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Graduate Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Copeland

Controls Engineer

Rushville, IN

$80K - $103K/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

$80K - $103K/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 ...

Tower Extrusions

Plant Controls Engineer

TX · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

We are looking for an Automation and Controls Engineer to join our team at our Wylie, Texas ... Please provide transcript if you are a recent graduate. * 5 years of experience is a plus but not a ...

IDEX Corporation

Senior Controls Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Whether you're an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX ... A Senior Manufacturing Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing ...

IDEX

Senior Controls Engineer

Denver, CO

$99K - $131K/yr

Whether you're an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX ... A Senior Manufacturing Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing ...

PM2CM

Project Controls Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

Project Controls Data Management: * Prepare project controls data request responses and work papers ... graduate (from an accredited institution in an applicable profession, business, or engineering ...

PM2CM

Project Controls Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

Project Controls Data Management: * Prepare project controls data request responses and work papers ... graduate (from an accredited institution in an applicable profession, business, or engineering ...

PM2CM

Project Controls Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

Project Controls Data Management: * Prepare project controls data request responses and work papers ... graduate (from an accredited institution in an applicable profession, business, or engineering ...

Andritz

Electrical & Controls Engineer

Alpharetta, GA

$76K - $101K/yr

... seeking Electrical & Controls Engineers in the Morrilton, AR area. This position would be ... Graduate of a bachelor's or diploma program in electrical engineering (or similar); * Minimum of 5 ...

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All JobsGraduate Controls Engineer Jobs

Graduate Controls Engineer information

See salary details

$55K

$96.6K

$131K

How much do graduate controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 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 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 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 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
Infographic showing various Graduate Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,574 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Associate Controls Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc

Ballston Spa, NY • Hybrid

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Wunderlich-Malec (WM) Engineering is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. As an Intern at WM you become part of a company that is:

  • 100% employee-owned company with 40+ years of industry history
  • A Top 5 Systems Integrator Giant
  • An ENR top 500 firm

We have an Associate Controls Engineer opportunity in Malta, NY. This position is responsible for the controls engineering associated to the implementation and commissioning of the instrumentation and controls, in industrial environments. Initially starting with work in the field to familiarize the new hire with our standard business practices with the potential to develop into more office related work.

Major Responsibilities

  • Commissioning activities associated with instrumentation, valves, PLCs, SCADA and industrial networking.
  • Reporting of Commissioning status via standard business unit practices.
  • Quality assurance and quality control of installation by others based on standard business unit practices.
  • Troubleshooting of the instrumentation, valves and panel wiring.
  • Field audits to be used for designs of new systems in existing buildings.
  • Basic to intermediate computer skills, on-the-job training will be provided.
  • Work on automation and control system integration projects for clients in industries such as food and beverage or semiconductor.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel up to 50% to job sites.
  • General administration such as paperwork, copying, printing, faxing, and using a computer.
  • Situational awareness and dedication to safe work practices.

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 required, candidates with an understanding of or exposure to control systems – components, ladder logic programming, SCADA programming and their applications.
  • Preference given to, but not required, candidates with an understanding of or exposure to instrumentation and controls design as well as PLC and/or SCADA

Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, and ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.

Working Environment Standard office environment, On-site office environment, and diverse industrial environments, frequent PC usage, copy machines, phones.

*Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.

Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance

Salary range is $65,000 - $85,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.

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