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Graduate Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acro Service Corp

Controls Engineer

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$80.90K - $104.60K/yr

Recent Graduate from technical program (ie. Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics ... controls experience (Robotics, test systems, PLC, instrumentation, vision systems)

New

Premier Staffing Solution

Controls Engineer 3

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$80.90K - $104.60K/yr

... Recent Graduate from technical program (ie. Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics ... Tonawanda Controls Engineer Requirements: 1.) 2 years Allen-Bradley Rockwell PLC Programming ...

Premier Staffing Solution

Controls Engineer 3

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$80.90K - $104.60K/yr

... Recent Graduate from technical program (ie. Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics ... Tonawanda Controls Engineer Requirements: 1.) 2 years Allen-Bradley Rockwell PLC Programming ...

Hyster-Yale

Controls Engineer

Greenville, NC · On-site

$80K - $103.50K/yr

Job Title Controls Engineer Job Category Engineering What starts withYOU,moves the world! Hyster ... High-performing engineering graduate with a solid foundation in control theory, electronics, and ...

Convergix Automation

Senior Controls Engineer

Bridgman, MI · On-site +1

$91K - $120.10K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer This position is located in Bridgman, Michigan Relocation Assistance will ... Engineering graduate in Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Systems Design, or ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Associate Controls Engineer

Malta, NY · Hybrid

$65K - $85K/yr

Minimum Requirements Education AA in Engineering Technology or equivalent Experience New graduate with an interest in pursuing a career in Controls Engineering. * Preference given to, but not ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Associate Controls Engineer

Malta, NY · Hybrid

$65K - $85K/yr

Minimum Requirements Education AA in Engineering Technology or equivalent Experience New graduate with an interest in pursuing a career in Controls Engineering. * Preference given to, but not ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Associate Controls Engineer

NY · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Minimum Requirements Education AA in Engineering Technology or equivalent Experience New graduate with an interest in pursuing a career in Controls Engineering. * Preference given to, but not ...

Hyster-Yale

Controls Engineer

Berea, KY · On-site

$69.80K - $90.20K/yr

Job Title Controls Engineer Job Category Engineering What starts with YOU, moves the world! Hyster ... Recent graduate or possessing limited professional experience Skills, Experience & Abilities

Hyster-Yale

Controls Engineer

Portland, OR

$88.60K - $114.50K/yr

Job Title Controls Engineer Job Category Engineering What starts withYOU,moves the world! Hyster ... Experience :Recent graduate orpossessinglimited professional experience Skills, Experience ...

Hyster-Yale

Controls Engineer

Portland, OR

$88.60K - $114.50K/yr

Job Title Controls Engineer Job Category Engineering What starts withYOU,moves the world! Hyster ... Experience :Recent graduate orpossessinglimited professional experience Skills, Experience ...

Copeland

Controls Engineer

Rushville, IN

$80.10K - $103.70K/yr

... graduate with an advanced degree, we have opportunities that will allow you to innovate, be ... Collaborate with Copeland engineers to ensure controls/automation/programming designs align with ...

Copeland

Controls Engineer

Rushville, IN · On-site

$80.10K - $103.70K/yr

... graduate with an advanced degree, we have opportunities that will allow you to innovate, be ... Collaborate with Copeland engineers to ensure controls/automation/programming designs align with ...

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Graduate Controls Engineer information

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$55K

$96.6K

$131K

How much do graduate controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate controls engineer in the United States is $96,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $108,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Controls Engineer, you generally need a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering, with a solid understanding of control systems theory and automation. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and software like MATLAB or Simulink is typically required, and certifications in automation or control systems can provide an advantage. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex technical challenges. These skills ensure you can design, implement, and maintain effective control solutions that optimize system performance and reliability.

What types of projects can a Graduate Controls Engineer expect to work on during their first year?

As a Graduate Controls Engineer, you will typically be involved in supporting the design, programming, and commissioning of control systems for industrial or manufacturing processes. Early projects might include assisting with PLC programming, configuring SCADA systems, and troubleshooting automation equipment under the guidance of senior engineers. You can also expect to collaborate closely with electrical engineers, project managers, and clients to ensure systems meet technical specifications. This hands-on experience provides a strong foundation in both technical and teamwork skills, preparing you for more complex responsibilities as your career progresses.

