Controls Engineer Jobs
Controls Engineer jobs are open across manufacturing, automotive, food and beverage, oil and gas, and utilities, from entry-level to senior and principal, with specializations in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and process automation. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
Find Controls Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 8,219+ Controls Engineer jobs
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking a highly motivated Entry-Level Automotive Controls Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will support the development, implementation, and validation of control algorithms for automotive systems such as electric motors, powertrain systems, or vehicle dynamics. This position is ideal for recent graduates or early-career engineers with a strong interest in control systems and embedded software development. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, production-ready control solutions for modern vehicles.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the design and development of control algorithms for automotive applications (e.g., motor control, powertrain, thermal systems)
- Develop and simulate control models using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink
- Assist in implementing control algorithms in embedded C/C++ code
- Participate in model-based development (MBD) and auto-code generation workflows
- Conduct testing and validation activities, including MIL, SIL, and HIL testing
- Analyze system performance and support calibration and tuning of control parameters
- Work with hardware, systems, and software teams to ensure proper integration
- Troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and support corrective actions
- Document designs, test cases, and validation results
- Support compliance with automotive standards and processes
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
- Fundamental understanding of control systems (e.g., PID control, feedback systems, system modeling)
- Exposure to MATLAB/Simulink or similar modeling tools
- Basic knowledge of embedded systems and microcontrollers
- Familiarity with C or C++ programming
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Internship or project experience in automotive, embedded systems, or controls engineering
- Exposure to electric vehicle systems, motor control, or power electronics
- Familiarity with automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN)
- Understanding of model-based development (MBD) workflows
- Experience with testing environments (MIL/SIL/HIL)
- Basic knowledge of automotive standards such as ISO 26262 or ASPICE
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking a highly motivated Entry-Level Automotive Controls Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will support the development, implementation, and validation of control algorithms for automotive systems such as electric motors, powertrain systems, or vehicle dynamics. This position is ideal for recent graduates or early-career engineers with a strong interest in control systems and embedded software development. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, production-ready control solutions for modern vehicles.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the design and development of control algorithms for automotive applications (e.g., motor control, powertrain, thermal systems)
- Develop and simulate control models using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink
- Assist in implementing control algorithms in embedded C/C++ code
- Participate in model-based development (MBD) and auto-code generation workflows
- Conduct testing and validation activities, including MIL, SIL, and HIL testing
- Analyze system performance and support calibration and tuning of control parameters
- Work with hardware, systems, and software teams to ensure proper integration
- Troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and support corrective actions
- Document designs, test cases, and validation results
- Support compliance with automotive standards and processes
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
- Fundamental understanding of control systems (e.g., PID control, feedback systems, system modeling)
- Exposure to MATLAB/Simulink or similar modeling tools
- Basic knowledge of embedded systems and microcontrollers
- Familiarity with C or C++ programming
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Internship or project experience in automotive, embedded systems, or controls engineering
- Exposure to electric vehicle systems, motor control, or power electronics
- Familiarity with automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN)
- Understanding of model-based development (MBD) workflows
- Experience with testing environments (MIL/SIL/HIL)
- Basic knowledge of automotive standards such as ISO 26262 or ASPICE
See All 8,219+ Controls Engineer Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any controls engineer role that fits.
Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Terracon Consultants187
- Johnson Controls153
- Amazon139
- Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences107
- Stellantis91
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services1,749
- Manufacturing1,425
- Electronics & Hardware965
- Technology & Software641
- Automotive613
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs.
- Experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens in an industrial environment
- Proficiency with SCADA or HMI platforms including Wonderware, iFIX, or Ignition
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a related field
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, or PROFIBUS
- Experience with control panel design, wiring diagrams, and AutoCAD Electrical
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and instrumentation drawings
Tips for Your Controls Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to the control system
List the specific PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA platforms you've programmed by brand and version. Hiring managers scan for Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Ignition by name, so generic phrases like 'industrial automation experience' won't get you past the initial screen.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists controls engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter openings by industry vertical
PLC logic for a bottling line differs significantly from DCS programming in a refinery. Search by industry keyword alongside job title so you target roles where your existing domain knowledge transfers directly and reduces your ramp-up time.
Quantify commissioning and startup experience
Recruiters value hands-on commissioning history, so state the number of systems you've brought online, the scale of each project, and whether you led FAT or SAT testing. Vague phrases like 'participated in commissioning' undersell this experience significantly.
Prepare a technical walkthrough for interviews
Most controls engineer interviews include a whiteboard or verbal walkthrough of a system you've designed or debugged. Choose one project where you can explain the I/O architecture, control logic decisions, and how you resolved a fault or design gap under pressure.
Negotiate relocation terms before you accept
Many controls engineer roles require on-site presence at manufacturing facilities far from metro areas. Clarify travel expectations, relocation assistance, and per diem policies during the offer stage, not after you've already accepted the position.
Controls Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most controls engineers?
The companies hiring the most controls engineers right now include Terracon Consultants, Johnson Controls, and Amazon, with the largest share of openings in California, Texas, and Michigan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Demand is consistently strong in automotive, food and beverage manufacturing, and oil and gas.
How many controls engineer jobs are remote?
About 8% of controls engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most automation roles. Software-focused positions in SCADA development, controls system architecture, and PLC programming support tend to offer the most flexibility compared to field commissioning or plant-floor roles.
How do you become a controls engineer?
Most controls engineers start with a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering, then build hands-on PLC and HMI programming skills through internships, co-ops, or entry-level automation technician roles. Earning a platform-specific certification from Rockwell Automation or Siemens strengthens your candidacy. From there, progressing into full project ownership, commissioning work, and cross-discipline collaboration moves you into senior and lead roles.
How do you get hired as a controls engineer with little experience?
Target entry-level automation technician or junior controls roles where the employer expects to train on proprietary systems. Build a home lab with a low-cost PLC, document a small project on GitHub or a personal site, and highlight any coursework involving ladder logic, instrumentation, or electrical schematics. Internships at manufacturing or utilities companies convert to full-time offers frequently in this field.
What does the controls engineer interview process look like?
Most hiring processes include an initial phone or video screen focused on your technical background, followed by a deeper technical interview where you walk through a system you've designed or debugged. Some employers add a practical exercise such as reviewing a ladder logic diagram or a P&ID. Final rounds often involve meeting the engineering team and, for senior roles, discussing project management and cross-functional coordination experience.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, platform background, and preferred industry, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 8,219+ Controls Engineer Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any controls engineer role that fits.
Find Controls Engineer Jobs