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Controls Systems Designer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Persona AI

Controls Systems Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Controls Systems Engineer Department: Hardware Employment Type: Full-Time Location: Houston, TX ... Comfortable designing and using filters in time critical, low-latency domains. * Comfortable ...

Persona AI Inc

Controls Systems Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Controls Systems Engineer Department: Hardware Employment Type: Full-Time Location: Houston, TX ... Comfortable designing and using filters in time critical, low‑latency domains. * Comfortable ...

Persona AI, Inc.

Controls Systems Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Controls Systems Engineer Department: Hardware Employment Type: Full-Time Location: Houston, TX ... Comfortable designing and using filters in time critical, low-latency domains. * Comfortable ...

Integra

Controls Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

Review and approve control system designs, logic, and documentation produced by other engineers or ... Lead controls-focused projects from concept through deployment, including scope definition ...

Integra Mission Critical

Controls Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Review and approve control system designs, logic, and documentation produced by other engineers or ... Lead controls-focused projects from concept through deployment, including scope definition ...

Integra

Controls Engineer

Houston, TX

$71K - $93K/yr

Review and approve control system designs, logic, and documentation produced by other engineers or ... Lead controls-focused projects from concept through deployment, including scope definition ...

Integra Mission Critical

Controls Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Review and approve control system designs, logic, and documentation produced by other engineers or ... Lead controls-focused projects from concept through deployment, including scope definition ...

ON.energy

Senior Controls Designer

Houston, TX · On-site

Senior Control Panel Designer Owns panel design and electrical schematic development for Battery Systems and related power electronics products, working with electrical, controls, and power ...

ON.energy

Senior Controls Designer

Houston, TX · On-site

The company supplies and operates hyperscale power systems that solve the toughest resilience ... controls, and power electronics engineers to translate system designs into manufacturable ...

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All JobsControls Systems Designer JobsControls Systems Designer Jobs in Houston, TX

Controls Systems Designer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$16

$37

$60

How much do controls systems designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls systems designer in Houston, TX is $37.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.79 and $43.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls systems designer?

A Controls Systems Designer is a professional who develops and implements systems that control machinery, processes, or devices within industries such as manufacturing, automation, and building management. They design control schemes, select hardware and software, and create detailed schematics and documentation. Their work ensures that automated systems operate safely, efficiently, and according to specifications. Controls Systems Designers often collaborate with engineers, electricians, and project managers to integrate and troubleshoot these control systems.

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

To thrive as a Controls Systems Designer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, automation principles, and control theory, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification. Proficiency with PLC programming, CAD software, SCADA systems, and industry standards like IEC 61131 is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in interdisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These skills ensure reliable and efficient system designs that meet client specifications and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by a controls systems designer when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Controls Systems Designers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and timelines. Effective communication and a strong understanding of each discipline's needs are essential to ensure seamless integration of control systems with other project components. Additionally, adapting to evolving project specifications and resolving unforeseen technical issues require flexibility and proactive problem-solving skills. Navigating these challenges successfully helps ensure project goals are met and fosters strong professional relationships within the team.

What is the difference between Controls Systems Designer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls Systems DesignerControls Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control systems engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are commonSimilar credentials, often with engineering degrees and certifications such as CCST or PE licensure
Work EnvironmentDesign-focused roles often in office settings, collaborating with engineers and project managersMore fieldwork involved, including installation, testing, and troubleshooting of control systems
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, automation, and industrial sectors for designing control systemsApplied in similar industries, with a focus on implementation and maintenance of control systems

Controls Systems Designers primarily focus on designing and planning control systems, while Controls Engineers are more involved in implementing, testing, and maintaining these systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, often within the same industries.

What are popular job titles related to Controls Systems Designer jobs in Houston, TX?

For Controls Systems Designer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Controls Systems Designer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Controls Systems Designer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Controls Systems Designer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Controls Systems Designer job openings:

Controls Systems Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Systems Designer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,173 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Controls Systems Engineer

Houston, TX • On-site

Persona AI
See more jobs at Persona AIexternal

$79K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and tune low-level control loops (current, torque, velocity, and position control) for electromechanical actuators.

  • Write and optimize embedded firmware that runs control loops in real time on microcontrollers or DSPs.

  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, autonomy, and motion planning teams to ensure control behavior supports the robot's higher-level tasks.

