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Controls Engineering Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Realta Fusion, Inc.

Lead Fusion Controls Developer

Madison, WI · On-site

$45.50 - $58.25/hr

Collaborate within controls team and closely with engineering and physics teams to define control system requirements and prioritize development efforts across active programs. * Participate in ...

Realta Fusion Inc.

Lead Fusion Controls Developer

Madison, WI · On-site

$45.50 - $58.25/hr

Collaborate within controls team and closely with engineering and physics teams to define control system requirements and prioritize development efforts across active programs. * Participate in ...

BIOFerm

Controls Programmer

Madison, WI · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Controls Programmer is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the automation ... Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and process engineering teams to ensure consistent control ...

AprilAire

Senior Automation Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, or controls engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. * 7+ years of experience in industrial automation ...

OSI Group

Automation & Controls Engineer

Fort Atkinson, WI · On-site

$76K - $100K/yr

Job Summary This role is responsible for managing engineering projects from concept through scope ... The successful candidate is an experienced hands-on controls systems integrator, enthusiastic team ...

OSI Group

Automation & Controls Engineer

Fort Atkinson, WI · On-site

$76K - $100K/yr

Job Summary This role is responsible for managing engineering projects from concept through scope ... The successful candidate is an experienced hands-on controls systems integrator, enthusiastic team ...

AprilAire

Automation Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, or controls engineering, or other closely related discipline. * At least 5 years of general manufacturing machine or process design ...

BIOFerm

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

BIOFermâ„¢ is looking for an Instrumentation & Controls Engineer responsible for the design ... Bachelor's degree in Instrumentation, Electrical, Automation, or Control Engineering. * 5+ years of ...

AprilAire

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Madison, WI

$110K - $137K/yr

Ensures manufacturing engineering and maintenance department strategies and priorities align and ... Experience in assembly, automation/controls, machine connectivity, electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic ...

AprilAire

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Madison, WI

$110K - $137K/yr

Experience in assembly, automation/controls, machine connectivity, electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic ... Engineering and Technology -- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and ...

AprilAire

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$110K - $137K/yr

Experience in assembly, automation/controls, machine connectivity, electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic ... Engineering and Technology -- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and ...

AprilAire

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$110K - $137K/yr

Ensures manufacturing engineering and maintenance department strategies and priorities align and ... Experience in assembly, automation/controls, machine connectivity, electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic ...

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All JobsControls Engineering JobsControls Engineering Jobs in Madison, WI

Controls Engineering information

See Madison, WI salary details

$55.4K

$97.3K

$132K

How much do controls engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineering in Madison, WI is $97,310.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,100.00 and $108,800.00 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Controls engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within engineering fields. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership positions in large corporations may approach high six-figure incomes, but reaching $500,000 is rare for controls engineering professionals alone.

What does a controls engineer do?

A controls engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems used in manufacturing, automation, and industrial processes. They work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and software to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often requiring knowledge of electrical engineering and programming. Controls engineers typically analyze system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements to optimize operations.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Controls engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and specialized certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or stock options, and typically requires years of expertise and a strong technical background in automation systems and control theory.

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.

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, 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 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. Salaries can increase with specialized skills in automation, PLC programming, and certifications such as Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST).
What job categories do people searching Controls Engineering jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Engineering jobs in Madison, WI are:
Controls Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineering job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,310 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Lead Fusion Controls Developer

Realta Fusion, Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

$45.50 - $58.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Lead Fusion Controls Developer will design, build, and own parts of the control systems and software that operate Realta's suite of fusion devices, post-processing, and simulation tools. This is a high-impact technical leadership role that influences the full controls stack, from operator interfaces and visualization tools to hardware integration, real-time data acquisition, and automation infrastructure. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in either front-end controls and human-machine interfaces or back-end controls and hardware integration, along with the curiosity and collaborative instinct to work fluidly across both. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with physicists, engineers, and technicians to commission and operate first-of-a-kind fusion experiments in a fast-moving environment. This position may be focused on leading efforts in either back-end or front-end controls, or have elements of both.
Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time - tackling global climate change while ensuring a sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a real solution to humanity's most pressing problem.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Developer
  • Provide guidance to junior staff.
  • Collaborate within controls team and closely with engineering and physics teams to define control system requirements and prioritize development efforts across active programs.
  • Participate in design reviews, contributing a controls perspective on new hardware, diagnostics, and infrastructure proposals.
  • Champion safe and reliable operation of experimental systems through rigorous controls design, clear alarming, and well-maintained interlock logic.

