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Lead Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Controls Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$60 - $63/hr

Lead controls engineering for automation and capital projects * Design and program PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems (Rockwell preferred) * Support equipment installation, commissioning, and startup

Controls Engineer

Nashville, TN

$80K - $104K/yr

This role will lead controls programming, system integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives across the plant. What You'll Do * Program and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA ...

Controls Engineer

North Haven, CT · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: North Haven, CT Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled Controls Engineer ... Lead controls architecture reviews, safety assessments, and equipment readiness evaluations

Lead Controls Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Controls Engineer who will be part of a growing business to support the design, deployment, testing, and maintenance of control system projects. Responsibilities include ...

Lead Controls Engineer

Plano, TX

$79K - $103K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Controls Engineer who will be part of a growing business to support the design, deployment, testing, and maintenance of control system projects. Responsibilities include ...

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US citizenship required. ( Preference Given to Kentucky and Indiana Hire) Responsibilities • Support project deliverables to maintain program timing and budget targets • Lead controls/programming ...

Lead Controls Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$79K - $158K/yr

About This Role As a Lead Controls Engineer, you will be crucial to ALC's business through the designing of advanced building automation systems created specifically for each individual customer. We ...

Lead Controls Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Controls Engineer who will be part of a growing business to support the design, deployment, testing, and maintenance of control system projects. Responsibilities include ...

Controls Engineer III

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

Lead controls engineering activities from concept development through installation, startup, and commissioning * Design, develop, and deploy integrated automation and machine control systems * Define ...

Controls Engineer III

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

Lead controls engineering activities from concept development through installation, startup, and commissioning * Design, develop, and deploy integrated automation and machine control systems * Define ...

Controls Engineer

Rockford, MI · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Opportunities range from entry-level to Lead Controls and Engineering Manager roles. Most jobs require minimal travel. Responsibilities: * Provide electrical solutions for automation equipment.

Controls Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

Contribute to or lead controls engineering efforts on material handling projects * Develop, test, and troubleshoot PLC programs (primarily Rockwell Automation platforms) * Design and develop HMI and ...

Controls Engineer

Rockford, MI · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Opportunities range from entry-level to Lead Controls and Engineering Manager roles. Most jobs require minimal travel. Responsibilities: * Provide electrical solutions for automation equipment.

Senior Controls Engineer

Zeeland, MI

$89K - $117K/yr

Lead the design, implementation, and documentation of controls systems for various types of automated equipment * Mentor, coach, and train entry level Controls Engineers * Communicate with all ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

Lead the design, implementation, and documentation of controls systems for various types of automated equipment * Mentor, coach, and train entry level Controls Engineers * Communicate with all ...

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Lead Controls Engineer information

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$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead controls engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead controls engineer?

A lead controls engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing control systems for industrial automation and manufacturing processes. They often coordinate teams, troubleshoot system issues, and use tools like PLCs and SCADA software to ensure operational efficiency and safety.

What are Lead Controls Engineers?

Lead Controls Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the implementation of control systems used in manufacturing, automation, or industrial processes. They lead teams to ensure that machinery and equipment operate efficiently, safely, and in accordance with industry standards. Their work often involves programming PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), troubleshooting system issues, and collaborating with other engineering disciplines. Additionally, they play a key role in project management, technical leadership, and client communication.

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

To thrive as a Lead Controls Engineer, you need deep expertise in control systems design, automation, and electrical engineering, usually backed by a bachelor's degree in engineering and several years of relevant experience. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI interfaces, and often certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or specific vendor certifications are typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving abilities, along with effective communication, distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the successful delivery of complex automation projects, leading teams, and maintaining operational reliability.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Lead Controls Engineers in industries like automation or manufacturing may also reach this level with significant expertise and project responsibilities.

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

AspectLead Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; often requires experience in project managementBachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLead projects, coordinate teams, oversee control system design and implementationAssist in control system design, programming, and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process industries, often in leadership rolesManufacturing, automation, industrial facilities, typically as technical staff

The main difference between a Lead Controls Engineer and a Controls Engineer lies in responsibility and experience. The Lead Controls Engineer oversees projects and manages teams, requiring more experience and leadership skills, while the Controls Engineer focuses on technical tasks like system design and programming. Both roles require similar technical credentials but differ in scope and seniority.

What are some typical challenges a Lead Controls Engineer faces when managing multidisciplinary project teams?

