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Plc Controls Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Batavia, NY · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

What your day-to-day as a Controls Engineer at Fermilab will look like: Design and implement electronics systems, firmware, and software to read out sensor data and control experiments. Develop ...

Controls Engineer

Batavia, NY · On-site

$89 - $145/hr

What your day-to-day as a Controls Engineer at Fermilab will look like: • Design and implement electronics systems, firmware, and software to read out sensor data and control experiments. • ...

New

Senior Controls Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

Build Optimation is seeking an outstanding Senior Controls Engineer with extensive knowledge in industrial process control and electrical and instrumentation systems design. We require a seasoned ...

Showing results 41-60

Plc Controls Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$54.8K

$90.8K

$122.3K

How much do plc controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for plc controls engineer in Rochester, NY is $90,800.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PLC controls engineer?

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 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 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.

Are Plc Controls Engineers in demand?

Plc Controls Engineers are in high demand due to the ongoing need for automation in manufacturing, processing, and industrial facilities. They typically require knowledge of PLC programming, electrical systems, and control hardware, and job opportunities are expected to grow as industries continue to automate processes.

How much does a Plc Controls Engineer make?

A PLC Controls Engineer's average salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals with certifications in PLC programming and automation may earn higher wages, especially in specialized or high-demand sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Plc Controls Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Plc Controls Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plc Controls Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Plc Controls Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Plc Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Plc Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Plc Controls Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,800 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Automation Controls Engineer II - Relocation Assistance Eligible

Progressive Machine & Design

Victor, NY

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description

Location: On-Site. Victor, NY. Design it. Build it. See it run.

Qualified Candidates May be eligible for relocation assistance.

Salary: $100,000 - $120,000


JOB SUMMARY

Our Controls Engineering Department is growing and we're looking for engineers who have experience in custom machine automation - no two projects are quite alike! The Controls Engineer II is responsible for controls hardware design, programming, debug, and site-installation of turnkey custom automation equipment. At PMD, our engineers don't just design automated systems from a desk.  They work alongside the teams building, integrating and commissioning the machines - from concept through completion. 


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Work independently on medium sized or average complexity projects and/or under direction of more senior engineers on portions of larger or more complex projects.
  • Review customer requirements, PMD proposal, PMD cost estimate, and Federal, State, & Local requirements.
  • In advance of completed Mechanical Engineering design, attend Mechanical Design Reviews to understand machine functionality, suggest concepts & componentry to meet functional & safety requirements, and incorporate associated Controls Hardware design elements into the Controls Hardware design.
  • Translate device list provided by Mechanical Engineering into Controls Hardware design elements.
  • Utilize AutoCad Electrical for drafting.
  • Use provided symbols & circuits.
  • Develop new symbols & circuits as necessary.
  • Controls Hardware Design
  • AC Power schematics
  • DC Power schematics
  • Safety schematics
  • Servo/Stepper schematics
  • Industrial Network schematics
  • Device schematics
  • Testers, Transducers, Laser Markers, Welders, Robots, etc.
  • I/O schematics
  • Control Enclosure layouts
  • Control Panel layouts
  • Fluid Power Supply schematics
  • Fluid Power Control schematics
  • Bill of Materials
  • Interact with Controls Build personnel to answer questions.
  • Assist Controls Build Technicians, Controls Software Engineers, and Controls Engineers with electrical and fluid power debug.
  • Update design as required throughout the project life cycle.
  • Use provided standard code and device drivers, or use end-customer provided code and/or formats to create custom control & HMI programs.
  • Create custom device driver code.
  • Using control schematics, enter I/O into controller programs.
  • Using timing chart provided by Mechanical Engineering, program intended sequences into controller programs.
  • Download completed programs.
  • Commission control hardware.
  • Debug control hardware for out-of-box failures, intended design, and correct wiring/plumbing.
  • Debug control software, including all intended sequences, modes of operation, special functions, fault detection, fault recovery, tooling return, and interface.
  • Participate in Factory Acceptance Test at PMD.
  • Participate in Site Acceptance Test at end-customer's facility


OTHER DUTIES

  • Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
  • Observe safety procedures.
  • Any other task assigned by management within scope of position, federal and state regulations.



Requirements

EDUCATION

  • BS in EE, EET, Mechatronics, related engineering field; or demonstrated equivalent experience.


EXPERIENCE (5-10 years)

with 4 or more of the following Hardware Design skills:

  • AutoCad Electrical
  • NFP79, UL508a, CE, CSA standards
  • Power calculations (AC 3phase, AC 1phase, DC 5-90V, Transformers)
  • Enclosure Heat calculations
  • SCCR calculations
  • Fluid Power flow calculations
  • SISTEMA safety calculations

and 3 or more of the following Programming skills:

  • PLC Programming (Rockwell, Siemens, and/or Omron)
  • HMI Programming (Rockwell, Siemens, and/or Omron)
  • Robot Programming (Fanuc, ABB, Epson, Staubli, and/or Kuka)
  • Vision Systems (Cognex, Keyence, Matrox, and/or Teledyne Dalsa)
  • Industrial Protocols (Ethernet/IP, ProfiNet, EtherCat, and/or IOLink)


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Effective verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general technical procedures.
  • Ability to work in decimal, octal hexadecimal, and binary numbering systems.
  • Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry and to calculate scaling factors, proportions, percentages, rates, and ratios.
  • Organized
  • Detail oriented
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Ability to take direction
  • Creative/Innovative
  • Time management skills


PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


  • Regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and smell.
  • Occasionally required to stand, walk, push, pull, lift, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl.
  • Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Work environment is primarily performed indoors; partially around moving mechanical parts at a moderate noise level.
  • Wear safety equipment, including proper PPE.