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Plc Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PLC Controls Programmer

Flint, MI · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

VENTEON and Harvard Resource Solutions are hiring PLC Controls Programmer to develop, test, and troubleshoot automation logic for industrial equipment. Key responsibilities include writing control ...

PLC Controls Engineer

Shelby, MI · On-site

$71.20K - $91.20K/yr

Fanuc and ABB robot programming experience (a plus) * Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants ...

VENTEON and Harvard Resource Solutions are hiring PLC Controls Programmer to develop, test, and troubleshoot automation logic for industrial equipment. Key responsibilities include writing control ...

PLC Programmer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$68.60K - $93.30K/yr

... Engineer new electrical controls and upgrade existing systems. - Create and maintain electrical ... PLC Controls Engineer/Programmer. - Strong skills in Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI development ...

Senior PLC Controls Engineer

North Haven, CT · On-site

$96.50K - $127.30K/yr

Required Skills & Qualifications: * 10-13 years of experience in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley ... Familiarity with CAD software for controls design * Strong electrical and mechanical ...

058 - Maintenance - Controls Engineer

Russellville, AR · On-site

$70.20K - $90.80K/yr

PLC Controls Engineer VISA Sponsorship not available for this position Come join the Taber Team where our values are Stewardship, Ownership, Integrity and Respect! Taber employees also enjoy great ...

PLC Controls Manager

Dothan, AL · On-site

$70.90K - $90.90K/yr

The PLC Controls Manager will lead all programming and digital production workflows across automated manufacturing systems. This role serves as a key link between engineering, production, and project ...

Controls Engineer

Pierceton, IN · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Leading a small team of Controls Technicians (2-3) * Programming PLC Controls (Allen Bradley/Siemens) * Programming Robotics (ABB and Fanuc) * Troubleshoot robotic, PLC, pneumatic, hydraulic, and ...

Controls Engineer- Mitsubishi

Liberty, NC · On-site

$83K - $107.40K/yr

Mitsubishi PLC Controls, Q Series, IR Series, GX Works2/3, GT Designer * Experience in Body Shop working around Presses/ Dies is a plus What You Will Be Doing: * Designing, programming, and ...

Controls Engineer PLC

Greenville, SC · Remote

$90K - $110K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field * 5+ years of industrial control systems experience * Experience with PLC or DCS platforms Company Description ...

Leading a small team of Controls Technicians (2-3) * Programming PLC Controls (Allen Bradley/Siemens) * Programming Robotics (ABB and Fanuc) * Troubleshoot robotic, PLC, pneumatic, hydraulic, and ...

PLC Controls/Automation Engineer

Florence, CO · On-site

$79.60K - $102.10K/yr

PLC Controls/Automation Engineer | Req ID: 16112 | Location: Portland Cement Plant CO ABOUT THE ROLE The Automation Engineer is responsible for plant process control system [PCS] specification ...

Controls Engineer

Van Wert, OH · On-site

$75.90K - $98.10K/yr

PLC Programming & Code Development * Develop, modify, and maintain PLC code-primarily Allen-Bradley ... Create electrical and controls documentation (schematics, layouts, IO lists, etc.). * Provide ...

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PLC Controls Engineer information

See salary details

$55.5K

$92K

$124K

How much do plc controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for plc controls engineer in the United States is $92,027.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a PLC Controls Engineer Do?

As a PLC controls engineer, your primary responsibilities include the setup, programming, testing, and implementation of computer control systems used for production automation and industrial equipment design. Your duties are to implement programs on programmable logic controllers and test whether industrial computers process information and function correctly. You debug issues and troubleshoot problems that have non-standard solutions. In this role, you also assess the functionality of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems and may work in numerous fields, including aviation, robotics, energy production, and manufacturing.

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

To thrive as a PLC Controls Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering, automation systems, and proficiency in programming PLCs, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC platforms (such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider), HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networking is essential, and certifications like Siemens S7 or Rockwell Automation can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are critical for designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated processes to ensure efficiency and reliability in industrial environments.

What are some typical challenges a PLC Controls Engineer might face when working on a new automation project?

