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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Pulaski, WI (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

Viola, WI · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager LOCATION: Viola JOB SUMMARY: A Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to design, build, and support ...

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

Viola, WI · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager LOCATION: Viola JOB SUMMARY: A Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to design, build, and support ...

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

Viola, WI · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager LOCATION: Viola JOB SUMMARY: A Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to design, build, and support ...

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Pulaski, WI salary details

$70.8K

$112.8K

$151.4K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Pulaski, WI is $112,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,400.00 and $125,800.00 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 cities near Pulaski, WI are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Pulaski, WI with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Pulaski, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,776 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

Viola, WI • On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, modify, and maintain automated test stands, endurance systems, and manufacturing equipment.

  • Program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, and industrial robots used in automation and manufacturing systems.

  • Develop embedded control hardware and firmware, and integrate sensors, actuators, and communication protocols for test and control systems.


Job description

POSITION TITLE: Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

DEPARTMENT: Engineering

REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager

LOCATION: Viola


JOB SUMMARY:

A Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to design, build, and support custom automated test equipment, manufacturing systems, and embedded control solutions for powertrain development and production support.This role bridges industrial automation, embedded hardware/firmware, and system integration, supporting everything from robotic test cells and PLC-controlled machinery to ECU-integrated embedded devices and Windows-based engineering tools.


The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer comfortable working across electrical design, firmware, PLCs, robotics, HMIs, and on-site commissioning of one-off and low-volume systems


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Industrial Automation & Controls

  • Design, modify, and maintain automated test stands, endurance systems, and manufacturing equipment

  • Program and troubleshoot PLCs and HMIs for presses, test fixtures, and special-purpose machinery

  • Integrate industrial robots with presses and test systems, including interlocks and safety logic

  • Retrofit and modernize legacy equipment where original electronics or controls are obsolete

  • Support and repair custom, one-off automation equipment used in engineering and manufacturing


Embedded Hardware & Firmware

  • Design custom embedded control hardware for test systems and product prototypes

  • Develop firmware in C/C++ for microcontroller-based controllers

  • Implement CAN bus communication with ECUs and vehicle subsystems

  • Create embedded solutions for sensors, actuators, motor control, and data acquisition

  • Support prototype development through testing, iteration, and limited production readiness


Test Systems & Instrumentation

  • Develop automated engine and motorcycle test systems for endurance, EPA mileage accumulation, and performance testing

  • Build systems for dyno automation, robotic control, and long-duration unattended operation

  • Integrate sensors, cameras, and data acquisition hardware for mechanical and powertrain analysis

  • Develop data visualization and processing tools for test and lab environments


Software & Interfaces

  • Develop Windows-based engineering and test applications (Visual Studio / C#)

  • Interface off-the-shelf HMIs and custom hardware for operator control and remote monitoring

  • Support configuration and calibration tools for embedded and test systems


ECU & System Integration

  • Integrate and interface with automotive ECUs, including CAN messaging and control features

  • Support ECU feature development and experimentation for R&D projects

  • Work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to support powertrain development

  • Reverse engineer CAN bus data in order to interface various ECUs with custom test equipment



QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience

  • 5+ years experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or custom machinery

  • Strong experience with:

    • PLC programming and industrial I/O

    • Embedded firmware development (C/C++)

    • Electrical schematics and hardware design, PCB layout. 

    • Sensors, actuators, motors, VFDs, and safety circuits

  • Hands-on experience commissioning and troubleshooting machines in real-world environments