What does a Graduate Controls Engineer do?

A Graduate Controls Engineer is an entry-level professional who helps design, develop, and maintain control systems used in manufacturing, automation, or other engineering projects. Their responsibilities often include programming PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), assisting with system integration, troubleshooting equipment, and supporting senior engineers with technical tasks. They work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that automated systems operate efficiently and safely. This role typically involves both office-based design work and hands-on activities in industrial settings.

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

AspectGraduate Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; entry-levelBachelor's or higher in engineering; typically 1+ years experience
Work EnvironmentInternship or entry-level position in manufacturing or automationFull-time role in industrial automation, manufacturing, or process control
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, automation firms, engineering consultanciesIndustrial plants, automation companies, OEMs

The main difference is experience level and job responsibilities. Graduate Controls Engineers are entry-level, focusing on learning and supporting control systems, while Controls Engineers have more experience, handling design, implementation, and troubleshooting of control systems independently.

More about Graduate Controls Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Graduate Controls Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Controls Engineer jobs are:
Graduate Controls Engineer jobs near you
Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

Acro Service Corp

Buffalo, NY • On-site

$80.90K - $104.60K/yr

Full-time, Contractor, Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title:- Controls Engineer

Duration:- 12- Months- position (May go Longer)

Location:- Buffalo, New York,

Shift:-

Can be any shift.

1st shift – 6:30AM – 3PM

2nd shift – 3PM – 11:30PM

3rd shift – 11PM – 7:30AM

Could be assigned to any shift, they do not bounce around to different shifts on a normal basis, may need to cover other shifts if an emergency or someone is on vacation, but overall they will be assigned to one shift.

Expectation is 2-3 weekend shifts per month. They will work Saturday, Sundays, and Holidays.

Onsite – 5 days/week – no remote

Job Responsibilities:

Controls Engineer Requirements:

1.) 2 years Allen-Bradley Rockwell PLC Programming Experience (RSLogix 5000 or/and Studio 5000)

2 years Siemens PLC – TIA Portal/S7 Programming Experience

2 years Ladder Logic PLC Programming Experience

2.) Ability to read and troubleshoot electrical schematics and machine control circuits.

3.) Ability to troubleshoot controls related automation equipment breakdowns in a high-pressure manufacturing environment

4.) Basic Robot programming experience (Fanuc Robotics Experience preferred).

5.) Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills in a high-volume manufacturing environment

6.) Strong Comprehension of Ethernet/IP industrial networks

7.) Prior automotive / vehicle assembly or industrial automation experience is preferred

8.) Understanding/Programming of servo drives, motion control, and VFDs is preferred

9.) Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work with maintenance, production, suppliers, and central ME teams

10.) Leadership/ownership of tasks: planning, scheduling, and coordinating work with trades and contractors.

11.) Basic Automation Controls Vision systems programming experience (Matrox Preferred Matrox)

12.) Ability to work any shift as required by plant operations:

Any shift (not rotating)

2-3 Weekend shifts/month

Education:

High School only acceptable, but candidate must have significant demonstrated experience

Recent Graduate from technical program (ie. Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Engineering Technology) but candidate must have demonstrated experience from CO-Ops/Internships.

Benefits:

Consideration to transition to a Full Time employee after 6 months

Education: High School only acceptable, but candidate must have significant demonstrated experience. Recent Graduate from technical program (ie. Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Engineering Technology) but candidate must have demonstrated experience from CO-Ops/Internships.

Years of experience: 2-3 years of experience

Focused more on someone who is able to learn quickly, would consider less experience for the right fit. Local people in the Buffalo/Niagara region preferred to ensure retention.

Preferred, not required:

Focus will be GPS - Engine Assembly

Siemens PLC, HMI, Rockwell Global Common

Cameras - Cognex AI, Dalsa, Matrox

Fanuc Robot/Cobot

AMR OTTO and Bastian Auto Fork Truck

Team player, good communication, energetic, great attitude, basic knowledge, willing to learn. People who have these will succeed in this position

It is an intense environment – fasted past environment and need to think on your feet and be flexible

1 Experience working on the manufacturing plant floor, on their feet all day

2 Machine controls experience (Robotics, test systems, PLC, instrumentation, vision systems)

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