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Controls Engineer Jobs in Melbourne, FL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Automation Controls Engineer Job Code: 40552 Job Location: Palm Bay, FL Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off) L3Harris is searching for a Senior Automation Controls Engineer responsible ...

Controls & Automation Engineer 3

FL · On-site

$91K - $121K/yr

Job Overview & Responsibilities At ULA, as a Controls & Automation Engineer 3 , you will be a member of the Engineering and Infrastructure department, responsibilities include: * The design ...

Controls & Automation Engineer 3

FL · On-site

$91K - $121K/yr

Job Overview & Responsibilities At ULA, as a Controls & Automation Engineer 3 , you will be a member of the Engineering and Infrastructure department, responsibilities include: * The design ...

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Controls Engineer information

See Melbourne, FL salary details

$51K

$89.5K

$121.4K

How much do controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer in Melbourne, FL is $89,517.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,400.00 and $100,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL are:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL? For Controls Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL are:
What cities near Melbourne, FL are hiring for Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Melbourne, FL with the most Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer job openings in Melbourne, FL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,406 per year, or $43 per hour.

Automation & Controls Engineer (Starship Launch Hardware)

SpaceX

Cape Canaveral, FL • On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER (STARSHIP LAUNCH HARDWARE)

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry in excess of 100 metric tons to Earth orbit. The launch hardware Automation & Controls Engineer role will be hands-on in designing and activating the systems that build and launch Starship. The successful applicant will work as part of a team of elite engineers designing and improving the electrical, and control systems across our rocket launch facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Participate in the design and development of new and existing control systems critical to the launch organization
  • Architect, write, and debug PLC code, emphasizing generating organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code for manufacturing applications
  • Design and implement the controls network infrastructure and interfaces to data acquisition systems trading cost, complexity and redundancy
  • Design, operate, upgrade, and maintain SCADA infrastructure at launch and production sites
  • Lay out new industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
  • Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic and fluid plumbing
  • Manage the checkouts and activation testing of new equipment
  • Write robust and scalable procedures to activate technicians to quickly and reliably build and activate new control systems
  • Provide hands on troubleshooting support for a variety of active and critical ground support equipment tooling
  • Provide innovative solutions to special requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from integrating specialized equipment to challenging operating environment, packaging or loading

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechatronics engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with instrumentation power systems design, data acquisition systems, or programable controllers (internship/project experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Proficiency or direct hands-on experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, data acquisition setup and field measurements, build of electronics systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications
  • Exposure to a wide variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, Nut-Runners, etc)
  • Hands-on experience building and commissioning high quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems
  • Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan
  • C#, .NET, python and/or SQL experience
  • PLC programming experience, preferably Siemens TIA Portal
  • HMI and SCADA programming experience, preferably with Ignition software
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, UL508A codes
  • Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team in a high-pressure, dynamic environment
  • Able to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
  • Must be willing to work weekends and night shifts as needed; flexibility required
  • Must be willing to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US