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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Credence

Mechanical Engineer, Senior

Crestview, FL · On-site

$88K - $116K/yr

Position Summary Credence has an immediate need for a Mechanical Engineer at the senior level ... controls, mass properties, and structural systems. * Perform all phases of hardware design ...

Credence

Mechanical Engineer, Senior

Crestview, FL · On-site

$88K - $116K/yr

Position Summary Credence has an immediate need for a Mechanical Engineer at the senior level ... controls, mass properties, and structural systems. * Perform all phases of hardware design ...

Credence

Mechanical Engineer, Senior

Crestview, FL

$88K - $116K/yr

Position Summary Credence has an immediate need for a Mechanical Engineer at the senior level ... controls, mass properties, and structural systems. * Perform all phases of hardware design ...

Odyssey

Senior Information Systems Engineer

Niceville, FL · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Information Systems Engineer to support the AFLCMC/EBD Joint Strike ... controls and processes required for obtaining and sustaining an Authority to Operate (ATO) or ...

Astrion

Cloud Engineer - Senior

FL · On-site

$51 - $68/hr

Overview Cloud Egineer - Senior LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-Time CLEARANCE: Active ... Implement and manage cloud-based security controls, including identity and access management (IAM ...

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All JobsControls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Santa Rosa Beach, FL salary details

$65.2K

$103.9K

$139.4K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Santa Rosa Beach, FL is $103,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,800.00 and $115,900.00 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 Santa Rosa Beach, FL are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa Beach, FL with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Senior Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Santa Rosa Beach, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,885 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Guidance Navigation Controls (GNC) Engineer V/VI

Zone 5 Technologies

Fort Walton Beach, FL

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

The GNC Engineer V/VI is a senior-level individual contributor role responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for UAS. This position involves driving innovation in flight controls software, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating across disciplines to deliver cutting-edge UAS technologies. Engineers in this role will contribute to strategic initiatives, ensure high performance in flight control systems, and lead efforts from concept to flight testing.

Responsibilities:

  • Technical Leadership: Lead the design, analysis, and development of flight controls software for Group 1 to 4 UAS.

  • Software Development: Architect and implement advanced software components for deployment to flight tests.

  • Simulation Expertise: Oversee the creation and execution of high-fidelity SWIL and HWIL simulations to validate system performance.

  • Advanced Modeling: Develop and refine complex models in Matlab/Simulink, ensuring accuracy and performance optimization.

  • Controls Analysis: Perform advanced stability and performance analyses, providing guidance on control system optimization.

  • Mentorship: Mentor and train junior engineers, fostering technical growth and team collaboration.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Drive effective communication and alignment across engineering disciplines to meet project objectives.

  • Innovation and R&D: Lead research initiatives in advanced flight control methodologies, embedded systems, and auto-code generation.

  • Documentation and Review: Produce comprehensive technical documentation and lead peer review processes to ensure quality and compliance.

Qualifications:

  • Education: Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in flight controls engineering, with at least 5 years in UAS applications.

  • Skills:

    • Expertise in Matlab/Simulink and auto-code generation for embedded systems.

    • Advanced knowledge of control theory, flight dynamics, and embedded systems.

    • Experienced in state estimation and Kalman filtering.

    • Proven ability to run and analyze SWIL and HWIL simulations.

    • Strong leadership and project management skills.

    • Effective communication and collaboration skills.

    • Familiarity with Group 1-4 UAS flight controls and avionics suites.

  • Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

    • Knowledge of advanced control techniques and optimization algorithms.

    • History of contributing to successful flight test programs and R&D projects.

Pay Range by Level for Fort Walton Beach, FL:

Level V - $188,000 - $216,000

Level VI - $216,000 - $250,000

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