As a Lead Controls Engineer, you’ll often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and software backgrounds. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across these disciplines to integrate control systems seamlessly with other engineering components. You’ll also need to balance project timelines while troubleshooting technical issues that may arise during commissioning and testing phases. Strong leadership and project management skills are essential for aligning team efforts, managing resources, and delivering robust, compliant solutions on schedule.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Lead Controls Engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation and control systems, and leadership responsibilities. Such high salaries are typically found in senior positions, highly specialized industries, or in regions with high living costs, often supplemented by bonuses or profit sharing.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Lead Controls Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior executive roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires a strong background in control systems, programming, and project management.
More about Lead Controls Engineer jobs
What states have the most Lead Controls Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Controls Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Veolia Group is a global leader in environmental services, operating across all five continents with nearly 218,000 employees. Specializing in water, energy, and waste management, Veolia Group designs and implements innovative solutions for decarbonization, depollution, and resource regeneration, supporting communities and industries in their ecological transformation. Within this framework, Veolia's Water Technology Business brings together a dedicated team of experienced professionals committed to tackling the world's most complex challenges related to water scarcity, quality, productivity, and energy. Together, we pursue a shared mission to create a more sustainable future.

Job Description

Veolia is currently searching for an experienced controls engineer to support the production of filters and membranes at our Minnetonka, MN plant. The production of water purification membranes is a growing business which addresses the ever-increasing need for clean water. We are looking for a highly motivated and technically strong controls engineer to support our manufacturing facility. Come be a part of this exciting and growing technology!

Essential Responsibilities

  • Perform continuous improvement of controls systems including integrating systems, PLC programming, PLC level networking, and HMI configuration.
  • Support daily manufacturing technical and process needs. Assist operations, engineering, and maintenance with equipment problems, troubleshooting, and system upgrades including off hour support.
  • Dynamically lead and effectively interface with manufacturing, sales, marketing, and other support teams to complete projects to meet EHS (environmental, health, and safety), production, quality, cost savings, and new product development goals within schedule and budget.
  • Utilize lean manufacturing, six sigma methods, ergonomic designs, ISO 9000 principles, and other engineering problem solving tools to resolve challenges and technical issues.
  • Interface with vendors and internal contacts in an effective manner to ensure that the technical and EHS perspective is properly conveyed.
  • Performs I/O checks and instrument scaling for new equipment installations.
  • Review, recommend, and implement changes to mechanical/electrical drawings and process documentation. Provide concept drawings, building layout, and equipment drawings if applicable.
  • Assure that all engineering designs and technical data are complete and accurately documented to provide an accurate technical/historical base for future reference and to meet customer/end user requirements.
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems & Controls Engineering, or equivalent
  • Experience with controls system integration hardware and software, including Allen Bradley control systems, Rockwell Factory Talk Studio ME and SE, RSLogix 5000 or Studio 5000, RSLinx, and Cisco
  • Minimum of 10 years of related experience
  • Demonstrated knowledge, technical electrical training, and application of regulatory electrical codes
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
  • Demonstrated project management
  • Demonstrated Experience with using PLC and Controls programming

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with AUTOCAD
  • Previous experience with electrical drawing creation
  • MES and SCADA system knowledge
  • Previous experience with Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing
  • Rockwell Software: RSView32, RSNetwoks
  • Experience with water filtration products
  • Communication protocols: Profibus, Ethernet, ContolNet, DeviceNet, and OPC Server.
  • Knowledge and experience in writing work instructions per ISO 9000 requirements
  • Experience leading the large capital projects or plant start-ups
  • Experience with web handling equipment
Additional Information

We realize diverse teams make smarter decisions, deliver better results, and build stronger communities. We're an organization that champions diversity and inclusion at every rung of the ladder and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

  • Compensation - The salary range is tied to the market for similarly benchmarked roles.  The range is not an absolute, but a guide, and offers will be based on the individual candidate's knowledge, skills, experience, and market conditions, as well as internal peer equity.  Depending upon all the preceding considerations for the final selected individual candidate, the offer may be lower or higher than the stated range: $112,000 - $134,000
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Starting Day 1!
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • 401(k) Plan - 3% default contribution plus matching!
  • Flexible Spending & Health Saving Accounts
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this
posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable
law.


****Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not
sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization (e.g. H-1B visa) for this opportunity****

Veolia does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiting firms. All vendors must have a
current and fully executed MSA on file before submitting candidates. Any unsolicited resumes and
candidate profiles will be deemed the property of the company and no fee will be due.

As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.