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Junior Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Richardson, TX

$88.10K - $116.20K/yr

Share your expertise and mentor Jr. Controls Engineers. * Research applicable industry standards, prepare and critique engineering studies, analysis of systems, preliminary and detailed engineering ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$88.10K - $116.20K/yr

Share your expertise and mentor Jr. Controls Engineers. * Research applicable industry standards, prepare and critique engineering studies, analysis of systems, preliminary and detailed engineering ...

Controls Engineer

Addison, IL · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

The Controls Engineer must have 6+ years of experience. For this role, you must be a skilled ... junior engineers and technicians. Minimum Requirements: Education: - A Bachelor's degree in ...

Controls Engineer Location: Orlando, Florida Salary: $111,000 - $140,000 Relocation: Limited ... junior engineers and technicians Assist with system start-up, integration, and commissioning ...

Controls Engineer

Orlando, FL

$77.90K - $100.80K/yr

Role: Controls Engineer Location: Orlando, FL (On-Site) Experience Level: Mid-Senior Experience ... Provide technical leadership to junior engineers and technicians Technical Requirements Core Skills

Share your expertise and mentor Jr. Controls Engineers. * Research applicable industry standards, prepare and critique engineering studies, analysis of systems, preliminary and detailed engineering ...

BAS Controls Engineer - Hybrid

Minnetonka, MN · On-site +1

$80K - $120K/yr

BAS Controls Engineer - Smart Building / IoT Solutions - Minnetonka, MN (On-site or Remote) - $80 ... Compensation: $80,000 - $120,000 (DOE; hiring junior through senior levels) * Schedule: Flexible ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Controls Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Engineer- Controls III USA (1st Shift)

Gaffney, SC · On-site

$76.30K - $98.70K/yr

Demonstrated expertise and soft-skills at providing coaching and mentoring to develop and grow a team of junior controls engineers. * Project management expertise demonstrated by successful track ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

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Showing results 1-20

Junior Controls Engineer information

See salary details

$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior controls engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Junior Controls Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering and a solid grasp of automation principles. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and CAD software, along with relevant certifications like Siemens or Rockwell, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshoot issues efficiently. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable control systems and ensuring smooth operation in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior Controls Engineers when transitioning from academic projects to real-world industrial environments?

Junior Controls Engineers often find that real-world industrial environments present challenges not commonly encountered in academic settings, such as working with legacy systems, managing tight project deadlines, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. Learning to troubleshoot hardware and software issues in live production environments can be daunting, especially when unexpected problems arise. Additionally, adapting to rigorous safety standards and documentation requirements is crucial. However, support from senior engineers and ongoing training typically help new hires navigate these challenges successfully.

What are Junior Controls Engineers?

Junior Controls Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, and maintaining control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and automation. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), troubleshoot system issues, and ensure that automated systems are functioning correctly. Their role often involves hands-on work with electrical components and software, as well as collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve efficiency and safety.

What is the difference between Junior Controls Engineer vs Controls Technician?

AspectJunior Controls EngineerControls Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls EngineeringTechnical diploma or associate's degree in electrical or controls technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and troubleshooting of control systems, often in office and lab settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of control systems on-site in industrial environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, and engineering firmsIndustrial plants, factories, and automation service providers

While both roles involve working with control systems, Junior Controls Engineers focus on design and development, whereas Controls Technicians primarily handle installation and maintenance. The roles often overlap in industry and credentials but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

More about Junior Controls Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Controls Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Controls Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Controls Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Controls Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Junior Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

$86K - $111.30K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description Controls Engineer Location: Greater Chicago Area Position Type: Full-Time | Onsite with Travel (~25%) Industry: Industrial Machinery / OEM Manufacturing Position Overview A leading industrial equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the Greater Chicago area is seeking a Controls Engineer to join their engineering team. This role is responsible for owning projects from initial concept through commissioning and start-up, working across both office and field environments. You will play a key role in designing, programming, and delivering complete control systems for complex industrial machinery, ensuring high performance, reliability, and adherence to industry standards.

Key Responsibilities Manage controls projects from kickoff through commissioning and final startup Design electrical control systems and define overall system architecture Specify components in accordance with industry standards and project requirements Lead and oversee drafting/design teams for schematic and layout development Supervise panel fabrication within an onsite manufacturing facility Develop and implement PLC and HMI programs Configure and program VFDs and servo motion control systems Perform system testing, simulation, and validation Commission and start up equipment at customer sites Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and controls issues in the field Travel overnight as required (~25%) Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Mechanical Engineering (BSME), or related technical discipline 5+ years of hands-on controls engineering experience, including: Electrical schematic design PLC programming HMI development VFD setup and parameterization I/O configuration and checkout PID loop setup and tuning Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting ability Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills High attention to detail with a focus on quality execution Valid driver's license and ability to travel Technical Skills & Experience PLC/HMI Platforms: Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000, FactoryTalk SE/ME) Siemens (TIA Portal, WinCC) Wonderware, Ignition Hardware & Systems: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PowerFlex VFDs Kinetix Motion Systems Siemens G120 & S120 Drives Distributed I/O (Allen-Bradley & Siemens) Preferred Qualifications Experience with high-speed motion control systems PLC-based safety system design and programming Advanced VFD control (coordination, registration) Experience with cascading or nested PID loop tuning Ability to develop and interpret P&IDs Familiarity with UL 508A and SCCR standards Prior experience mentoring or leading junior engineers