Job description

Job Title: Controls Systems Engineer
Department: Hardware
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Houston, TX
Travel: 10%
Who We Are
Persona AI is building humanoid robots for the most demanding environments in heavy industry - shipyards, steel mills, fabrication facilities, and offshore platforms - performing welding, grinding, maintenance, inspection, and material-handling work that is dangerous, physically demanding, and increasingly difficult to staff.
We are backed by leading strategic and financial investors and engaged with global industrial leaders across Korea, Japan, the United States, and Singapore. Korea is the center of gravity for our early commercial strategy, anchored by relationships with the world's leading shipbuilders and steelmakers. Our work spans both the robot platform itself and the systems, partners, and playbooks required to deploy it at scale.
Why Join Persona AI?
  • We offer competitive compensation, a performance-based bonus, 99% employer covered medical benefits, early-stage equity, competitive PTO, and a company-wide paid winter break between December 24th and January 2nd.
  • You'll shape technology that's redefining the possibilities of robotics and human interaction.
  • Work alongside passionate teammates who value creativity, and continuous learning.

About the Role
We're looking for a Controls Systems Engineer to design, implement, and tune the real-time control loops that make our actuators and joints move precisely, safely, and reliably. This is the layer that sits closest to the hardware - motor drive, current and torque control, position/velocity control, and the embedded software that runs it on real silicon, in real time, on a real robot.
You'll work hand-in-hand with electrical and mechanical engineers to understand the actuator hardware you're controlling, and with higher-level autonomy and motion-planning engineers to make sure your control loops deliver on what the robot needs to do. We're open to candidates from either a mechanical or electrical engineering background, as long as you have strong controls fundamentals and are comfortable getting hands-on with embedded hardware and real actuators on the bench
What You Will Be Doing
  • Design, implement, and tune low-level control loops (current, torque, velocity, and position control) for electromechanical actuators.
  • Write and optimize embedded firmware that runs these control loops in real time on microcontrollers or DSPs.
  • Model actuator and drivetrain dynamics (motors, gearboxes, transmissions, sensors) to inform controller design and tuning.
  • Implement and tune classical control techniques (PID, cascaded loops, feedforward, state observers) and evaluate more advanced approaches where warranted.
  • Work with electrical engineers to define current sensing, gate drive, encoder/sensor feedback, and other hardware needed to close the loop well.
  • Bring up new actuator hardware on the bench: instrument it, characterize its behavior, and get first control loops running.
  • Debug control performance issues using scopes, logic analyzers, and data logging - distinguishing hardware, firmware, and tuning problems.
  • Collaborate with motion planning, autonomy, and software teams to ensure low-level control behavior supports the robot's higher-level tasks.
  • Document control architectures, tuning procedures, and known limitations so other engineers can build on your work.

What We Are Looking For:
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience designing and implementing low-level motor or actuator control systems (less with an advanced degree focused on controls).
  • Strong fundamentals in classical controls: PID, cascaded control loops, feedforward, and frequency-domain or state-space analysis.
  • Experience with time synchronized torque control of motors (BLDC/PMSM, FOC, current/torque control) or other electromechanical actuator force control.
  • Experience working with encoders, strain gauges, or other analog or digital sensors.
  • Hands-on embedded firmware experience in C or C++ on microcontrollers or DSPs, including real-time constraints and interrupt-driven code.
  • Comfortable designing and using filters in time critical, low-latency domains.
  • Comfortable modeling and analyzing dynamic systems (MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or similar) to design and validate controllers before and after hardware bring-up.
  • Lab fluency: comfortable with a scope, current probes, and data logging to characterize hardware and debug control performance.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the tenacity to track down issues that span hardware, firmware, and tuning.
  • A friendly, collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, and excitement to work hands-on in a dynamic, supportive team environment; design without ego.

Bonus Skills:
  • Experience controlling actuators for robotics, exoskeletons, or other articulated mechanical systems.
  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and deterministic scheduling.
  • Experience with EtherCAT, CAN-FD, or other industrial/robotics communication protocols used for control.
  • Exposure to state estimation techniques (Kalman filters, observers) for sensor fusion at the actuator level.
  • Experience with strain-wave, cycloidal, or planetary transmissions and their impact on control design.
  • Familiarity with functional safety standards (IEC 61508, ISO 13849, ISO 26262) as applied to motor control systems.
  • Experience working closely with electrical engineers on driver hardware (gate drive, current sensing) and mechanical engineers on transmission design.
  • Comfortable reviewing schematics and PCB layouts well enough to debug control hardware issues.

Persona AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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