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Controls Engineer Jobs in Paducah, KY (NOW HIRING)

Rinvio

Process Control Engineer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$75.77 - $110.21/hr

Rinvio is hiring a Process Control Engineer for process controls, PLC systems, and industrial automation engineering in the Paducah, KY area. Pay: $55-$80/hour, based on experience Location: Paducah ...

Rinvio

Process Control Engineer

Paducah, KY

$55 - $80/hr

Rinvio is hiring a Process Control Engineer for process controls, PLC systems, and industrial automation engineering in the Paducah, KY area. Pay: $55-$80/hour, based on experience Location: Paducah ...

Rinvio

Process Control Engineer

Wickliffe, KY · On-site

Rinvio is hiring a Process Control Engineer for industrial automation, controls, and process improvement work in the Wickliffe, Kentucky area. Pay: Pay negotiable based on experience Location:

Westlake

Process Engineer

Calvert City, KY

The Engineer assists Process Supervisor and departmental Process Engineers with the analysis and ... Recommend appropriate plant operating conditions and process controls to optimize raw material and ...

Rinvio

PLC Automation Programmer

Paducah, KY · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Rinvio is hiring a PLC Automation Programmer for PLC, controls, and manufacturing automation support in the Paducah, KY area. Pay: $40-$55/hour, based on experience Location: Paducah, KY Schedule ...

Jobtailor

Chemical Engineer, P.E.

Paducah, KY · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Apply applicable design codes, standards, site procedures, engineering design controls, and assigned quality levels. * Coordinate with project managers, design engineering management, discipline ...

Westlake Corporation

Process Engineer

Calvert City, KY · On-site

Process Engineer performs process system analysis, safety system analysis, quality system analysis ... Recommend appropriate plant operating conditions and process controls as required to optimize raw ...

Westlake

Process Engineer

Calvert City, KY

Process Engineer performs process system analysis, safety system analysis, quality system analysis ... Recommend appropriate plant operating conditions and process controls as required to optimize raw ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Eddyville, KY

$90K - $108K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Salem, KY

$80K - $96K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Wickliffe, KY

$87K - $104K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

General Matter

General Application

Paducah, KY · On-site

$70K - $250K/yr

Mechanical Engineering * Electrical & Controls Engineering * Manufacturing Engineering * Test Engineering * Chemical Engineering & Chemistry * Nuclear Engineering * Software Engineering * Embedded ...

General Matter

General Application

Paducah, KY

$70K - $250K/yr

Mechanical Engineering * Electrical & Controls Engineering * Manufacturing Engineering * Test Engineering * Chemical Engineering & Chemistry * Nuclear Engineering * Software Engineering * Embedded ...

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All JobsControls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs in Paducah, KY

Controls Engineer information

See Paducah, KY salary details

$53.9K

$94.7K

$128.5K

How much do controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer in Paducah, KY is $94,713.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $105,900.00 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.

More about Controls Engineer jobs

What cities near Paducah, KY are hiring for Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Paducah, KY with the most Controls Engineer job openings:

Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer job openings in Paducah, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,713 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) P.E. (3945)

Paducah, KY • On-site, Remote

Navarro Inc.
Clean Energy Services • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Navarro Inc.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting an Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) P.E. (3945) in Paducah, KY. This is a remote position with travel to Paducah when needed.
Navarro is an award-winning provider of turnkey solutions, delivering comprehensive nuclear, environmental and technical services to federal agencies, commercial enterprises and private clients across the United States. Our expertise supports organizations such as the Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of Defense and NASA, while also extending to commercial industries and private sector partners facing complex engineering, technical and environmental challenges. Navarro specializes in nuclear operations, environmental remediation, D&D, waste management, advanced energy, facilities management, and technical and professional services. For more information, please visit Navarro-inc.com.
Position Summary
Navarro is seeking a Kentucky-licensed Professional Engineer (PE) - Instrumentation & Controls to support bid and task-based design engineering services for Department of Energy (DOE) facility modification work in Paducah, Kentucky. This role supports instrumentation, controls, electrical/instrument design, process monitoring, and control system scope for existing DOE-owned facilities.
The work consists of I&C engineering support for modifications to existing facilities, including PLC troubleshooting, PLC design and programming, instrument/control system design documentation, and field visits or project meetings at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant as required by individual task assignments.
Responsibilities
  • Provide instrumentation and controls engineering support for DOE facility modification projects and process monitor/control system design scope.
  • Develop and review instrument system diagrams, instrument tabulations, instrument loop diagrams, plan layouts, elevations, wiring diagrams, control panel documentation, specifications, calculations, engineering evaluations, statements of work, and design drawings.
  • Support design and integration of temperature, pressure, flow, level, and pH control loops; temperature sensors; control valves; pressure transmitters; and flow measurement instruments.
  • Support troubleshooting, design, and programming of PLC systems, including Allen Bradley systems where applicable.
  • Apply applicable design codes, standards, site procedures, engineering design control requirements, and assigned quality levels to task-based engineering work.
  • Coordinate with project managers, design engineering management, discipline leads, client representatives, and other technical staff to support task execution, reviews, schedules, and field visit needs.
  • Support work planning, technical input, milestone deliverables, engineering documentation, and design activities on an intermittent or task-specific basis as project requirements are defined.
  • Comply with site access, safety, quality assurance, security, radiological control, and worker safety and health requirements applicable to DOE facility work.

Requirements
  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, instrumentation and controls engineering, controls engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
  • Experience developing instrumentation and controls engineering design products, including drawings, specifications, calculations, evaluations, statements of work, and control system documentation.
  • Experience with process monitor/control systems and instrumentation for industrial, chemical processing, nuclear processing, or other complex regulated facility environments.
  • Department of Energy (DOE) experience is required.
  • Experience supporting engineering work in industrial, chemical processing, nuclear processing, environmental, or other complex regulated facility environments.
  • Ability to support task-based engineering assignments that may range from a few weeks to several months, depending on design scope and project needs.
  • Ability to provide individual Kentucky PE license information for proposal submittal purposes; associated subcontractor firm must hold a current permit in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to perform engineering services.
  • Ability to support field visits and/or project meetings at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah, Kentucky, as needed.
  • Ability to meet DOE site access, badging, security, training, safety, quality assurance, and radiological control requirements, as applicable.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficiency with Allen Bradley PLCs.
  • Design experience with instrument system diagrams, instrument tabulations, instrument loop diagrams, plan layouts, elevations, wiring and control panels per ISA standards, and control valve sizing.
  • Experience with heated enclosure design, process control set points, flow meter sizing, temperature sensors, absolute/gage/differential pressure transmitters, and fluid flow instrumentation.
  • Knowledge of ISA67.04, ISA-RP67.04.02, NFPA 70, and NFPA 70E.
  • Experience coordinating I&C design scope with civil/structural, mechanical, electrical, chemical, project management, safety, quality, and field execution stakeholders.

Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, instrumentation and controls engineering, controls engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline and current Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in the Commonwealth of Kentucky are required. DOE experience and I&C engineering experience supporting industrial, nuclear, environmental, process control, PLC, or other complex regulated facility work are required.
Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required.
Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status, or any classification protected by applicable state or local law.
EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled
Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability

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