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.

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Overview

Open roles2,450+
Top stateTexas
Top employerSargent & Lundy
Top cityHouston, TX
Work type59% On-site
Top industryManufacturing

Showing 5 of 2,450+ Controls Engineer jobs

CAMPOS EPC
Electrical, Instrumental and Controls Engineer
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CAMPOS EPC
New 12h ago
Electrical, Instrumental and Controls Engineer
CAMPOS EPC
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Mechanical Engineering
$75k - $110k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's degree in engineering

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Watts Water Technologies
Controls & Systems Design Engineer
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Watts Water Technologies
New 12h ago
Controls & Systems Design Engineer
Watts Water Technologies
Fort Myers, Florida
Customer Service
Customer Success
Technical Program Management
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology
5,001-10,000

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Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems
Engineer 3, Controls Vehicle (Trailer)
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Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems
New 13h ago
Engineer 3, Controls Vehicle (Trailer)
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems
Avon, Ohio
Customer Success
Program Management
Project & Program Management
Project Management
$90k - $135k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
1,001-5,000

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I
Controls & Automation Engineer – PLC/HMI
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I
New 14h ago
Controls & Automation Engineer – PLC/HMI
International Wire
Camden, New York
Automation QA
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Specialized Engineering
$105k - $120k/yr
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

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B
Mid-Career Instrumentation, Data, & Controls Engineer
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B
New 17h ago
Mid-Career Instrumentation, Data, & Controls Engineer
BNH
Arnold AFB, Tennessee
Customer Service
Customer Support
Hospitality & Guest Services
$86k - $143k/yr
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

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Controls Engineer Job Market

Who's Hiring

  • Sargent & Lundy
    Sargent & Lundy83
  • Tesla
    Tesla54
  • Amazon
    Amazon49
  • General Motors (GM)
    General Motors (GM)37
  • Burns & McDonnell
    Burns & McDonnell34

Top Industries Hiring

  • Manufacturing44
  • Electronics & Hardware37
  • Automotive27
  • Consulting & Professional Services27
  • Energy20

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 Sargent & Lundy, Tesla, and Amazon, with the largest share of openings in Texas, California, and Michigan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Demand is consistently strong in automotive, food and beverage manufacturing, and oil and gas.

How many controls engineer jobs are remote?

About 41% of controls engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 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 2,450+ Controls Engineer Jobs

Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Controls Engineer Jobs