope definition, contractor vetting, pricing review, selection, on-boarding, progress meetings
    • Lead owner's submittal and RFI review
    • Vet change orders
    • Lead QA/QC during implementation
    • Lead the commissioning life-cycle for data center BAS, BMS and electromechanical systems, ensuring validation of Building Automation, Building Management, and EPM System to control and monitor HVAC and electrical infrastructure effectively.
      • Ensure commissioning effectiveness by reviewing scripts, monitoring execution, and reviewing reports & issues
    • Lead owner's punch and follow-up
    • Vet closeout and transition to operations
  • SME and leader for internal support and customer integrations (similar to IT). Collaborate with and support Facility Ops teams to enable local control within the I&C sandbox for reliability, reporting for efficiency and operations initiatives, as well as managing all training, documentation
    • Implement and support customer integrations as directed by Customer Ops.
    • Review results and action items from the quarterly maintenances for BMS and electrical systems and take actions to get them resolved.
  • Operate and maintain all controls hardware & software
    • Oversee the testing and tuning of mechanical plant controls (chillers, cooling towers, AHUs), ensuring data visibility and system redundancy are maintained through robust SCADA implementations.
    • Break-fix, preventive maintenance, ongoing tuning and adjustments.
    • Participate in on-call schedule as secondary escalation to provide immediate BMS and electrical system technical support to in-service data centers.
    • Troubleshoot and perform Root Cause Analysis or Corrective Action for BAS, BMS and EPMS system related issues in Element Critical's data centers.
    • Per-site and global plant performance reporting
    • Develop and maintain maintenance program for all controls equipment
      • Hardware PM (calibrating sensors, stroking valves, etc)
      • Platform PM (patches as appropriate, backups, etc.)
    • Specify IT and network resources required by controls applications
    • Configure and manage EPMS, BAS, and BMS system alarm frameworks, optimize alarm logic, prioritization, and thresholds to reduce false alarms, improve signal-to-noise ratio, and ensure rapid, accurate response to critical infrastructure events to actionable events by the Facility Operations team.
  • Special projects assigned by Manager.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 5 years of experience in data center or critical facility environment, focused on the commissioning of mechanical systems and industrial controls.
  • 5 years of experience with Building Management Systems, PLC programming, SCADA Architecture (e.g., Modbus, BACnet, industrial networking).
  • Experience managing projects in a Design/Build delivery environment for mission-critical facilities, with a focus on cooling and mechanical automation.
  • Experience with contractors and site safety teams to ensure commissioning activities align with construction schedules and safety protocols.
  • Ability to work in an environment that operates 24/7 and participate in on-call rotation
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Travel expected up to ~40%.

Element Critical is a well-funded, fast paced organization that is seeking to make several acquisitions over the next few years and develop into a very strong national player. We offer the following benefits, in addition to a focus on growing our culture and engagement.
  • PPO and HDHP Healthcare Plans
  • FSA and HSA with above market Employer HSA Match
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Employer Paid Disability and Life Insurance
  • Additional Group Insurances
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave
  • 10 Company Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401k with up to 4% Employer Match
  • Personal Development and Learning Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program