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Controls Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AAON, Inc.

Manager, Controls Engineering

Redmond, OR · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

The Manager, Controls Engineering leads the Controls Engineering team responsible for the design, programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of HVAC control systems and ...

Fujifilm

Controls Engineering Manager

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$80K - $103K/yr

The Role The Controls Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the Controls Engineering team in support of a 24/7 manufacturing operation. This position provides technical leadership, strategic ...

Fujifilm

Controls Engineering Manager

Mesa, AZ

$80K - $103K/yr

The Role The Controls Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the Controls Engineering team in support of a 24/7 manufacturing operation. This position provides technical leadership, strategic ...

AAON, Inc.

Manager, Controls Engineering

Redmond, OR · Hybrid

$88K - $114K/yr

The Manager, Controls Engineering leads the Controls Engineering team responsible for the design, programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of HVAC control systems and ...

Connect Force

Controls Engineering Supervisor

Wixom, MI

$110K - $120K/yr

Controls Engineering Supervisor Location: Metro Detroit Area (Confidential Manufacturing Company) Industry: Precision Machinery / Advanced Manufacturing Employment Type: Full-Time Company Overview A ...

FUJIFILM Biotechnologies

$82K - $107K/yr

The RoleThe Controls Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the Controls Engineering team in support of a 24/7 manufacturing operation. This position provides technical leadership, strategic ...

Recutify Inc.

Controls Engineering Supervisor

Lancaster, OH · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a Controls Engineering Supervisor to lead automation and controls initiatives within a manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for overseeing controls ...

MGM Transformers

Controls Engineering Manager

Osseo, MN · On-site

$180K - $205K/yr

The Controls Engineering Manager leads the team responsible for Automation and Control of Forgent power distribution equipment, ensuring products are programmed, validated, safe, and ready to meet ...

PRAB, Inc.

CONTROLS ENGINEERING MANAGER

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

The Controls Engineering Manager leads Hapman's Controls Engineering team in designing and supporting electrical control systems for standard products and engineered material handling solutions. This ...

Connect Force

Controls Engineering Supervisor

Canton, MI

$110K - $120K/yr

Controls Engineering Supervisor Location: Metro Detroit Area (Confidential Manufacturing Company) Industry: Precision Machinery / Advanced Manufacturing Employment Type: Full-Time Company Overview A ...

Connect Force

Controls Engineering Supervisor

Novi, MI

$110K - $120K/yr

Controls Engineering Supervisor Location: Metro Detroit Area (Confidential Manufacturing Company) Industry: Precision Machinery / Advanced Manufacturing Employment Type: Full-Time Company Overview A ...

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Controls Engineering information

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$55K

$96.6K

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How much do controls engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineering in the United States is $96,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is controls engineering?

Controls engineering is a specialized field of engineering that focuses on designing, developing, and implementing systems that manage, command, direct, or regulate the behavior of other devices or systems. Controls engineers use principles from electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering to automate processes, improve efficiency, and ensure safety in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy. Their work often involves programming controllers, designing feedback systems, and integrating sensors and actuators to achieve precise control over machinery and processes.

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

To thrive as a Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and industry certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems in industrial environments.

How does a controls engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

Controls Engineers frequently work alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure seamless integration of automated systems. They are responsible for developing and implementing control strategies that meet project specifications, which often involves coordinating with design, installation, and commissioning teams. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as Controls Engineers must align their solutions with the overall project goals and troubleshoot cross-disciplinary issues that arise during development and testing phases.

How much do controls engineers get paid?

Controls 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 often increase with proficiency in PLC programming, automation systems, and relevant software tools.

Is controls engineering a good career?

Controls engineering is a specialized field focused on designing and maintaining automated systems and control processes, often requiring knowledge of PLCs, sensors, and programming languages like ladder logic. It offers opportunities in manufacturing, automation, and industrial sectors with competitive salaries and demand for skilled professionals. Career growth can involve certifications and continuous learning in evolving technologies.

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. Proficiency in technical drawing, troubleshooting, and industry standards is essential for this role.
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What states have the most Controls Engineering jobs?

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Controls Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,574 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Controls Engineering Manager

Buffalo Grove, IL

Sterling Engineering Inc.
See more jobs at Sterling Engineering Inc.external

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Controls Engineering Manager
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
Salary: $140,000- $160,000 base salary + 10–20% annual bonus (10% guaranteed)

Position Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Controls Engineering Manager to lead a team of Controls Engineers supporting a high-volume manufacturing operation. This role combines technical leadership with day-to-day involvement in automation and controls projects, ensuring production equipment remains reliable, efficient, and operating at peak performance.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in industrial automation and understands the urgency of supporting manufacturing environments where equipment downtime directly impacts production. This individual will mentor and develop the engineering team while serving as the technical expert for controls systems, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Controls Engineers, providing technical guidance, coaching, and performance management.
  • Provide hands-on support for complex controls issues, equipment troubleshooting, and production-critical downtime events.
  • Partner with production, maintenance, quality, and operations teams to improve equipment reliability and manufacturing performance.
  • Work directly with customers to develop and implement controls upgrades and automation improvements.
  • Collaborate with OEMs and equipment vendors to resolve technical challenges and develop long-term automation solutions.
  • Lead controls-related capital projects, equipment upgrades, and new automation initiatives from concept through implementation.
  • Drive root cause investigations and implement permanent corrective actions to improve equipment uptime and reliability.
  • Establish and maintain controls engineering standards, documentation, and best practices.
  • Support PLC, HMI, industrial networking, robotics, motion control, and automated manufacturing systems.
  • Identify opportunities to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce downtime, and increase manufacturing efficiency.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement through Lean manufacturing principles and data-driven decision making.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 6+ years of industrial controls or automation engineering experience.
  • 2+ years of engineering leadership or supervisory experience.
  • Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming, HMIs, industrial automation, and manufacturing equipment.
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex controls issues and provide technical leadership during production-critical events.
  • Experience managing projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with operations, maintenance, customers, and equipment manufacturers.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in food, pharmaceutical, medical device, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing operations where minimizing downtime is critical.
  • Knowledge of robotics, vision systems, motion control, SCADA, MES, or industrial networking.
  • Experience working with OEM equipment suppliers and system integrators.
  • Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement experience is a plus.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for a leader who enjoys staying close to the technology rather than managing strictly from behind a desk. The ideal candidate understands what it takes to diagnose equipment issues, estimate repair efforts, support engineers through technical challenges, and develop long-term solutions that improve manufacturing reliability. If you thrive in fast-paced production environments and enjoy leading teams while remaining technically involved, we'd love to hear from you.