1

Controls Project Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer II

OR · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

The Project Engineer II (Mechanical) is responsible for owning and executing mechanical design work ... You will collaborate with controls, electrical, and software teams to align system integration

Project Engineer II

OR · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

The Project Engineer II (Mechanical) is responsible for owning and executing mechanical design work ... You will collaborate with controls, electrical, and software teams to align system integration

$118K - $180K/yr

These projects will require coordination with mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines to ... of controls engineering issues, including the following: * Develop Digital Systems Design -- PLC ...

$118K - $180K/yr

These projects will require coordination with mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines to ... of controls engineering issues, including the following: * Develop Digital Systems Design -- PLC ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Controls Project Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$47.6K

$113.2K

$158.6K

How much do controls project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls project engineer in Oregon is $113,234.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $136,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a project controls engineer do?

A controls project engineer manages and oversees the planning, scheduling, and cost control of engineering projects. They use tools like project management software and analyze data to ensure projects stay on track and within budget, often coordinating with multiple teams and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

What are some common challenges Controls Project Engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Controls Project Engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can be challenging due to tight deadlines, shifting client requirements, and coordination among multidisciplinary teams. Effective time management and clear communication are essential to ensure that design, programming, and commissioning tasks are completed accurately and on schedule. Additionally, adapting to new technologies and troubleshooting unexpected technical issues are key aspects of the role, requiring both flexibility and problem-solving skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior controls project engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and certifications such as PE or PMP can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries like energy or manufacturing. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and project complexity, with top-tier professionals often earning this level through leadership roles and advanced technical expertise.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Controls Project Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common among executive-level engineers or specialized roles in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or senior consulting positions. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

What is the difference between Controls Project Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls Project EngineerControls Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees control system projects, manages teams, ensures project deliveryDesigns, develops, and maintains control systems for specific applications
CertificationsTypically requires a Bachelor's in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, PLC certificationsSimilar certifications, often with PLC and automation certifications
Work EnvironmentProject sites, engineering offices, coordination with multiple teamsDesign labs, control system environments, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageCommon in industrial automation, manufacturing, oil & gasUsed in automation, process control, manufacturing industries

The Controls Project Engineer focuses on managing entire control system projects, including planning, execution, and team coordination. In contrast, the Controls Engineer primarily designs and develops control systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but their scope and responsibilities differ, with the project engineer taking a broader project management role.

What are Controls Project Engineers?

Controls Project Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and managing control systems within industrial or manufacturing projects. They ensure that automated systems, such as those involving machinery or processes, operate efficiently, safely, and according to project specifications. Their role often involves collaborating with other engineers, overseeing installation and commissioning, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Controls Project Engineers typically work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and various automation software. They play a vital role in optimizing operations and integrating new technology into existing systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Project Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Project Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in engineering and relevant project experience. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, AutoCAD, and industry certifications like PMP can be highly valuable. Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively coordinate teams and manage client expectations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet technical and safety standards.

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 are popular job titles related to Controls Project Engineer jobs in Oregon? For Controls Project Engineer jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Controls/Automation Engineer

Valley View Manufacturing

Beaverton, OR

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Base up to

$125,000 for highly qualified candidates

Role Summary

You’ll design and deliver responsive control solutions across diverse machine applications. Using a common “toolbox” of components and patterns, you’ll take projects from customer discovery through PLC/HMI/Motion/Network programming, to validation and startup (typically day trips). Most projects complete in < 6 weeks, so you’ll see your work move from concept to production quickly. You’ll collaborate with a principal engineer, fellow engineers, drafters, PMs, and technicians—ideal for someone who takes pride in clean, well‑documented code and enjoys learning new tools.

What You’ll Do
  • Lead full life‑cycle controls projects: discovery, architecture, I/O mapping, programming, bench test, FAT, on‑site startup.

  • Program PLCs (IEC 61131‑3—Structured Text & Ladder), HMIs, motion/servo systems, and industrial networks.

  • Build reusable libraries/toolbox components and maintain disciplined versioning and documentation.

  • Integrate field devices (sensors, drives, pneumatics), tune motion, and validate machine safety per applicable standards.

  • Travel for short startups/service (generally day trips; overall < 15%).

  • Partner cross‑functionally to refine requirements, review schematics, and hand off to production and support.

What You’ll Bring (Core)
  • Solid electronics fundamentals; comfortable with a multimeter and tracing signals.

  • Applied programming aptitude (clean style, basic algorithms/complexity, disciplined documentation).

  • Proficiency in one or more languages: C/C++/C#/Python/Java/JavaScript/Ruby.

  • Comfort with Linux/Windows command line, spreadsheets/data normalization, and Boolean logic.

  • Problem‑isolation mindset, pragmatism (seek resolution over perfection), and clear communication with teams & customers.

  • Willingness to write organized, well‑documented code and learn new stacks quickly.

Nice to Have (Preferred)
  • PLC/HMI/Motion: IEC 61131‑3 (Structured Text & Ladder); CoDeSys/SoMachine on Schneider & Wago; Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley; Mitsubishi (FX/A/Q/iQ); HMI for Schneider (Proface), Red Lion, Mitsubishi, PanelView; SoftMotion; servo systems.

  • Standards & Schematics: ANSI Y32.2/IEEE & IEC electrical symbols; ANSI/ISA S5.1 P working knowledge of UL508A & NFPA 79.

  • Networks: Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, CANopen, J1939.

  • Commissioning: Startup/troubleshooting of automation systems; calm, customer‑facing guidance.

  • Broader tech: Databases; web/UI; embedded (PIC/Atmel) in C/C++; assembly; sockets; scripting/CLI automation; VMs/Docker/Kubernetes; Linux build/config; Perl/PHP/regex; IT; REST/OAuth.

  • Experience: 5+ years strongly preferred for immediate impact and top‑of‑band compensation.

Working Environment
  • Primarily on‑site in Beaverton, OR; fieldwork spans clean‑rooms to quarries to military sites.

  • Travel is mostly within driving distance; startups are typically day trips and total travel is generally < 15%.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Base Pay: Up to $125,000 for highly qualified candidates

  • Benefits: Flexible schedule; paid vacation + additional PTO; paid holidays; healthcare; specialty training and new skills development; and more.

Salary info:

$43.27 - $60.10 / hr