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

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at BlackVe, Inc, you will play an important role in design ... S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons ...

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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 Mechanical Engineer

Blackve

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$105 - $145/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Clearance Requirement: This position requires an active Top Secret security clearance (with eligibility for SAP access); must be able to maintain and upgrade as needed.

Employment Type: Full-time

About Us

BlackVe, Inc. is a mission-first, dynamic, and innovative national security-focused company focused on emerging space and advanced technologies dedicated to pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence in support of our government customers.

Job Description

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at BlackVe, Inc, you will play an important role in design, analysis, integration, and testing of our spacecraft. You will be a critical member of our Spacecraft Programs team by leading the design, analysis, integration, and test of structural and thermal systems. This will include interfacing with teams of cross-functional scientists, engineers, software developers, and technicians to ensure spacecraft mechanical systems survive launch and operate on-orbit.

If you would like to be responsible for spacecraft mechanical systems and enjoy working on a Team to discover solutions to difficult engineering problems, you will find work at BlackVe exciting and challenging. As a senior member of the Spacecraft Programs Team, you will have the opportunity to work on exciting projects that will shape the future of national security space.

You will be required to identify and lead work within a small and agile team on a broad set of tasks and ensure the highest quality product through all phases of the space element design, build, test and operations. You will be part of building a culture in our Spacecraft Programs Team that rewards experienced application of proven approaches and risk management techniques to enable mission success. Collaboration across engineering, assembly, test, and software disciplines is essential. Personal ownership and accountability within the Spacecraft Programs Team is aligned with the necessary responsibilities to be successful within the company.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:
  • Perform detailed structural analyses, including static, dynamic, thermal, and fatigue analyses, to ensure spacecraft components meet performance requirements.
  • Lead the design and integration of mechanical subsystems for spacecraft, ensuring compatibility with other systems and adherence to mission requirements.
  • Translate customer and mission requirements into engineering specifications and validate that designs meet these specifications through analysis and testing.
  • Evaluate and recommend materials for mechanical and structural components, ensuring optimal performance, durability, and weight.
  • Develop, oversee, and analyze results from structural testing, including vibration, shock, and thermal tests, to validate design robustness.
  • Prepare detailed documentation, including analysis reports, mechanical drawings, interface control documents (ICDs), and testing procedures.
  • Work closely with other engineering teams, program management, assembly, and test teams to resolve technical challenges.
Required Qualifications
  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field with 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in mechanical design, structural analysis, and/or thermal design/analysis for spacecraft systems. A relevant Master’s degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience.
  • Proven track record of successfully executing design, static structural analysis, dynamic structural analysis, and thermal system design and analysis for spacecraft that operate in the orbital space environment.
  • Proficiency using finite element tools, structural analysis tools, CAD tools, thermal design, and other supporting tools. ANSYS and Solidworks is preferred.
  • Experience designing spacecraft with considerations for manufacturability, testability, mass distribution, and survivability in the launch and space environment.
  • Must have the ability to qualify and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with all phases of a spacecraft lifecycle: concept, design, analysis, assembly, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations.
  • Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering practices and tools.
  • Hands‑on experience with national security space systems.
  • Experience with control of sensitive and confidential information as required by company standards.
Location and Travel Requirements

This position is based in Albuquerque, NM and requires approximately 10% travel to customer sites, partner facilities, or test/launch locations.

Benefits
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package, including flexible time off; 401(k) with company contribution.
  • Constant opportunities for program and professional impact.

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(A)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorization from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.

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