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Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Melbourne, FL

Senior Automation Controls Engineer Job Code: 40552 Job Location: Palm Bay, FL Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off) L3Harris is searching for a Senior Automation Controls Engineer responsible ...

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Engineer Controls Engineer information

See Melbourne, FL salary details

$51K

$89.5K

$121.4K

How much do engineer controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer controls engineer in Melbourne, FL is $89,517.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,400.00 and $100,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industry certifications such as ISA or Siemens are highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable automation solutions in complex industrial environments.

What are some common challenges Controls Engineers face when working on automation projects?

Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation technologies with existing systems, troubleshooting complex hardware and software issues, and ensuring that all control systems meet safety and regulatory requirements. Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers—is essential to resolve technical problems efficiently. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly evolving industry standards and technologies is crucial for long-term success in this role.

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

AspectControls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, automation facilitiesPower plants, electronics, telecommunications, industrial facilities
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower systems, electronics, telecommunications

Controls Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for automation and manufacturing processes, while Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems, power distribution, and electronic devices. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in industrial environments, but their primary responsibilities and areas of expertise differ.

What are Controls Engineers?

Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems used to control machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They work with hardware and software to ensure automated systems operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. Controls Engineers often program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), develop control algorithms, and troubleshoot automation issues. Their work is critical in optimizing production processes and integrating new technologies within industrial environments.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior controls engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation and control systems, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-paying roles are often found in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and energy, where complex systems and advanced technical expertise are required.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior control engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and advanced certifications, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-paying roles often involve leadership responsibilities, working in industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or large manufacturing, and may require expertise in PLCs, SCADA systems, and programming languages such as Python or C++.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced control engineers, especially those in senior leadership roles or working in specialized industries like aerospace or oil and gas, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

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. Skills in troubleshooting, programming, and understanding system integration are essential in this role.
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What cities near Melbourne, FL are hiring for Engineer Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Melbourne, FL with the most Engineer Controls Engineer job openings:
Automation & Controls Engineer (Starship Launch Hardware)

Automation & Controls Engineer (Starship Launch Hardware)

SpaceX

Cape Canaveral, FL

$70K - $91K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER (STARSHIP LAUNCH HARDWARE)

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (collectively referred to as Starship) represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, with the ability to carry in excess of 100 metric tons to Earth orbit. The launch hardware Automation & Controls Engineer role will be hands-on in designing and activating the systems that build and launch Starship. The successful applicant will work as part of a team of elite engineers designing and improving the electrical, and control systems across our rocket launch facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Participate in the design and development of new and existing control systems critical to the launch organization
  • Architect, write, and debug PLC code, emphasizing generating organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable code for manufacturing applications
  • Design and implement the controls network infrastructure and interfaces to data acquisition systems trading cost, complexity and redundancy
  • Design, operate, upgrade, and maintain SCADA infrastructure at launch and production sites
  • Lay out new industrial electrical control panels that are NFPA79/NEC/UL508A compliant and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics
  • Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic and fluid plumbing
  • Manage the checkouts and activation testing of new equipment
  • Write robust and scalable procedures to activate technicians to quickly and reliably build and activate new control systems
  • Provide hands on troubleshooting support for a variety of active and critical ground support equipment tooling
  • Provide innovative solutions to special requirements and challenges faced by the team, which can range from integrating specialized equipment to challenging operating environment, packaging or loading

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechatronics engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with instrumentation power systems design, data acquisition systems, or programable controllers (internship/project experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Proficiency or direct hands-on experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, data acquisition setup and field measurements, build of electronics systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications
  • Exposure to a wide variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (vision systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, Nut-Runners, etc)
  • Hands-on experience building and commissioning high quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems
  • Electrical schematic CAD experience using EPlan
  • C#, .NET, python and/or SQL experience
  • PLC programming experience, preferably Siemens TIA Portal
  • HMI and SCADA programming experience, preferably with Ignition software
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, UL508A codes
  • Able to collaborate with a wide range of people and effectively work in a team in a high-pressure, dynamic environment
  • Able to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Cape Canaveral
  • Must be willing to work weekends and night shifts as needed; flexibility required
  • Must be willing to travel to other launch sites in support of operational activities and launches; travel requirement is up to 15%
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

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