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Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Newberg, OR · On-site

$87K - $113K/yr

create innovate deliver PPM Technologies, a leading food equipment manufacturer is looking for a Controls Engineer to join our team. Do you want to be a part of a growing company that creates a great ...

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Engineer Controls Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$58.3K

$102.4K

$138.9K

How much do engineer controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer controls engineer in Portland, OR is $102,417.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,600.00 and $114,500.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? For Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Engineer Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Engineer Controls Engineer job openings:

$88K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Siltronic is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of highly specialized hyper pure silicon wafers. Being an international market player, we serve the semiconductor industry worldwide and partner with many leading chip manufacturers. Our global production network in Asia, Europe, and the USA includes today’s most advanced plants for 200mm and 300mm wafers. We provide a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k matching, educational assistance, and a quarterly success sharing bonus program.

 Seeking a Controls Engineer with Experience in PLC, SCADA, Facilities Control, and HVAC

This position provides sustaining and project engineering support to ensure reliable facilities systems in support of manufacturing, quality, maintenance, and process technology operations. The role is responsible for sustaining, monitoring, and improving facilities controls systems, including PLCs and networking, as well as site HVAC systems such as cleanroom temperature and humidity control. Responsibilities include developing corrective action plans for conditions that could adversely impact facilities safety or operations; performing regular system monitoring and inspections to identify maintenance and replacement needs; evaluating and recommending engineering solutions, preventative maintenance programs, and equipment alternatives; reviewing vendor data and construction and design documents for technical acceptability; managing engineering work orders and project milestones; and evaluating control systems to recommend improvements to control strategies, operator interfaces, and system monitoring.
 

Job Duties: 

  • Ownership and control of specifications and drawings for the assigned facilities systems. Modify the systems as necessary to improve the process, reliability, and sustaining cost reductions.
  • Establish and maintain good working relationship with all suppliers and vendors and with production and process decision makers within Siltronic along with maintenance and facilities personnel in order to facilitate problem resolution on the assigned facilities systems.
  • Monitor usage of each assigned facilities system and report to main cost centers. Report abnormal trends to user groups. Provide necessary data for budget and cost control processes.
  • Monitor, audit and inspection of the assigned facilities systems.
  • Act as the Project Engineer / Manager for capital projects associated with the assigned facilities system and other areas as assigned. Responsibilities include cost estimation, cost control, design, detail scope of work, construction management, report writing and forecasting.
  • Serve as technical specialist and consultant for the organization in the application of new methods, technologies and solution to problems of exceptional difficulty and marked importance to the company. Investigate outage issues within the facilities and be the point of contact with our utility provider.
  • Prepare project proposals and requests for funding.
  • Prepare project specifications and scope of work for consultants and contractors.
  • Select vendors, consultants, and contractors.
  • Maintain preventative maintenance instructions.
  • Perform exact engineering calculations and analyze run data.
  • Review vendor products.
  • Maintain catalog library.

Position Requirements: 

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical or Mechanical preferred) and a minimum of two years of relevant experience, with familiarity in 480 VAC threephase and lowervoltage industrial electrical systems. Candidates should have working knowledge of 4–20 mA loop control and 0–10V PID control systems, with an emphasis on facilitiesrelated PLCs, instrumentation, controls networking, and building management systems. Experience with facilities and life safety systems supporting manufacturing and process operations—particularly fire protection, chemical, and gas monitoring systems—is preferred, including familiarity with platforms such as Simplex, VESDA, VERTEX, Sieger, and Midas. Experience in a manufacturing production environment and with SCADA and controls systems such as GE Cimplicity, Johnson Controls Metasys, and Trane Synchrony is strongly preferred. The role requires demonstrated technical competence in mechanical and electrical engineering, strong analytical and problemsolving skills, and the ability to read, interpret, and communicate complex technical information through clear verbal and written communication. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, with experience using AutoCAD, SAP, and other engineering software considered a plus.

To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job, you must be able to perform the following tasks:

  • Ability to sit / stand / walk / bend / twist / crouch / kneel / climb as required for various periods of time
  • Ability to lift/carry / push/pull up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to reach, and to manipulate using hands and fingers
  • Ability to work in hazardous areas involving potentially dangerous electrical power, chemicals, and stored energy
  • Frequently required to wear cleanroom attire, personal protective equipment and/or breathing devices.
  • Ability to use office equipment, phones, laptop effectively for various amounts of time throughout the day

Benefits and Compensation:

  • 120 hours vacation
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • 60 hours of sick time
  • Medical / Dental / Vision
  • Health Savings Account Option
  • Long Term Disability
  • Parental Leave
  • Paid Leave Oregon
  • Life Insurance
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Educational Assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Financial Wellness Assistance
  • Legal Insurance
  • Quarterly Success Share Bonus
  • Referral Program
  • Retirement Plan Options, up to 5% Match
  • Sponsored Wellness Programs & Challenges
  • Subsidize Public Transportation Pass

**Relocation assistance is not offered