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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer will interact directly with the customer and lead a team of Wunderlich-Malec engineers in identifying requirements, developing specifications, and implementing/testing ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

ENR Top 500 Firm We have a Senior Electrical Engineer position available in Albuquerque, NM. This ... Provide cost estimates for electrical controls according to established guidelines * Monitor status ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

ENR Top 500 Firm We have a Senior Electrical Engineer position available in Albuquerque, NM. This ... Provide cost estimates for electrical controls according to established guidelines * Monitor status ...

Guide ECAD drafters through layout and routing activities, with moderate support from senior engineers. Assist in layer stackup definition. Qualifications You Must Have * Requires a degree in Science ...

Motor Controls Engineer II

Albuquerque, NM

$80K - $104K/yr

Guide ECAD drafters through layout and routing activities, with moderate support from senior engineers. Assist in layer stackup definition. Qualifications You Must Have * Requires a bachelor's degree ...

PLC controls. * Water, wastewater, and industrial waste facilities. Required Experience: * Minimum ... Experience as a Senior Electrical Engineer or the ability to step up into the position, overseeing ...

Senior Software Engineer I

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer I will collaborate with teams to develop full-stack software solutions ... controls, and communicate verbally and in writing • Must be physically able to commute to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$67.7K

$107.9K

$144.9K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Rio Rancho, NM is $107,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,200.00 and $120,400.00 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 cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Rio Rancho, NM 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 $107,910 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Global Placement Firm

Albuquerque, NM

$121K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description


Senior Controls Engineer

Location: Albuquerque, NM | 100% On-Site
Industry: Industrial Automation
Job Function: Engineering
Experience Level: Mid-Senior (10+ Years)
Education: Bachelors Degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or Computer Science
Relocation Assistance: Not Offered
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available


Position Summary

A leading engineering and automation firm is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the delivery of advanced automation systems across various industries. This position involves hands-on technical work with PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA platforms, and includes leadership responsibilities such as mentoring, project oversight, and direct client engagement.


Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the design and implementation of control systems for industrial processes and equipment.

  • Develop control architectures, electrical schematics, and system documentation.

  • Program controllers (PLC/DCS/RTU) and HMIs/SCADA systems.

  • Integrate databases for historical data display and analysis.

  • Execute system commissioning, testing, and client handoff.

  • Design and implement industrial network systems (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus).

  • Serve as project lead, managing budgets, timelines, deliverables, and team resources (projects up to $1M).

  • Mentor junior engineers and oversee technical performance on assigned projects.


Required Experience
  • 10+ years in controls engineering roles.

  • Proficient in PLC platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, and Modicon.

  • Skilled in HMI/SCADA systems: Wonderware System Platform, GE Cimplicity, iFIX, ICONICS, FactoryTalk View, and others.

  • Experience with DCS platforms such as Emerson DeltaV or equivalent.

  • Familiarity with programming languages: Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Sequential Function Charts.

  • Working knowledge of SQL, .NET, and modern visualization/reporting tools preferred.

  • Expertise in control panel design, NEC compliance, and AutoCAD.

  • Industry exposure in: semiconductor, life sciences, food & beverage, building automation, oil & gas, or mining.

  • Demonstrated success leading project teams and mentoring engineering staff.


Preferred Skills
  • Rockwell and Cimplicity platform experience.

  • Web-based data integration and monitoring tools (e.g., Grafana, Power BI).

  • Development of standards for graphics, alarming, and control templates.

  • Strong client-facing communication and proposal development experience.


Other Details
  • Standard office and on-site industrial environments.

  • May involve travel to client facilities and occasional hands-on commissioning.

  • Requires physical activity typical of on-site engineering roles (e.g., lifting, mounting/dismounting equipment).