ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Burlington, MA (NOW HIRING)

Tensec

Senior Controls Engineer

Harvard, MA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Senior Controls Engineer As a Senior Controls Engineer, you are an expert in core functions and have a deep understanding of specific domains. You will take independent ownership of developing ...

Commonwealth Fusion

Senior Controls Engineer

Harvard, MA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Senior Controls Engineer As a Senior Controls Engineer, you are an expert in core functions and have a deep understanding of specific domains. You will take independent ownership of developing ...

Invio Automation

Senior Controls Engineer

Hudson, NH · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

DESCRIPTION A Senior Controls Engineer works alongside our operations and engineering teams to design, build, program and deploy custom automated equipment and solutions for every application ...

Invio Automation

Senior Controls Engineer

Hudson, NH · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

DESCRIPTION A Senior Controls Engineer works alongside our operations and engineering teams to design, build, program and deploy custom automated equipment and solutions for every application ...

Paper Converting Machine

Sr. Controls Engineer

Boston, MA

$105K - $139K/yr

As a Sr. Controls Engineer, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with the support of professional development resources and mentorships including our First Year Experience program ...

Barry-Wehmiller Companies

Sr. Controls Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

As a Sr. Controls Engineer, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with the support of professional development resources and mentorships including our First Year Experience program ...

Barry Wehmiller Group

Sr. Controls Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

As a Sr. Controls Engineer, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with the support of professional development resources and mentorships including our First Year Experience program ...

Ultrasonium

Senior Controls Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and process engineering to ensure clean system-level integration. * Establish controls documentation standards: architecture documents, parameter ...

Re:Build Manufacturing

Senior Controls Engineer

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

At least five (5) years of experience as a controls engineer, or equivalent, in roles involving control system development for industrial machinery. * Strong written and verbal communications ...

Re:Build Manufacturing

Senior Controls Engineer

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

At least five (5) years of experience as a controls engineer, or equivalent, in roles involving control system development for industrial machinery. * Strong written and verbal communications ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsControls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer Jobs in Burlington, MA

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Burlington, MA salary details

$78.3K

$124.8K

$167.6K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Burlington, MA is $124,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $139,300.00 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 Burlington, MA are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Burlington, MA with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Senior Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Burlington, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,835 per year, or $60 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Devens, MA

$110K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems: 
 
Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.
 
Combining decades of research, top talent, and new technologies, we're designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And we're working with policymakers, suppliers, and many others to build the energy industry of the future.
 
We're in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we've raised $4 billion of capital, making us the largest and leading fusion company in the world.
 
Now we're looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who'll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team. 
 
If that's you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.

Join the power movement as a Senior Controls Engineer
 
As a Senior Controls Engineer, you are an expert in core functions and have a deep understanding of specific domains. You will take independent ownership of developing execution approaches for complex machine and process concepts, operating with little direction from management. You will generate detailed work plans, define milestones for complex work, and define processes that impact the broader department. You will act as a technical leader, providing expertise for long-term assignments and mentoring junior engineering staff.
What you'll do:
  • Lead the initial equipment conceptual development while balancing product specifications, process control requirements, layout complexity, and lead time limits
  • Provide technical leadership on medium to long-term problems and provide expertise outside of the immediate group
  • Create and approve robust system architectures and electrical schematics (compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards) for manufacturing and test equipment
  • Write and debug PLC structured text with an emphasis on code that is organized, documented, maintainable, and reusable
  • Contribute to department policies, tool development, and the characterization of automated processes using data-driven approaches like Cpk and Gage R&R
  • Respectfully challenge and influence cross-functional peers to achieve alignment on the best path forward, leveraging data and rationale to support your point of view
  • Regularly help onboard peer employees and formally mentor junior colleagues to support their professional growth and skill development
  • Identify and mitigate low and medium risks while identifying larger risks and proposing solutions to management
What we're looking for:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering field is required
  • 7+ years' experience as controls engineer on complex electro-mechanical systems
  • Mastery of programming and troubleshooting automation controllers in all IEC 61131-3 designated languages
  • Proven ability to apply sound reasoning and considerable judgment in ambiguous situations where decisions impact large portions of a project
  • Experience with control reliable safety systems (ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant) and enclosure design standards
  • A reliable and persistent work ethic, seeing tasks through to completion and staying determined in the face of uncertainty and failure
  • Familiarity with rotating machinery, cable winding, soldering, and/or pipe bending
  • Expertise in enclosure design compliant with NFPA79/NEC/UL508A standards
  • Collaboration experience with job shops and external vendors
  • High self-motivation and drive to execute quickly with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • A value for design for manufacturability, serviceability, and simplicity over complexity
Bonus points for:
  • Experience in Beckhoff and Siemens controls platforms
  • Experience in Ignition SCADA systems
  • Machine Vision experience
  • Greenfield or brownfield startup commissioning experience
  • Expertise with CAD drafting, specifically AutoCAD Electrical
Must-have requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally
  • Perform activities such as typing, standing, stooping, and sitting, for extended periods of time
  • Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards that may include heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead, high voltage, and cryogenics
  • Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call
$110,000 - $185,000 a year
Salary range for this full-time position + equity + benefits. The actual salary will depend on level, location, qualifications, and experience. The range displayed on each job posting reflects new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Benefits include:
  Competitive compensation with equity
  13 Company-wide Holidays
  Flexible vacation days
  10 sick days
  Generous parental leave policy
  Health, dental, and vision insurance
  401(k) with employer matching
  Professional growth opportunities
  Team-building activities
#LI-Onsite
 

At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we're eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.
 
We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law.
 
This role requires compliance with U.S. laws concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information (collectively, "Export Control Laws"). Any offer of employment will be contingent on the need for compliance with such Export Control Laws.
apply for this job

Apply