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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Aberdeen, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Controls Engineer information

See Aberdeen, WA salary details

$77.6K

$123.6K

$166K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Aberdeen, WA is $123,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $137,900.00 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 cities near Aberdeen, WA are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Aberdeen, WA with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Senior Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Aberdeen, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,632 per year, or $59.4 per hour.

Senior Electrical Control Specialist

Express Employment Professionals - Aberdeen, WA

Aberdeen, WA • On-site

$87K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY:
Support electrical engineering projects by applying standard practices under the direction of a Senior Electrical Engineer. Design components and systems, conduct related research, and recommend design improvements based on testing and usage. This is a direct hire position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Create and revise design layouts using CAD, including control panels, operator controls, and wiring.
  • Develop ladder logic and other control system programming.
  • Perform electrical calculations (circuit design, power needs, PLC scan time, etc.).
  • Evaluate and improve designs in R&D and field settings.
  • Collaborate with engineers to enhance electrical design processes.
  • Revise existing designs; issue Engineering Change Notices (ECNs).
  • Prepare bills of materials and coordinate detailed drawings and schematics.
  • Research and specify commercial parts and new technologies.
  • Travel for installation, startup, and system evaluations.
  • Design test equipment and establish testing procedures.
  • Develop and apply control systems for new industrial applications.
  • Oversee equipment construction, installation, and testing to meet specs.
  • Support operations, maintenance, and repair in the field.
  • Provide technical data to sales and service teams.
  • Assist in troubleshooting and other engineering tasks as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associates degree in a technical field required.
  • Minimum five years of experience directly related to designing electro-mechanical equipment for manufacturing environments required.
  • Experience in the industrial equipment industry required; experience in the design of panels, wood or pulp and paper product handling equipment desired.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, motion and control components required.
  • Must have experience in industrial electrical design including ladder logic and other control experience preferably on multiple platforms. 
  • Proven proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD or similar CAD system software required.
  • Ability to apply mathematical operations to engineering calculations such as circuit analysis, electrical power requirements, electrical panel sizing, etc required.
  • Ability to read drawings, hydraulic and pneumatic diagrams and electrical schematics required.
  • Proven experience in field start-up, testing, and troubleshooting of equipment required.
  • Current United States passport required.
  • Strong written and verbal business communication skills a must.
  • Proven track record of being self-motivated, working with minimal supervision, and partnering with diverse team members required.

·         Ability to handle multiple priorities efficiently, retain a sense of urgency and meet strict timelines required.

CERTIFICATIONS:
As required based on current or future job needs.

WORK HOURS:
Generally 8 AM – 5 PM, with flexibility and extended hours during deadlines, installations, or support events.

TRAVEL:
Frequent domestic and international travel required. Must have a valid passport, visas as needed, and comply with health/travel requirements (vaccinations, etc.).

Benefits offered by the Company:

Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

12 Holidays

Incentive Rewards

401K 4% contribution

Medical 

Dental

Vision

Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

Voluntary Term Life & AD&D

Company Description

Express Employment Professionals is a leading staffing provider in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Every day, we help job seekers find work and help businesses find qualified employees.

Founded in 1983, Express annually employs more than 566,000 people across over 800 franchise locations worldwide. Our long-term goal is at the heart of our company's vision, to help as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people.

Our Mission:
To professionally market and provide quality human resource solutions through an international franchising network that profit our associates, customers, franchisees, corporate staff, stockholders and communities in which we conduct business.