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Military Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hutchinson

Controls Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI

$80K - $103K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field ... military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Hutchinson ...

Fiserv, Inc.

Controls Engineer

Hazelwood, MO · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

As a Controls Engineer in Hazelwood, MO, you will be responsible for the process flow of the ... experience and/or military experience. Recommended experience: * 5+ years of experience ...

Monitise

Controls Engineer

Hazelwood, MO

$78K - $101K/yr

As a Controls Engineer in Hazelwood, MO, you will be responsible for the process flow of the ... experience and/or military experience. Recommended experience: * 5+ years of experience ...

General Motors

Controls Engineer

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$80K - $109K/yr

... military, skilled trades, or manufacturing experience may be considered). * Working knowledge of PLC and HMI programming. * Experience troubleshooting or supporting industrial electrical systems ...

General Motors

Controls Engineer

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$80K - $109K/yr

... military, skilled trades, or manufacturing experience may be considered). * Working knowledge of PLC and HMI programming. * Experience troubleshooting or supporting industrial electrical systems ...

General Motors

Controls Engineer

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$80K - $109K/yr

... military, skilled trades, or manufacturing experience may be considered). * Working knowledge of PLC and HMI programming. * Experience troubleshooting or supporting industrial electrical systems ...

ControlsJobs

BAS - Controls Design Engineer

Portland, ME

$85K - $110K/yr

Controls Design Engineer - Portland, ME - HVAC & Controls Compan y POSITION: * Applications Design ... Commercial Buildings, municipal/government, education, healthcare, industrial, and military ...

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$96.6K

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How much do military controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for military 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.

How hard is it to become a controls engineer?

Becoming a controls engineer typically requires a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering, along with knowledge of programming, automation systems, and control theory. Gaining experience through internships or certifications such as Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) can also be beneficial. The difficulty depends on your educational background and technical skills, but it generally involves a combination of formal education and practical experience.

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

To thrive as a Military Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, control systems design, and familiarity with defense industry standards, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PLC programming, and experience with MIL-STD specifications or DoD acquisition processes is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring project accuracy. These skills and qualifications are critical to designing reliable, mission-critical control systems that meet rigorous military requirements and ensure operational safety.

What are some common challenges faced by Military Controls Engineers working on defense projects?

Military Controls Engineers often encounter challenges related to strict security protocols, rapidly evolving technology, and the need to comply with rigorous industry and government standards. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, they must ensure that control systems are both robust and adaptable to changing mission requirements. Additionally, balancing the integration of legacy systems with cutting-edge solutions can require creative problem-solving and effective collaboration with other engineers and project managers.

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

AspectMilitary Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required credentialsBachelor's in engineering, security clearances often preferredBachelor's in engineering or related field, certifications like CCNA or PLC programming helpful
Work environmentDefense facilities, military projects, secure environmentsManufacturing plants, industrial facilities, commercial settings
Employer and industry usageDefense contractors, government agenciesManufacturers, industrial companies, automation firms
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding roles in military or defense projectsDesigning and maintaining control systems in industry

The Military Controls Engineer and Controls Engineer roles share technical skills but differ mainly in work environment and industry focus. Military Controls Engineers work primarily on defense and secure projects, often requiring security clearances, while Controls Engineers focus on industrial automation in manufacturing settings. Both roles require engineering backgrounds, but their applications and employer types vary significantly.

What is a Military Controls Engineer?

A Military Controls Engineer is a specialized engineer who designs, develops, and maintains control systems for military equipment and technologies. These professionals work on a variety of systems, including weapons, vehicles, radar, and communication devices, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently under demanding conditions. Their work often involves integrating hardware and software to automate processes, improve system reliability, and enhance operational effectiveness in military environments. Military Controls Engineers play a crucial role in supporting defense initiatives and maintaining technological superiority.
Infographic showing various Military Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 80% Full Time, 12% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,574 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Staff Controls Engineer - Parsippany