Front-End Controls and Operator Interfaces
  • Design and develop operator interfaces, control panels, and visualization tools that give the experimental team clear, intuitive command of complex fusion systems.
  • Build and maintain dashboards and display tools for real-time monitoring of plasma, magnet, vacuum, and power system parameters.
  • Develop graphical and data-driven tools to support experimental operations, shot control workflows, and system diagnostics.
  • Collaborate with physicists and device operators to translate experimental needs into clear, functional interface requirements.
  • Integrate simulation and digital twin capabilities with live controls displays to support pre-shot planning and post-shot analysis.

Back-End Controls and Hardware Integration
  • Develop and maintain control system software for integration with hardware including power supplies, magnet systems, diagnostics, and vacuum and gas handling equipment.
  • Design and implement data acquisition pipelines, event-driven control logic, and real-time interlock systems.
  • Build and maintain device drivers, PLC interfaces, and low-level hardware communication layers.
  • Maintain and extend control system frameworks (EPICS, Tango Controls, LabVIEW, or equivalent) across the device fleet.
  • Develop control system architectures that are robust, testable, and maintainable as the device program scales.
  • Develop and maintain data archiving, logging, and query infrastructure for experimental shot data and system telemetry.
  • Design and implement database-backed tools for trending, alarm history, and long-term performance monitoring of fusion device systems.

Cross-Cutting Responsibilities
  • Contribute to commissioning activities for new devices and subsystems, including controls checkout, hardware testing, and operational readiness.
  • Document control system architectures, software designs, and procedures to support operations, onboarding, and regulatory compliance.
  • Support integration of control system data streams with higher-level analysis and visualization pipelines.

Qualifications
Required
  • Advanced degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related technical field, with at least seven (7) years practical experience developing controls to support plasma device operations beyond graduate school.
  • Demonstrated experience developing control system software or human-machine interfaces for experimental, accelerator, or industrial systems.
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following: EPICS, SCADA platforms, LabVIEW, or equivalent controls frameworks used in research or industrial environments.
  • Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or a similar language applied to controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition.
  • Experience integrating software with real hardware, including communication with instrumentation over Ethernet, serial, or fieldbus protocols.
  • Ability to work effectively across hardware and software domains, engaging meaningfully with both the physical systems and the code that controls them.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document designs and explain technical decisions to mixed audiences.
  • Commitment to safe and disciplined operation of complex experimental systems.

Preferred
  • PhD with a focus in Particle or Plasma Physics and at least ten (10) years combined working experience in academic and industrial or national laboratory setting
  • Experience with EPICS, Channel Access, PV Access, or equivalent distributed control system frameworks, particularly in an accelerator, light source, or fusion context.
  • Experience developing operator interfaces using Ignition, CSS/Phoebus, PyDM, EDM, or similar HMI tools.
  • Familiarity with real-time control systems, hardware interlock design, PLC programming, and/or fielding and programming microcontrollers, FPGAs and GPUs.
  • Experience in a national laboratory, particle accelerator, or plasma physics or fusion environment.
  • Familiarity with digital twin development or the integration of physics simulations with live control systems.
  • Experience working in a startup or other fast-moving, resource-constrained environment with rapidly evolving requirements.

Applicants who do not meet the entire job specification are encouraged to apply.
Compensation and benefits
What we are working on is hard... and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanity's biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally, Realta offers:
  • Competitive compensation package, including equity stock options
  • Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)
  • Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance
  • Work and live in Madison, Wisconsin - one of America's most livable and vibrant cities; hybrid work options may be available for this position, but a weekly on-site presence will be required

We value diversity as a critical factor in innovation and believe a diverse team is necessary to solve the toughest problems. We aim to create an inclusive environment that unleashes the full creativity of our team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

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