1

Sr Controls Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

As a Controls Senior System Specialist, you will play a critical role in the design, implementation ... Your expertise in controls engineering, system integration, project leadership, and technical ...

... controls and software, robotics, mezzanines, and structures. If you want to join a team of industry ... May work with support of more senior engineers. Works closely with the overall team to design ...

... senior PLC/controls experience - Experience with PLC/HMI systems such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable platforms - Strong understanding of instrumentation, controls networks, VFDs, I/O ...

Showing results 21-40

Sr Controls Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$62.5K

$99.6K

$133.8K

How much do sr controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr controls engineer in Kentucky is $99,641.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,200.00 and $111,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sr Controls Engineer?

Sr Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems used in manufacturing, automation, or other industrial processes. They work with hardware and software to ensure machinery operates efficiently, safely, and according to specifications. Their responsibilities often include programming PLCs, troubleshooting system issues, leading projects, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Senior-level controls engineers also mentor junior staff and contribute to the strategic improvement of automation processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sr Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems design, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and significant industry experience. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and familiarity with industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE is essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These qualifications ensure effective system integration, reliable automation solutions, and successful collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What types of projects and cross-functional collaboration can a Sr Controls Engineer expect in this role?

As a Sr Controls Engineer, you will typically lead or contribute to projects involving the design, implementation, and optimization of automation systems. Collaboration is common with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical and electrical engineers, software developers, and operations personnel, to ensure seamless integration of control systems. You may also work closely with project managers and clients to define requirements, troubleshoot issues, and deliver solutions that align with production goals. This role often involves balancing technical problem-solving with strong communication skills to coordinate across departments.

What is the difference between Sr Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectSr Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or related engineering; often 5+ years experience; certifications like PLC or automation certificationsBachelor's in relevant engineering; 1-3 years experience; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation projectsSimilar industrial settings, project-based work, automation systems
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control industriesManufacturing, industrial automation, equipment design

The main difference between a Sr Controls Engineer and a Controls Engineer lies in experience level, responsibilities, and expertise. Sr Controls Engineers typically have more years of experience, handle complex automation projects, and may mentor junior staff. Controls Engineers are often earlier in their careers, focusing on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles are vital in industrial automation and share similar work environments and industry applications.

What job categories do people searching Sr Controls Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Sr Controls Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Sr Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Sr Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Sr Controls Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,641 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

Louisville, KY


Reynolds Consumer Products
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Paid breaks


$90K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Overview

JoinReynolds Consumer Products...and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities! 

We currently have an opportunity for a Senior Controls & Automation Engineerto join our team located in Louisville, KY. We have relocation assistance available! 

Responsibilities

Your Role: 

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will be an innovator for manufacturing process control and automation for the plant. You will have the opportunity to develop process control schemes and PLC logic, design Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), and specify data acquisition systems (DAQs) and instrumentation that provide the required functionality for process control of aluminum cold rolling processes and ancillary equipment operation. This position reports directly to the Electrical Engineering Manager.

You will have the opportunity to Make Great Things Happen!

  • Design control systems that utilize good engineering practices and follow all applicable regulatory and safety requirements.
  • Develop process functional specifications, control sequence of operations and narratives.
  • Create function block diagrams and ladder logic for rolling mill control systems.
  • Develop process control schemes, create programmable controller logic and design Human Machine Interface (HMI) graphics.
  • Determine layouts of control cabinets for PLCs and touchscreen interfaces and generate electrical wiring schematics.
  • Specify and implement data acquisition systems (DAQs) and process instrumentation.
  • Setup and troubleshoot integration and networking of PCs, HMIs, PLCs, and third-party devices.
  • Perform I/O check out, IP addressing, start-up, and commissioning of automation equipment and controls.
  • Support troubleshooting of rolling process control equipment on-site and/or remotely.
  • Participate in process area team FMEAs and root cause analysis.
  • Lead, coach, and influence the development of fellow technical resources.
  • Create and/or assist in the development of technical documents to assist engineering, maintenance, and operations.
  • Support process control and automation related design, scope, coordination and execution of projects.
  • Manage capital projects utilizing project management life cycle.
  • Create capital acquisition requests, project scopes of work, RFQs, project and life cycle cost estimates, project justifications, and manage purchase order requisitions.
  • Communicate effectively in writing, including formulation and review/approval of official and technical correspondence, reports and presentations.
  • Contribute to maintainability and design reviews, FAT's/SAT's and turnover package development.
  • Drive projects to completion while maintaining timeline, budget, and meeting project objectives.

You will love it here if... 

  • You put safety first, always.
  • You listen, learn, and evolve.
  • You are passionate about collaboration, teamwork, and achieving shared goals.
  • You treat all people with respect, operating ethically, and embrace inclusivity.
  • You are committed to improving our impact on local communities.
Qualifications

We need you to have: 

  • Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
  • 8+ years of plant engineering experience with 3 years of project engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated high level competencies of engineering concepts, process control and instrumentation and good engineering practices.
  • Ability to understand, interpret and troubleshoot complex process control schemes and electrical equipment.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to translate technical information to non-technical audience.
  • MS Office, AutoCAD, process data acquisition software (iBA PDA, Wonderware Historian (AVEVA), etc.) experience.
  • Allen Bradley/Rockwell, ABB and Siemens software and hardware experience.
  • Wonderware InTouch HMI programming experience.
  • Programming, installation and troubleshooting of AC and DC drives experience.
  • Integrating and networking PC's and PLC's (TCP/IP, Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Modbus, etc.) experience.
  • Knowledge and application of NFPA/NEC, ANSI machine safety and/or other RAGAGEP codes or standards 

Icing on the cake: 

  • Master's degree
  • Experience with manufacturing processes related to rolling mills, processing or slitting of coiled or non-coiled metal, sheet/strip handling equipment, and/or winder and unwinder controls.
  • MS.NET, and SQL experience.
  • ABB DCS experience.

If you answer yes to the following...we want to meet you!

  • Intellectual Curiosity: Do you have an inquisitive nature?
  • Problem Solving: Do you have a knack for tackling issues head-on?  
  • Entrepreneurship: Do you enjoy taking ownership of your work?
  • Customer Centricity: Do you always act in the best interests of the customer, putting their needs first?  
  • Growth Mindset: Do you focus on progress rather than perfection?
  • Continuous Improvement: Are you never satisfied with the status quo?  

Want to know more? Check out our website or connect with us on LinkedIn! 

Apply today to join a fast-growing innovative company! 

Not a good fit but know someone who is? Please refer them! 

Join Reynolds Consumer Products and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities!

For applicants or employees who are disabled or require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may request assistance by emailing us at Recruitment@ReynoldsBrands.com.

No recruiter calls or emails please.

RCP affords equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, sex, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, genetic information, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. RCP conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME


What Reynolds Consumer Products employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom