ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DISHER

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 ...

Indotronix Avani Group

Controls Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Controls Engineer III Location: Charlotte, NC, 28216 Duration: 4+ Years Contract Travel: Onsite at ... You will lead the electrical and controls scope of assigned projects. * Project focus will be ...

Computer Task Group, Inc

Controls Engineer III

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

The Controls Engineer III will lead controls engineering efforts from concept through commissioning, supporting the design, integration, installation, and startup of advanced manufacturing systems.

Mastech Digital

Controls Engineer III

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$65/hr

Controls Engineer III Location: Charlotte, NC 28216 Duration: 12 months (Possible extension or ... You will lead the electrical and controls scope of assigned projects. Project focus will be ...

Integra

Controls Engineer

Houston, TX

$71K - $93K/yr

Advanced Controls & Automation Engineering ... Lead the design, development, and implementation of complex control systems, including PLC, SCADA ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLead Controls Engineer Jobs

Lead Controls Engineer information

See salary details

$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 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:
What job categories do people searching Lead Controls Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Controls Engineer jobs are:
Lead Controls Engineer jobs near you
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.
Electrical Controls Engineer

Electrical Controls Engineer

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc

Lawrence, NJ

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Electrical Controls Engineer

Overview

Seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to design, program, and support automation systems in a production environment, including PLC/HMI development, robotics integration, and data acquisition from concept through commissioning. Lead controls engineering projects from concept through commissioning, including system architecture, specifications, and safety design. Design control panels, safety circuits, and electrical systems in compliance with NEC, NFPA, OSHA, and RIA standards. Review panel fabrication, field wiring, and installation to ensure alignment with design intent and safety requirements. Design, program, and debug PLC and HMI systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).

Technical Responsibilities

  • Lead controls engineering projects from concept through commissioning, including system architecture, specifications, and safety design.
  • Design control panels, safety circuits, and electrical systems in compliance with NEC, NFPA, OSHA, and RIA standards.
  • Review panel fabrication, field wiring, and installation to ensure alignment with design and safety requirements.
  • Design, program, and debug PLC and HMI systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
  • Integrate and commission industrial robots (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa).
  • Develop HMI/SCADA interfaces for control, monitoring, and data visualization.
  • Design and tune motion control systems (VFDs, servo drives, DC drives).
  • Create and maintain electrical schematics (AutoCAD Electrical or similar).
  • Perform electrical load and power calculations for automation systems.
  • Design and implement DAQ systems; integrate with SQL databases for reporting.
  • Program data systems using C, Visual Basic, and SQL.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
  • Document control logic, robotics, and safety systems for maintenance and upgrades.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Engineering or related field; equivalent experience considered.
  • Strong PLC programming skills (Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block).
  • Experience with safety systems and front-end controls design.
  • Robotics and motion control experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, Profibus, Modbus).
  • Familiarity with hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering tools.

Work Environment

  • Onsite, Monday through Friday, in a manufacturing facility.

Salary $75,000 - $95,000 plus $ bonus, medical, 401k, and other additional benefits.

Keywords

Controls Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Automation Engineer, Panel Building, Design Control Panels, Robotics Integration, PLC Programming, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa, Pneumatics, Hydraulics, Sensors, Motors, Machinery Controls, Machine Integration

To Apply

???? Email:
???? Call/Text: Steve Moore –
???? LinkedIn: Connect with me online

#engineering #controls #manufacturing #associate #LI-onsite #libertyjobs

Company Description

Libertyjobs.com has become an essential destination site for experienced job seekers. Our recruiters are continually posting active job openings to the website. Feel free to search our database of open positions and apply for your next career move!
Hundreds of new jobs are listed on the site every month in a wide range of industries and locations. Last year we had over 900,000 unique job seekers visit our website, which means over 75,000 skilled job seekers search our openings every month.
Established in 2003, Liberty Personnel quickly grew into one of the largest technical recruiting agencies on the East Coast. Today, Liberty Personnel has a national presence and a diverse client base. Listed below are a number of the industries and openings we work on:
Information Technology, Software Programmers, Engineering, Manufacturing, Legal, Plant Maintenance, Construction, Oil and Gas, Medical Communications, Accounting, Finance, Electronics, Scientific, Medical Device, Sales, Pharmaceutical, Admin, Automation, Controls, Civil, HVAC, Wastewater, Structural, Electrical, Chemists, Validations, Logistics, Food Production, Renewable Energy and Machinists.