EAD Management Services Inc

Parsippany, NJ • On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Join EAD to help solve complex controls and automation challenges in industrial facilities.
EAD supports projects across industrial manufacturing facilities, including food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and parcel handling environments. This role offers the opportunity to lead a controls engineering team across projects of varying size and complexity in a fast-paced, multi-discipline, and practical engineering setting.
The Controls Engineer delivers accurate, practical, and high-quality controls engineering for industrial and manufacturing facilities. This role is responsible for control system design, programming, field support, troubleshooting, and cross-discipline coordination. EAD expects strong performance at every level: Staff Controls Engineer is expected to perform well in front of clients, work effectively in demanding on-site environments, and take ownership of their work.
This role requires sound judgment in active industrial facilities where field conditions, client operations, and project timelines demand a composed, adaptable, and resourceful engineer.
What Success Looks Like
In this role, success means:
  • Delivering controls engineering work that is accurate, on time, on budget, and meets client and project requirements.
  • Producing functional, buildable, and well-documented control system solutions.
  • Coordinating effectively with project teams, other disciplines, and clients.
  • Performing confidently and professionally in field environments, including commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
  • Continuously building technical skills and discipline versatility.
  • Owning your role in the success of the project by asking questions, closing loops, and learning fast.

Level Expectations
Staff Controls Engineer (7-10 years of experience)
  • Actively leads the controls engineering scope on assigned projects, including technical direction, schedule ownership, and client coordination.
  • Leads controls input to proposals and estimates, including scope definition, hours forecasting, and risk identification.
  • Mentors and supports less experienced engineers through technical guidance and project collaboration.
  • Serves as a primary technical point of contact for clients, vendors, and project teams on controls matters.
  • Leads design reviews and drives quality within the controls scope.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, program, and commission PLC and DCS-based control systems for industrial and manufacturing facilities.
  • Develop and configure HMI and SCADA applications to meet client and project requirements.
  • Perform field activities including existing-condition verification, construction support, system checkout, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
  • Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, process, and other project team members to ensure controls scope aligns with overall project design and intent.
  • Prepare clear engineering deliverables including control system design documentation, specifications, instrument lists, and panel design input.
  • Support proposals and estimates with technical input, hours estimates, and scope definition appropriate to level.
  • Participate in and contribute to design reviews, quality checks, and lessons learned.
  • Interface with clients, vendors, contractors, and construction teams professionally and effectively.
  • Maintain knowledge of applicable codes and standards such as National Electrical Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and International Society of Automation (ISA).
  • Communicate proactively with the project team and Discipline Lead regarding progress, issues, risks, and decisions.
  • Contribute to a safe working environment and follow EAD safety standards and practices.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent combination of education, military service, training, and experience may also be considered.
  • Staff: 7-10 years of controls engineering experience in industrial or manufacturing environments.
  • Experience with PLC and/or DCS-based control system design, programming, and troubleshooting.
  • Experience with HMI or SCADA programming and configuration.
  • Experience performing field work including commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting in active industrial facilities.
  • Experience working with multi-discipline project teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to interact effectively with clients, project teams, and field personnel.
  • Ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and deliver results within cost and schedule constraints.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in food and beverage, life sciences, pharmaceutical, parcel, or other industrial manufacturing environments.
  • Experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley platforms including ControlLogix and CompactLogix.
  • CAP, CCST, PE, or similar relevant credentials, or commitment to pursuing one.
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL, and ISA codes and standards.
  • Experience supporting or leading controls input to proposals and cost estimates.
  • Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Automation Professional (CAP), or similar relevant credentials.
  • Established industry relationships and a demonstrated ability to build client trust, support repeat business, and contribute to growth are strongly preferred.

Behavioral Expectations
  • Acts with integrity, sound judgment, and professionalism.
  • Owns commitments, follows through, and closes loops.
  • Communicates early and clearly when risks, questions, or changes arise.
  • Works in a way that helps the broader project team succeed.
  • Brings a practical, solution-oriented mindset to complex fields and project challenges.
  • Seeks to understand field conditions, client needs, and cross-discipline impacts before acting.

Working Conditions
  • Office, plant, or client site environment*
  • Ability to perform field and client-site work.
  • Ability to sit and work at computer for extended periods of time
  • Ability to walk up numerous flights of stairs or ladders multiple times a day and/or work in tight spaces in extreme conditions
  • May work near moving mechanical parts and equipment*
  • Office, commercial and/or industrial setting with the potential of exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals*
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.*
  • Travel required, with periods of significant travel depending on project needs.
  • Occasional night shift work may be required based on client operations and project schedules, though this is infrequent.
  • Periodic weekend, holiday or evening work as needed
  • Maintain a valid driver's license.

*EAD will provide training, administrative/engineering controls, and personal protective equipment as necessary.
We strongly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and background will lead to a better workplace for our employees and a better product for our customers.
EAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

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