Controls Engineer Jobs

Based on 197 job postings, median salaries are $105,000 annually. Early-career engineers typically start around $76,970, while senior engineers with multi-platform expertise and project leadership experience earn $142,500 or more. Top earners reach $248,400.

System integrators often pay slightly less in base salary but offer overtime opportunities during commissioning phases that can significantly boost total compensation. Direct employment at large industrial companies or energy utilities tends to offer higher base pay and better benefits but less overtime potential.

Geographic location affects pay less than industry experience and platform expertise. Engineers who can work across Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and other major platforms command premium salaries. Those with expertise in specialized applications like motion control, process automation, or power systems also see higher compensation.

You design, program, and commission industrial control systems. This means creating PLC code that controls manufacturing equipment, building HMI screens that operators use to monitor processes, and configuring SCADA systems for facility-wide oversight. Projects range from upgrading a single production line to designing control systems for entire plants.

Day-to-day work varies by employer. At system integrators, you'll work on multiple projects simultaneously, spending time in the office programming and testing in simulation, then traveling to client sites for installation and startup. At manufacturing facilities or utilities, you support existing systems, implement upgrades, and troubleshoot when automation fails.

Expect a mix of electrical work, programming, and debugging. You'll read electrical schematics, verify I/O wiring, configure industrial networks, and spend considerable time figuring out why a valve won't open or a motor won't start. The role requires understanding both the electrical hardware and the software logic.

Jobs heavily favor PLC programming and HMI/SCADA expertise. You need to write efficient, maintainable PLC code in multiple languages including ladder logic, structured text, and function block diagrams. You also need to design HMI interfaces that operators can actually use under pressure and configure SCADA systems for data collection and alarming.

Platform knowledge matters significantly. Allen-Bradley and Siemens are the dominant platforms, and most positions expect experience with one or both. Familiarity with industrial communication protocols like Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus is essential since modern systems integrate equipment from multiple vendors.

Commissioning ability separates junior from senior engineers. You need to install hardware, debug field issues, and get systems running on tight deadlines. Most employers want a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, but related degrees or strong technical school credentials can work if you have hands-on experience. Professional Engineer licensure is rare in this field but can help for certain positions in utilities or infrastructure.

System integrators employ the largest number of controls engineers, followed by energy and mining companies, industrial manufacturing, and logistics operations. Food and beverage processing, water treatment, and automotive manufacturing also hire regularly.

System integrators like Hitachi, GE Vernova, and smaller specialized firms design and build automation systems for end clients. These roles offer broad technical exposure and project variety but typically involve 30-70% travel for commissioning. Direct employment at manufacturing plants, power facilities, or distribution centers provides more stability and predictable hours.

Geographic demand concentrates wherever heavy industry exists. The Midwest has strong demand from automotive and manufacturing. The Gulf Coast hires for petrochemical and refining. The Southeast sees growth from food processing and automotive. Unlike pure software roles, controls engineering remains tied to physical facilities, so remote work is uncommon except for programming-only positions.

Yes. Industrial facilities will always need controls expertise, and the skillset isn't easily automated or offshored. 401 active positions show consistent demand across multiple sectors. When one industry slows, others typically remain active.

Career progression is clear. Junior engineers start with programming and commissioning support, advance to project leadership within 5-7 years, then move into senior technical roles or project management. Some engineers transition into technical sales or applications engineering for controls vendors and integrators, which typically offers higher pay.

The field does require continuous learning since platforms evolve and new technologies like industrial IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud-based SCADA emerge. Engineers who stay current with multiple platforms and embrace new capabilities maintain strong marketability. Those who specialize deeply in one platform or industry can become highly valued subject matter experts.