Automation Specialist Jobs in Texas
Automation Specialist jobs in Texas are among the most active in the country, concentrated in manufacturing, oil and gas, semiconductors, and logistics across a market that demands talent from entry-level technicians through senior systems engineers. Houston, Dallas, and Austin lead hiring volume, with anchor employers like Texas Instruments, ExxonMobil, and Emerson Electric sustaining consistent demand. The most sought-after specialties in Texas are PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial robotics integration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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About Prime
Introducing Prime Controls, L.P.
Established in 2004, Prime Controls, L.P. is a family-owned Systems Integration and I&C Construction firm dedicated to meeting clients’ industrial automation and control requirements. As a Main Automation Contractor, we offer comprehensive solutions, supported by our size, expertise, and extensive experience. With a professional team of 1000+ employees, Prime Controls serves customers nationwide from our Dallas, Texas headquarters and offices throughout the United States. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality professional services while prioritizing our employees’ well-being and fostering an exceptional workplace environment.
Overview
What You Will Do
As an Automation Specialist I, you will be responsible for the design of control system details, instrumentation configuration, preparation for implementation, implementation, testing, documentation, and training.
A Typical Day at Prime Controls
- Collaborates with project managers and estimators to assess potential projects and submit proposals.
- Reads and interprets diagrams and documentation and communicates with customers to understand objectives and preferences.
- Develops the overall architecture and communication strategy between control system elements.
- Works with the customer and other stakeholders to define and document control system functionality.
- Develops BOMs, IO lists, and requirements for control panels.
- Serves as the technical lead for small projects. This includes building PLC and HMI templates for the project.
- Develops PLC programs in Ladder, Function Block, and other languages.
- Develops the human machine interface (HMI).
- Develops hardware and software test plans and writes simulation logic for the testing of the PLC and HMI system.
- Develops a training plan and materials to train operations and maintenance personnel.
- Communicates and coordinates with management of the installation team to ensure that technicians are executing per documented processes.
- Tests the installed system to observe system functionality and ensure that the programs function as designed.
- Troubleshoots problems that occur during startup that are caused by incorrect drawings, changes in customer desires, inaccurate instrumentation specifications, or other technical issues. Diagnoses and resolves software and hardware interface issues.
- Trains customers on the use and operation of client-specific system integration software.
- Interfaces with manufacturers and vendors of software and application products, especially with regard to problem diagnosis and resolution.
- Works with others to address design problems as necessary.
- May respond to service calls to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair programming and system failures.
- Mentor and train less experienced employees.
The Basic
- 4 years Industrial Controls experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, related Bachelor’s discipline, related degree from a Technical College or equivalent Industrial controls experience
- 4 years of experience in PLC programming
- Proficiency with Allen Bradley equipment and systems
- Proficiency in PLC Programming including ladder logic, function block, and structured text
- Familiarity with networking (Ethernet/IP)
- Experience and knowledge of HMIs
The Preferred
- 6 years of experience in architectural, engineering or construction (AEC) industry or similar field
- Proficiency with AutoCAD – Autodesk software
Benefits
What We Offer:
Full-time employees enjoy a great benefits package including, but not limited to:
- Health, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Account(s)
- Generous PTO
- Numerous culture events
- ESOP
- 401k matching and more!
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Physical requirements and work environment expectations vary by position. Generally, roles at Prime Controls may involve moderate noise, occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and, depending on the role, work at heights or around airborne particles and electrical components. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, as well as the use of hands, arms, and voice communication. Some roles may require lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements may include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
EEO
Prime Controls is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Veteran/Disabled employer. As a federal contractor, Prime Controls is required to participate in the federal government’s E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates.
See All 23 Automation Specialist Jobs in Texas
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Find Automation Specialist JobsAutomation Specialist Jobs by City in Texas
Where Texas roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Specialist Job Market in Texas
A snapshot from current Texas openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- LTIMindtree3

- Targa Resources3

- AutoNation2

- Tetra Tech2

- Axis Pipe and Tube1

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services5
- Energy4
- Technology & Software4
- Automotive3
- Manufacturing3
What Texas Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation specialist jobs across Texas.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related technical field
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens
- Proficiency with SCADA systems and HMI configuration in industrial environments
- Familiarity with process control instrumentation and industrial communication protocols
- Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics and P&ID diagrams
- Industry certifications such as CSIA or ISA Certified Automation Professional preferred
Automation Specialist Jobs in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation specialist in Texas?
Most automation specialist roles in Texas require at minimum an associate degree in electrical technology or mechatronics, though a bachelor's in electrical or systems engineering is increasingly preferred by larger employers. Texas does not issue a state-specific automation specialist license, but employers commonly require ISA Certified Automation Professional credentials or vendor certifications from Rockwell Automation or Siemens. Starting in a controls technician or instrumentation role at a Texas manufacturing plant or refinery is the most common entry path.
Which companies hire automation specialists in Texas?
Employers hiring automation specialists in Texas right now include LTIMindtree, Targa Resources, and AutoNation, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Texas's deep concentration of petrochemical facilities along the Gulf Coast and semiconductor fabs in the Dallas-Austin corridor means demand stays consistent across both heavy industry and high-tech manufacturing.
Which Texas cities have the most automation specialist jobs?
Houston, Dallas, and Irving hold the most automation specialist openings in Texas. Houston's dominance reflects the Gulf Coast's dense cluster of refineries, chemical plants, and energy infrastructure companies, while Dallas draws demand from semiconductor manufacturing and large corporate engineering hubs, and Austin's semiconductor and advanced manufacturing growth has made it one of the fastest-rising markets in the state.
Are there remote automation specialist jobs in Texas?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation specialist work is largely hands-on and tied to physical equipment on plant floors or job sites, which limits fully remote opportunities. About 17% of automation specialist openings tied to Texas are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to involve systems design, programming review, or project engineering rather than live commissioning or maintenance work.
How can I get hired as a automation specialist in Texas with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a controls technician or instrumentation apprenticeship at a Texas refinery, chemical plant, or large manufacturer along the Gulf Coast or in the Dallas-Fort Worth industrial corridor. Companies like Dow, LyondellBasell, and Samsung Austin Semiconductor run associate-level technical programs and accept candidates with an associate degree in electrical technology or a completed PLC programming certificate. Building a portfolio of ladder logic projects and earning a foundational ISA certification significantly strengthens applications for these entry-level openings.
Where can I find and apply to automation specialist jobs in Texas?
You can find and apply to automation specialist jobs in Texas on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to Texas employers and locations. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and target area, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
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