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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

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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 21, 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 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,866 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Vire Control Systems, LLC

Clarksville, AR • On-site

$90 - $115/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

At VCS, we don’t just build systems. We engineer solutions that make production lines smarter, faster, and more reliable. We’re looking for a Senior Controls Engineer who is ready to step into a leadership role with real ownership, guiding projects, mentoring others, and shaping how we execute.

What You’ll Do:
  • Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning while driving technical excellence across the team.
  • Own and lead multiple automation projects simultaneously from design to startup.
  • Architect and develop PLC-based control systems (primarily Rockwell / Allen‑Bradley).
  • Lead programming efforts for HMIs, VFDs, and industrial networks.
  • Provide oversight and direction on panel design and layouts using AutoCAD Electrical.
  • Act as the technical lead in collaboration with clients, project managers, and the build team.
  • Guide projects to get it right the first time, setting standards and ensuring quality.
  • Lead installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting efforts at customer sites (about 10% overnight travel).
  • Mentor junior engineers and technicians, helping raise the technical bar across the company.
  • Evaluate and implement new automation technologies and best practices.
  • Play a key role in maintaining and expanding Rockwell System Integrator certifications.
What You Bring:
  • 6+ years of hands‑on controls experience with full lifecycle project execution.
  • Proven ability to lead projects and take ownership of outcomes.
  • Deep expertise with Rockwell Automation platforms and software.
  • Strong AutoCAD Electrical experience and ability to review others’ work.
  • Solid understanding of UL508A, NEC, ISO 13849, and industrial safety systems.
  • Strong communication skills, especially in client‑facing and leadership situations.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and timelines without losing quality.
  • Bachelor’s in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent real‑world experience.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 10%.
  • Located within 2 hours of Clarksville, AR to support local clients.
What You’ll Get:

Pay: $90,000 to $115,000 DOE

Benefits:
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Parental leave
  • Ongoing training and certifications (including TÜV FS Technician and advanced Rockwell credentials)
  • Flexible, remote-friendly work environment with some onsite client work
Why VCS?

We are a small team with a big opportunity. This role is not about maintaining the status quo. It is about helping shape the future of our engineering team.

You will have direct ownership of multiple key projects, influence how we design and execute work, and play a major role in scaling the company. There is significant room for growth here, whether that means becoming a technical authority, building out a team under you, or stepping into broader leadership.

If you are ready to lead, make decisions that matter, and grow with a company that values ownership and initiative, we want to talk.

Location: Hybrid, based in Clarksville, AR (72830)

Ready to Build Something Better? Apply now or reach out with questions—we’re always up for a conversation with great engineers.
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