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Lead Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spring Automation LLC

Controls Engineer II

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 ...

Integra

Controls Engineer

Houston, TX

$71K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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

Integra

Controls Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$71K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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

Mission Design Automation

Senior Controls Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Mission Design & Automation

Senior Controls Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Steele Solutions

Controls Engineer IV

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

Controls Engineer IVs serve as the lead controls resource on major customer programs and strategic initiatives. Essential Duties and Responsibilities This list of duties and responsibilities is not ...

Mastech Digital

Sr. Controls Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$63/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Key Responsibilities: - Lead controls engineering scope for automation and capital projects from concept development through design, build, installation, startup, and commissioning. - Design, develop ...

Steele Solutions

Controls Engineer IV

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Controls Engineer IVs serve as the lead controls resource on major customer programs and strategic initiatives. Essential Duties and Responsibilities This list of duties and responsibilities is not ...

Duravant

Electrical Engineer/Controls Eng 2

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

... as lead controls engineer on projects from concept to customer acceptance · Responsible for multiple projects at one time · Service Work, Travel required 10%. to 20% · Design UL,CE and CSA ...

Specialty Tooling Systems

Senior Controls Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$93K - $122K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead controls engineering efforts across the full project lifecycle: concept development, design, build, validation, customer acceptance, and onsite commissioning * Serve as a technical lead on ...

Mastech Digital

Sr. Controls Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$63/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Key Responsibilities: - Lead controls engineering scope for automation and capital projects from concept development through design, build, installation, startup, and commissioning. - Design, develop ...

NVENIA

Electrical Engineer/Controls Eng 2

Wood Dale, IL

$79K - $106K/yr

... as lead controls engineer on projects from concept to customer acceptance · Responsible for multiple projects at one time · Service Work, Travel required 10%. to 20% · Design UL,CE and CSA ...

Specialty Tooling Systems

Senior Controls Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$93K - $122K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead controls engineering efforts across the full project lifecycle: concept development, design, build, validation, customer acceptance, and onsite commissioning * Serve as a technical lead on ...

MSI Express, Inc.

Controls Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

Manage and lead controls-related projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field; or equivalent on the ...

Dynavac

Controls Engineer II

Hingham, MA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead controls engineering efforts across full project lifecycle, including design, programming, testing, and commissioning * Document controls engineering design including functionality, operational ...

Cummins

Controls Engineer

Ladson, SC · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Lead Controls Engineering Projects Oversee design, implementation, and optimization of electrical control systems for manufacturing equipment, including hardware, software, safety devices, sensors ...

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Showing results 41-60

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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 Aug 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?

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 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.

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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Intertape Polymer Group (IPG)

Spartanburg, SC • On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Intertape Polymer Group rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 120 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Join the IPG Team!
Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions-we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!
Position Description
Title: Controls Engineer
Department: Engineering
Immediate Supervisor: Engineering Manager
Status: SalariedExempt
Location: On-Site in our Blythewood, SC Facility
Position Purpose: Serve as the site's primary Controls Engineer responsible for PLC programming, automation systems, industrial controls, and electrical troubleshooting. Lead controls improvements and automation projects to improve safety, reliability, uptime, and manufacturing performance.
$2,500 Sign-On Bonus Available for Qualified Candidates
Principle Accountabilities
  • Serve as the site's primary Controls Engineer and technical owner for PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and automation systems
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, modify, and optimize Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLC programs to support safe and reliable plant operations.
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts for control system failures and implement corrective actions to improve equipment uptime and performance
  • Program, commission, and troubleshoot Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), servo systems, motor controls, relays, contactors, and associated automation equipment
  • Manage and improve plant control systems, ensuring hardware, software, and network infrastructure remain current and reliable.
  • Support and lead automation, controls, and capital improvement projects from concept through implementation.
  • Develop and maintain PLC backups, electrical drawings, control narratives, network documentation, and technical procedures
  • Analyze production and downtime data to identify opportunities for process improvements, increased reliability, and reduced operating costs
  • Provide technical support and training to operations and maintenance teams regarding controls systems and troubleshooting techniques.
  • Support predictive and preventive maintenance initiatives related to automation and electrical control systems.
  • Interface directly with operators, maintenance personnel, contractors, and vendors to support plant objectives and project execution.
  • Ensure all automation and electrical systems comply with plant safety standards and applicable electrical codes.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and cost reduction.
  • Support industrial power distribution systems, including 3-phase power, transformers, breakers, MCCs, and control panels.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering field, or relevant Engineering discipline
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
  • 3+ years of controls, automation, or electrical engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLCs.
  • Experience with VFDs, servo drives, motor starters, relays, contactors, and other industrial control equipment.
  • Understanding of industrial electrical systems, including 3-phase power, transformers, breakers, and MCCs.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings.
  • Experience with sensors and instrumentation such as proximity sensors, photo eyes, encoders, RTDs, thermocouples, and pressure transmitters.
  • Knowledge of industrial communication networks such as EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus.
  • Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
  • Experience maintaining PLC programs, backups, and control system documentation.
  • Experience with HMI and SCADA platforms such as FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware, or Siemens WinCC.
  • Experience supporting manufacturing operations in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar software is preferred.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office

Why Choose IPG?
At IPG, you will find more than just a job-you will find a place where your success is our success. We pride ourselves on a culture built around strong relationships, where every team member plays a crucial role in our growth. Whether it is through cross-department collaboration, continuous training, or sustainability-driven initiatives, we create an environment where you can thrive.
Our commitment to sustainability influences everything we do, from designing eco-friendly products to minimizing waste in our production processes. We are dedicated to building a greener future while providing safe, supportive workplaces for our people.
With over 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of growth and innovation, IPG offers a stable, secure environment where you can flourish!
We offer competitive pay, extensive benefits that support you and your family, and exciting career development opportunities. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills or advance your career, we offer ongoing training and the support you need to succeed. Think big, dream bigger, and make an impact with IPG.
You belong here. Join us today!

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