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Plant Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer Manager Auburn Hills, MI The Role The Controls Engineer Manager is responsible ... plant performance, safety, quality, cost, and throughput objectives. This role drives capital ...

New

Controls Engineer

Santa Teresa, NM · On-site

$160 - $195/hr

Position Controls Engineer - Technical Operations STACK Infrastructure (STACK) seeks a Controls ... Support site operations by reviewing control logic, plant staging, pumping sequences, valve control ...

New

Controls Engineer Manager

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Mentor and Train plant controls engineers and support production as needed. * Communicate across ... cross functional groups * Support Kaizen, Improvement walks, and Error proofing projects

Controls Engineer Manager

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Mentor and Train plant controls engineers and support production as needed. * Communicate across ... cross functional groups * Support Kaizen, Improvement walks, and Error proofing projects

Controls Engineer 3rd Shift

Wentzville, MO · On-site

$80K - $103K/yr

The plant Controls Engineer provides expertise for the maintenance of ongoing production processes, including the implementation and documentation of required process changes to support continuous ...

Controls Engineer 3rd Shift

Wentzville, MO · On-site

$80K - $103K/yr

The plant Controls Engineer provides expertise for the maintenance of ongoing production processes, including the implementation and documentation of required process changes to support continuous ...

Controls Engineer 2nd Shift

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

CONTROLS ENGINEER - 2nd SHIFT AUBURN HILLS, MI As a member of the Auburn Hills team, the Controls ... I.T. or complex assembly plant environment. The Role: * Develops and implements software and ...

Showing results 41-60

Plant Controls Engineer information

See salary details

$65K

$91.8K

$115.5K

How much do plant controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant controls engineer in the United States is $91,787.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant controls engineer?

Plant Controls Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the automated control systems used in manufacturing or processing plants. They work with hardware and software to ensure machinery and processes run efficiently, safely, and according to specifications. Their duties often include programming programmable logic controllers (PLCs), troubleshooting system issues, and collaborating with other engineers to optimize plant operations. Plant Controls Engineers play a key role in improving productivity and minimizing downtime in industrial environments.

How does a plant controls engineer typically collaborate with production and maintenance teams to ensure smooth operations?

Plant Controls Engineers work closely with both production and maintenance teams to troubleshoot equipment issues, optimize control systems, and implement process improvements. Regular communication is essential, as engineers often need to translate technical requirements into practical solutions that support operational goals. They may also provide training or guidance on new control technologies and participate in cross-functional meetings to coordinate system upgrades or maintenance schedules. This collaborative environment helps maintain high levels of productivity and minimizes downtime in the plant.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or control systems engineering, typically with a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI interfaces, and relevant certifications like ISA CAP are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These skills ensure efficient automation, minimal downtime, and safe, reliable plant operations.

What is the difference between Plant Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectPlant Controls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, control systems, or related engineering fields; certifications like PE or control system certifications are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation environmentsPower plants, manufacturing, design firms, consulting
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, process industries, automation projectsUsed across power, manufacturing, consulting, and design sectors

While both roles require electrical knowledge and work in industrial settings, Plant Controls Engineers focus on automation systems, control logic, and plant-specific control solutions, whereas Electrical Engineers have a broader scope including power systems, circuit design, and electrical infrastructure. The roles often overlap but differ in specialization and daily tasks.

More about Plant Controls Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Plant Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Plant Controls Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Plant Controls Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Plant Controls Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Plant Controls Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Plant Controls Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Plant Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,787 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

LEAR CORPORATION

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Lear Corporation rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Controls Engineer Manager

Auburn Hills, MI

The Role

The Controls Engineer Manager is responsible for providing advanced controls engineering and technical oversight within a manufacturing environment. This role exercises a high degree of independent judgment, strategic thinking, and technical authority to support plant performance, safety, quality, cost, and throughput objectives. This role drives capital projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and new model launch while ensuring long‑term reliability and cost‑effective maintenance of plant systems.

  • Responsible for implementation of projects from technical specification to startup support to implementation.
  • Leadership role responsible for technical design, project coordination, and supervision of the controls team. The position supports senior leadership while leading the integration, testing, and installation of advanced machine tools and automation systems.
  • Supervise and mentor a small team of controls engineers, ensuring project timelines and quality standards are met.
  • Design and develop all aspects of electrical control systems, equipment, and programming using Lear Corporation standards and build upon with innovative ideas.
  • Oversee controls hardware and software design for complex machine systems, collaborating with electrical and mechanical teams.
  • Support implementation of proven and newly developed advanced automation.
  • Develop and implement PLC logic, HMI interfaces, and motion control integration (Siemens and/or Allen Bradley).
  • Document and use existing control standards to develop requirements for automated cells.
  • Manage controls engineering workload, project assignments, and staffing resources to ensure timely completion of projects and support activities.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews, establish development plans, and hold team members accountable for results and continuous improvement.
Your Qualifications
  • Expert in (RS Logix 500, RS Logix 5000, Factory Talk HMI, Baluff I/O link, programming).
  • Fanuc Programming or basic understanding with Robotics.
  • Understand and communicate applicable safety standards: general industry (OSHA 1910), machine guarding, robot safety (ANSI/RIA 15.06), automated vehicles, conveyor safety.
  • Supporting member of Risk Assessments on all automated equipment.
  • Auto CAD Experience.
  • Ability to read electrical drawings.
  • Coordinate and manage controls systems.
  • Communication with external manufacturing system /MES.
  • Atlas Copco Tools Talk programming and interface with torque tools.
  • Experience with controls and programming servo driven equipment.
  • Basic experience with Vision systems to guide robot – offsets.
  • Develop & Completion of Automation risk assessments.
  • Knowledgeable in MS‑Office.
  • Strong leadership, and communication skills.
Bonus If You Have
  • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV/AMR) experience.
  • Mentor and Train plant controls engineers and support production as needed.
  • Communicate across cross functional groups.
  • Support Kaizen, Improvement walks, and Error proofing projects.
  • Willingness to work any shift and support off-shift production, shutdowns, and launch activities.

Lear Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workplace.

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