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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Senior Manager, Controls Engineering

Austin, TX · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a leader for the Controls Engineering function. As the single-threaded owner of controls and automation strategy, your organization will own the full lifecycle-design, programming ...

Senior Manager, Controls Engineering

Austin, TX · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

We are seeking a leader for the Controls Engineering function. As the single-threaded owner of controls and automation strategy, your organization will own the full lifecycle-design, programming ...

Senior Manager, Controls Engineering

Austin, TX · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

We are seeking a leader for the Controls Engineering function. As the single-threaded owner of controls and automation strategy, your organization will own the full lifecycle-design, programming ...

Controls Engineer II

Austin, TX · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

The Controls Engineer II, Engineering Services designs and maintains the diagnostic infrastructure ... Superior ability to influence and collaborate with senior management and work across all levels of ...

Controls Engineer - Fuel Handling System

Austin, TX · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are open to two candidate profiles: an experienced controls engineer who prefers hardware and is comfortable writing the automation scripts to support testing, OR a senior technician with deep ...

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking a Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer to join our Buildings team. This role will lead the design and implementation of instrumentation, process ...

Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking a Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer to join our Buildings team. This role will lead the design and implementation of instrumentation, process ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$71.3K

$113.7K

$152.6K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Austin, TX is $113,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,100.00 and $126,800.00 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 Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Austin, TX?

For Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,689 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Sr. Automation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. AUTOMATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER, SOLAR CELL FACTORY (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
The Solar Cell team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced solar cell manufacturing. We're scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells to support sustainable energy solutions for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and beyond. As a Solar Cell Factory Sr. Automation and Controls Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize controls and automation systems for the production of solar cell manufacturing equipment and material movement mechanisms. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe electrical design, writing robust and elegant control code, and taking on total ownership of existing systems for optimization in addition to development of novel equipment, all while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge solar cell factory.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, develop, and manage automation projects - including initial factory ideation, machine commissioning, proof of rate capability, and eventual hand-off to operational teams
  • Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing applications
  • Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment
  • Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot
  • Integrate individual equipment pieces into master SCADA and MES systems
  • Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations
  • Stay organized by creating schedules and budgets, and then motivate the team to achieve them

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or chemical discipline
  • 5+ years of experience with high-speed manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
  • Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally
  • Ability to engineer creative, new approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe
  • Hazardous process expertise in an aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industry where high pressure or hazardous systems for fluids or gasses were in use
  • Experience with at least one of the specific disciplines listed below. The ideal candidate is interested in learning at least the fundamentals of the other areas they are not yet strong in

Electrical/Industrial Controls:
  • Electrical sizing of motors, valves, pneumatics, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters, various other motion systems
  • Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
  • Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
  • Field bus networks, serial communication, Profinet and Ethernet communications
  • Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards

Industrial Software:
  • PLC programming, preferably Siemens TIA Portal or Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text + ladder
  • HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), ignition systems with focus on user friendly navigation and machine health monitoring and control
  • Field Bus Networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP
  • Robotics programming, preferably ABB
  • Industrial software application to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, including how to safely checkout these interdisciplinary systems prior to production implementation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US