ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsControls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer Jobs in Arkansas

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Arkansas salary details

$59.5K

$94.9K

$127.3K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Arkansas is $94,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $105,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior controls engineer?

Senior Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems for manufacturing processes, machinery, or automation equipment. They are responsible for programming controllers (such as PLCs), troubleshooting control system issues, and ensuring optimal system performance and safety. Senior Controls Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other departments to integrate new technologies. Their expertise is crucial for streamlining production, reducing downtime, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

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

AspectSenior Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience, possibly certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, troubleshooting, project leadership in industrial or manufacturing settingsImplementing control systems, programming, testing, and maintenance in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control companiesSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles within the same sectors

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Controls Engineers typically lead projects, design complex systems, and mentor junior staff, while Controls Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the senior role involves more leadership and advanced technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior controls engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and several years of experience in industrial automation. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and knowledge of industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and excellent communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the effective design, implementation, and troubleshooting of complex control systems, which are critical for operational safety, efficiency, and project success.

What are the typical responsibilities of a senior controls engineer in a manufacturing environment?

As a Senior Controls Engineer in a manufacturing setting, you can expect to lead the design, programming, and troubleshooting of automation systems such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA. Your responsibilities often include overseeing control system upgrades, optimizing equipment for efficiency, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. You will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams—including maintenance, production, and IT—to implement solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives. Managing complex projects and mentoring junior engineers are also common aspects of the role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Arkansas? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Arkansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Arkansas? For Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Arkansas look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Arkansas are:
What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Arkansas with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Controls Engineer jobs in AR? For Senior Controls Engineer jobs in AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,866 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer - Little Rock

Logical Systems LLC

Maumelle, AR • On-site

$82K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Senior Control Systems Engineers analyze user requirements and the design of process and/or mechanical equipment to design automation systems that control the process or machine in the desired manner.
The engineer uses knowledge and experience in instrumentation, control valves, Motors/VFDs, control system electrical design, and PLC/DCS programming to deliver an automation system that meets the user's needs utilizing the minimum essential design.
Senior Control Systems Engineers demonstrate:
  • high integrity,
  • a commitment to surpassing client expectations,
  • a desire for continual challenge and development,
  • excellent written and verbal communication skills, and
  • able to lead a controls engineering team effectively

Reports to: Operations Director
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS
Responsibilities for this job may include but are not limited to:
  • Interface with customers to develop User Requirements documentation
  • Lead project teams to execute the controls hardware and/or software scope
  • Develop control specification (control narratives) documentation based on User Requirements
  • Perform initial feasibility studies for proposed projects, resulting in a feasibility-level cost estimate and supporting documentation for the project
  • Mark-up Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) for instrumentation and controls related changes and review drawings from the drafting team
  • Design low-voltage (up to 480V) electrical controls drawings, panel drawings, loop sheets, I/O drawings, and network drawings and review drawings from the drafting team
  • Develop programs for Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and/or oversee the program development done by others
  • Human-Machine Interface (HMI) development and SCADA configuration
  • Historian configuration
  • Develop testing plans for DCS and PLC programs to effectively test all aspects of a new program or program changes
  • Simulate the DCS/PLC program and test the system using the testing plan
  • Oversee electrical controls construction at the client's site and verify that the system is being installed as designed - provide technical support to the construction effort
  • Perform I/O checkout on the installed control system and document the checkout results
  • Provide post-commissioning support to the client's operations, engineering, and maintenance personnel
  • Travel to the client's site as required

Required Experience / Abilities
  • Degreed in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or similar), Computer Science, or similar scientific/technical field

Ideal Experience
  • 10 years of experience in a similar engineering role
  • At least 5 years' experience with one or more of the following platforms:
    • Allen Bradley PLC5, SLC500, MicroLogix, ControlLogix
    • Siemens S7, PCS7
    • Emerson DeltaV, Ovation, Provox
    • Novatech D/3
    • Honeywell Experion
    • Foxboro I/A
  • HMI/SCADA configuration experience with one or more of the following platforms:
    • Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation
    • Inductive Automation
    • Wonderware
    • Siemens
    • iFix
    • Iconics
  • Historian and/or data analytics experience with one or more of the following platforms:
    • OSIsoft PI
    • PTC Thingworx
    • Inductive Automation Ignition
    • Aspentech
    • Rockwell Automation
    • Siemens
    • Wonderware
  • Experience in the selection, specification, and installation design of instrumentation, control valves, motors, VFDs and coordinated drive systems
  • Current working knowledge of the National Electric Code (NEC) with the ability to locate solutions to code questions
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.)
  • Experience in electrical design of Electrical Panels, I/O systems, Motor/VFD/Motion/Robotic Controls, and Ethernet-based networks
  • Field experience troubleshooting electrical controls problems in an industrial environment
  • Industry experience in Food and Beverage, Chemical, Pharma, Semiconductor, Water & Wastewater, Refining, Pulp and Paper, Oil/Gas Pipeline, Power Generation, Electrical Transmission & Distribution, Material Handling, or Packaging
  • Team Leadership and Client Relations Experience

Our Work-Life Balance Benefits were created to attract and reward our employees, which includes healthcare, life, supplemental insurance, and wellbeing benefits. Features of our benefits are listed below, which may be based upon position, location, and other eligibility criteria.Job Title: Senior Control Systems Engineer
Healthcare and Insurance Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
  • Company-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD)
  • Short-Term Disability (Supplemental Option)
  • Voluntary Life Insurance (Supplemental Option)
  • Health Savings Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts

Wellbeing Benefits
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation
  • Retirement - 401K and Roth 401K w/Company Match/Profit Sharing
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Dependent Care (FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Fitness Membership Reimbursement
  • Paid Time-off for Charitable Involvement

Apply