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Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs in Fairborn, OH

Junior Computer Operator

Dayton, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

In this entry-level role, you will be the primary eyes and ears of the facility, ensuring the ... Monitor critical data center environmental controls, including chilled water-cooling systems, power ...

Junior Accountant

Springfield, OH · On-site

$42K - $54K/yr

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for a recent college graduate or someone nearing ... Follow established internal controls, accounting procedures, and AP processes. General Accounting ...

Entry Level Controls Engineer information

See Fairborn, OH salary details

$52K

$91.2K

$123.7K

How much do entry level controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level controls engineer in Fairborn, OH is $91,227.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,900.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level controls engineer?

An Entry Level Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and troubleshooting control systems used in manufacturing and automation. They work with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), and other automation components to optimize system performance. Typical tasks include programming, testing, and debugging control systems, as well as collaborating with senior engineers and technicians. This role requires a background in electrical or mechanical engineering, along with knowledge of automation software and hardware. Entry-level positions often involve hands-on training and mentorship to build technical expertise.

What are the main types of projects or systems an entry level controls engineer typically works on?

As an Entry Level Controls Engineer, you will often be involved in designing, programming, and maintaining automated control systems for manufacturing lines, industrial machinery, or building automation projects. Your typical responsibilities might include configuring PLCs, developing HMI screens, conducting system testing, and assisting with troubleshooting both in the office and on-site. You will collaborate closely with senior engineers, project managers, and technicians to ensure projects are delivered on time and meet quality standards. This hands-on experience gives you valuable exposure to different industries and technologies, laying the groundwork for future specialization or advancement within controls engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level controls engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Controls Engineer, you should have a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, basic programming skills (such as PLC or ladder logic), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industrial automation tools like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and SCADA systems is typically expected. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills make candidates stand out in this role. These skills ensure you can efficiently design, troubleshoot, and implement control systems that are safe, reliable, and meet client specifications.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs in Fairborn, OH?

For Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs in Fairborn, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Fairborn, OH are hiring for Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Fairborn, OH with the most Entry Level Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Controls Engineer job openings in Fairborn, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,227 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Hardware Embedded Research Scientist

Riverside Research Institute

Beavercreek, OH

$25 - $35/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Riverside OverviewRiverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.    All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.  Position Overview

Riverside Research is seeking an entry-level Embedded Hardware Security Research Engineer to work alongside our US Air Force (USAF) and Department of Defense (DoD) partners to develop tamper-protected microelectronic devices and intellectual property (IP). This position is an entry-level engineering role that provides a technical path and opportunity to become a Subject Matter Expert (SME) role in the understanding of advanced attacks against state-of-the-art integrated circuits and the design and development of protective controls to mitigate such attacks. You will work with nationally recognized hardware security experts employing a range of microelectronics test equipment, custom software, and computing resources to provide exceptional support to our customers. This research work is conducted on-site in Riverside Research's microelectronics and embedded systems security laboratory in Beavercreek, Ohio. 

This is a part-time position, working no more than 20 hours/month.

Responsibilities
  • Conducts technical research activities within applied mathematics and hardware security, assigned by senior technical leads developing solutions to complex hardware security projects. 
  • Performs research supporting assessment state-of-the-art attack effectiveness against various microelectronic devices by analyzing data collected from various attacks (side channel analysis, fault injection, and reverse engineering). 
  • Supports engineers in the development of hardware algorithms for secure microelectronic devices (microcontrollers, FPGAs, etc.), code reviews and design meetings.
  • Analyzes the use of mathematical functions (cryptography, random number generation (RNG), error code correction (ECC), etc.) in secure architectures to identify vulnerabilities. 
  • Documents findings in technical reports and presentations. 
  • Presents technical findings and solutions to peer-level technical audience. 
Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

  • Enrolled in accredited program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or other related discipline. 
  • Proficiency in C, C++, Rust, or Python. 
  • Familiarity and interest in cryptography and/or embedded hardware security. 
  • Ability to work semi-independently on assigned tasks with limited scope and with technical supervision in a highly collaborative team-based R&D environment. 

Experience in creating technical reports, developing research papers and presenting technical material supporting research areas to peer-level technical audiences.

  • Ability and willingness to obtain a security clearance, and program access requirements. 

Desired Qualifications: 

  • Experience performing statistical and data analysis. 
  • Experience with Verilog, VHDL, or SystemC. 
  • Experience working with FPGAs or ASICs. 
  • Interest in cryptographic algorithms and protocols, and their implementation on embedded technologies including microcontrollers, FPGAs, ASICs, and related technologies. 
  • Experience using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, etc.). 
  • Active security clearance. 
Global Comp$25.00 - $35.00 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.Closing Statement  Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.  Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.Employment Type: OTHER