PLC Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation systems with existing machinery, troubleshooting unexpected equipment behavior, and ensuring minimal downtime during installation or upgrades. Communication with cross-functional teams—including electricians, mechanical engineers, and production managers—is essential to align project goals and resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and keeping up with the latest PLC programming standards are common aspects of the role.

What are PLC Controls Engineers?

PLC Controls Engineers are professionals who design, program, and maintain programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used to automate industrial processes. They develop control systems that allow machinery and production lines to operate efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting issues, upgrading systems, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. PLC Controls Engineers often work closely with other engineers and technicians to optimize manufacturing operations.

What is the difference between Plc Controls Engineer vs Automation Technician?

AspectPlc Controls EngineerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Automation Engineering, PLC certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, PLC training
Work EnvironmentDesign, programming, and troubleshooting PLC systems in industrial settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of automation equipment
Industry UsageManufacturing, process control, automation firmsFactory floors, maintenance departments

The Plc Controls Engineer focuses on designing and programming PLC systems, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, the Automation Technician handles installation and troubleshooting, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are vital in industrial automation but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Plc Controls Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Plc Controls Engineer job openings:
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What are popular job titles related to Plc Controls Engineer jobs? For Plc Controls Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Plc Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

PLC Controls Engineer Senior - Day Shift

Illuminate USA

Pataskala, OH • On-site

$93.20K - $123K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Illuminate USA rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
Located in the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we've rapidly grown to over 1,500 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere.
This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We're not just building solar panels-we're building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you're looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!
We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.
Illuminate USA is seeking an experienced PLC Controls Engineer to support and improve manufacturing equipment controls systems across the factory. This role is responsible for PLC programming, controls troubleshooting, software version management, machine controls standards, and continuous improvement of automation performance, uptime, and reliability. The ideal candidate brings strong technical depth, disciplined software controls practices, and the ability to work cross-functionally with Equipment, Process, Quality, IT, and OEM/Dispatch partners.
Key Responsibilities
Controls Engineering & PLC Support
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment to meet uptime and throughput targets.
  • Develop and support PLC logic updates, interlocks, safety conditions, and machine sequencing to improve stability and eliminate recurring faults.
  • Provide hands-on support for equipment controls issues including communication faults, sensors, actuators, VFDs/servo drives, and industrial networks.
  • Lead root cause investigations for controls-related downtime using structured problem solving (5-Why, 8D, fault tree, etc.).

Software / Controls System Management
  • Own controls software lifecycle including backup/restore, change control, version tracking, and release management.
  • Maintain validated golden copies of PLC programs, HMI projects, and machine configuration files.
  • Support factory controls standards including naming conventions, alarms, documentation, and configuration baselines.
  • Ensure appropriate documentation of software changes and communicate updates to stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement & Reliability
  • Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability through automation enhancements, standardization, and reduction of controls-related downtime.
  • Support and drive improvements in OEE, scrap reduction, cycle time stability, and equipment recovery procedures.
  • Create recovery/playbooks for critical tools to improve shift-level response and reduce time-to-recover.

Cross-Functional & OEM Coordination
  • Partner with OEMs, Dispatch teams, and internal stakeholders to resolve machine controls issues, implement upgrades, and close technical gaps.
  • Work alongside Maintenance and Equipment Technicians to improve troubleshooting capability through training and standardized procedures.
  • Support commissioning, retrofits, upgrades, and line expansions requiring PLC/HMI integration.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline
  • Minimum 5 years of hands-on PLC controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Strong experience with:
  • PLC programming and troubleshooting (ladder logic, structured text, etc.)
  • HMI/SCADA support and interface troubleshooting
  • Industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)
  • Controls-related documentation and disciplined change management
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize production-impacting issues, and communicate clearly under pressure

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing lines (automation-intensive environments preferred)
  • Exposure to safety systems and machine guarding interlocks (LOTO awareness, safety circuits)
  • Experience with SQL/data logging, historian systems, or integration to manufacturing databases
  • Familiarity with servo systems, motion control, and robotics integration
  • Prior experience supporting OEM-developed controls platforms and multilingual technical teams

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
  • Occasional walking within office and manufacturing areas
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs on an occasional basis
  • Ability to view screens, read documents, and communicate effectively

At Illuminate USA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity for all, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Your unique background and experiences are valued here, as we believe they strengthen our team and drive our mission forward.
Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.