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Sr Controls Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Germantown, WI

$98K - $130K/yr

As a Senior Controls Engineer at MGS, you will be responsible for the design of industrial automation control systems for pharmaceutical and medical device equipment, along with the development and ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Canton, MI · On-site

$89K - $118K/yr

Venteon is currently seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to fill an opening with a manufacturing company located in Canton, MI

Senior Controls Engineer Status: Exempt (salaried) Department: 294 Electrolyzers Position Summary The Senior Controls Engineer is a critical member of the North American execution team. This position ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Eugene, OR · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer Location: Sutherlin, Oregon - OPEN TO RELOCATING YOU HERE! Position Summary: Our Client is seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Controls Engineer to lead the ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Addison, TX · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer Primary Skills: Engineering Role Description: The Senior Controls Engineer must have 10+ years of experience. For this role, you must be a highly skilled and experienced ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Germantown, WI · On-site

$98K - $130K/yr

As a Senior Controls Engineer at MGS, you willbe responsible for the design of industrial automation control systems for pharmaceutical and medical device equipment, along with the development and ...

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Sr Controls Engineer information

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$72K

$114.7K

$154K

How much do sr controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr controls engineer in the United States is $114,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Sr Controls Engineers?

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 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.

More about Sr Controls Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Sr Controls Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Sr Controls Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Sr Controls Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Sr Controls Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sr Controls Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sr Controls Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sr Controls Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,724 per year, or $55.2 per hour.
Senior Controls Engineer

Senior Controls Engineer

MGS Mfg. Group, Inc

Germantown, WI

$98K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

MGS has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Controls Engineer to join our MGS Germantown Automation team.

As a Senior Controls Engineer at MGS, you will be responsible for the design of industrial automation control systems for pharmaceutical and medical device equipment, along with the development and implementation of machine software applications and programming architecture. Serving as a technical lead, the position sets design quality standards and mentors junior engineers while collaborating on challenging, diverse projects that involve innovative solutions and technologies.

Below are additional duties and responsibilities:

  • Lead and execute the controls design, software development, and debug of multi-station automated assembly and test systems
  • Specify and design complete industrial control systems, network communications, schematics, and panel layouts using electrical CAD software
  • Develop, structure, and test PLC code on Rockwell (Studio 5000) and Beckhoff (TwinCAT), with clean, maintainable, well-documented logic
  • Program and integrate peripheral devices (servo/motion drives, robotics, vision and inspection systems, smart sensors, and other field hardware)
  • Develop machine HMI applications (Beckhoff or Ignition) for operator interaction, data collection, and traceability
  • Design and program equipment to customer and internal build specifications, applying established design standards and techniques
  • Develop design specifications and support requirements and traceability in line with GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11 expectations
  • Design and integrate machine safety systems and perform risk analysis in accordance with ISO 13849; support CE marking for international deployments
  • Apply software version control and configuration management practices (Git - GitHub / Azure DevOps) across controls deliverables
  • Support customer start-ups, site acceptance testing, and on-site service support as necessary
  • Act as a technical lead and mentor - guiding junior controls engineers through design reviews, code reviews, and technical coaching, and helping improve team standards and practices
  • Partner with mechanical, project management, and quality teams across the project lifecycle
  • Contribute to project success across cost, quality, schedule, and customer satisfaction - managing your own design tasks and labor estimates against project budget and timing
  • Serve as a technical point of contact for customers on controls-related aspects of projects
  • Any other duties as assigned.

About MGS

As a global provider of healthcare manufacturing solutions, MGS provides the right balance to drive vital innovations: robust end-to-end solutions combined with the strong customer focus and seamless collaboration of an agile partner. That's why we're the engineering and manufacturing partner of choice for today's leading Pharma, Diagnostic and MedTech innovators. Serving customers from 12 strategically located facilities around the world, we transform our customers' most pressing challenges into innovations that improve lives. To learn more about MGS, please visit www.mgsmfg.com.


A qualified Senior Controls Engineer candidate would fulfill these requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related automation/controls discipline; a two-year technical program in a related field, combined with relevant hands-on experience, is an acceptable alternative
  • 7+ years of controls engineering experience in automated machinery or industrial automation
  • Strong proficiency with Rockwell (Studio 5000) and Beckhoff (TwinCAT) automation controls platforms
  • Vision systems, servo/motion control, and robotics integration experience
  • Experience designing electrical schematics in AutoCAD Electrical or an equivalent ECAD package
  • Working knowledge of machine safety design and applicable industry standards (e.g., ISO 13849)
  • In depth knowledge of industrial automation systems and typical industrial wiring schematics and diagrams
  • Experience taking machines through commissioning, debug, and validation
  • Strong troubleshooting skills and a structured, documentation-minded approach to design

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience mentoring or providing technical leadership to junior engineers
  • Familiarity with software version control (Git - GitHub / Azure DevOps) applied to controls deliverables
  • Experience with CE marking and international machine deployment
  • Experience with GAMP 5 and 21 CFR Part 11 for medical device or pharmaceutical manufacturing

Benefits:

We offer an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K, disability, life, FSA, vacation, and holidays.