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Drives Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Technician III - Motors & Drives

Midland, TX ยท On-site

$36K - $47K/yr

Plan and oversee field service activities while coordinating with engineering teams and customers ... Experience with drive programming, commissioning, and power quality analysis. * Knowledge of ...

Lead AI Engineer

$104K - $138K/yr

This individual will oversee multiple engineering pods, mentor technical teams, drive engineering excellence, and partner closely with client leadership to shape the AI roadmap and ensure successful ...

PLC, HMI, and variable speed drive programming * PC maintenance, troubleshooting and repair * Must have good communication skills and be able to multi-task * Some nights and weekends work may be ...

PLC, HMI, and variable speed drive programming * PC maintenance, troubleshooting and repair * Must have good communication skills and be able to multi-task * Some nights and weekends work may be ...

PLC, HMI, and variable speed drive programming * PC maintenance, troubleshooting and repair * Must have good communication skills and be able to multi-task * Some nights and weekends work may be ...

DevOps Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD ยท On-site

$72.12 - $110.58/hr

Qualifications You Have: * 8+ years of experience in the development of tools and processes to drive DevOps or DevSecOps maturity by automating builds, regression testing, monitoring, and pushing ...

Lead Azure DevOps Engineer

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$52.50 - $71.75/hr

Define and drive DevOps best practices, CI/CD processes, and cloud governance. * Provide architectural guidance and ensure reliable, scalable, and secure solutions. * Support Azure licensing ...

Lead DevOps Engineer

Rocklin, CA ยท On-site

$70 - $75/hr

Mentor junior engineers and drive DevOps best practices. Interview Focus * Linux & Kubernetes * GitLab/Jenkins CI/CD * Terraform * Python Automation * AWS & Azure * Monitoring (Prometheus, Grafana ...

DevOps Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD ยท On-site

$72.12 - $110.58/hr

Qualifications You Have: * 8+ years of experience in the development of tools and processes to drive DevOps or DevSecOps maturity by automating builds, regression testing, monitoring, and pushing ...

Showing results 21-40

Drives Engineer information

See salary details

$37K

$87.2K

$136.5K

How much do drives engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for drives engineer in the United States is $87,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $97,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drives engineer?

A Drives Engineer is a technical professional who specializes in the design, installation, programming, and maintenance of variable frequency drives (VFDs) and other motor control systems used in industrial automation. They work with electrical and mechanical systems to optimize motor performance, energy efficiency, and process control. Drives Engineers are often responsible for troubleshooting drive-related issues, integrating drives into larger automation systems, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Their expertise is crucial in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, water treatment, and transportation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drives engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drives Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and motor control systems, often supported by a relevant degree and practical experience. Proficiency in programming PLCs, configuring variable frequency drives (VFDs), and familiarity with industrial communication protocols are typically required, and certifications from manufacturers like Siemens or ABB are advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in diagnosing issues and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure efficient system performance, minimize downtime, and enable the successful delivery of automation projects.

What is the difference between Drives Engineer vs Motor Control Engineer?

AspectDrives EngineerMotor Control Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, certifications in drives or automationBachelor's in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, certifications in motor control or automation
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, automation systemsResearch labs, industrial automation, manufacturing
Industry UsageDesign, installation, and maintenance of variable frequency drives and automation systemsDesign and development of motor control algorithms and systems

Drives Engineers and Motor Control Engineers often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, Drives Engineers focus on the integration and maintenance of drives and automation systems, while Motor Control Engineers specialize in developing motor control algorithms and systems. Both roles are essential in industrial automation, but their specific responsibilities and expertise areas differ.

What are the typical challenges drives engineers face when working on large-scale industrial automation projects?

Drives Engineers working on large-scale industrial automation projects often encounter challenges such as integrating drives with existing control systems, ensuring compatibility across different hardware and software platforms, and maintaining system reliability under demanding operational conditions. They may also need to troubleshoot complex issues on-site and coordinate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including electrical engineers, PLC programmers, and maintenance staff. Successful Drives Engineers develop strong problem-solving skills and clear communication abilities to navigate these technical and collaborative challenges.
More about Drives Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Drives Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,220 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Technician III - Motors & Drives

DistributionNOW

Midland, TX โ€ข On-site

$36K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

At DNOW, we believe our associates are the best in the business. We value and reward hardworking, creative, and dedicated employees that desire to be part of a team committed to outstanding customer service.
START YOUR CAREER NOW.
The Technician III will lead advanced troubleshooting, complex repairs, installations, and commissioning of VFDs and automation systems. Conducts harmonics and power quality analysis, programs drive parameters, and performs root-cause diagnostics. Mentors other technicians and provides technical reports and customer communication.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead advanced troubleshooting, repairs, installations, and inspections of VFDs, motor control panels, and automation systems.
  • Configure, program, test, and commission drive systems to meet operational and customer requirements.
  • Conduct root-cause failure analysis and implement corrective actions to resolve complex technical issues.
  • Perform electrical diagnostics, schematic interpretation, power quality assessments, and motor performance evaluations.
  • Plan and oversee field service activities while coordinating with engineering teams and customers.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company procedures.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level technicians by providing technical guidance and support.
  • Prepare detailed service reports and communicate findings, recommendations, and corrective actions to customers and stakeholders.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
  • Advanced knowledge of VFDs, motor controls, automation systems, and industrial power distribution.
  • Strong electrical troubleshooting, diagnostic, and root-cause analysis skills.
  • Ability to interpret electrical schematics, technical drawings, and system documentation.
  • Experience with drive programming, commissioning, and power quality analysis.
  • Knowledge of industrial motors, automation networks, and electrical safety practices.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with customers and technical teams.
  • Ability to lead field service activities, manage priorities, and support complex projects independently.

BENEFITS:
  • Competitive Salary + bonus
  • 401(k)/ Retirement savings
  • Comprehensive Benefits (medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage)
  • Career growth opportunities
  • Paid vacation/holidays