Controls Engineer Jobs in Arizona
Controls engineer jobs in Arizona are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and industrial automation across a seniority range from entry-level technicians through senior systems engineers. Phoenix, Tucson, and Chandler are the primary hiring metros, anchored by established employers like Intel, Raytheon Technologies, and Honeywell that maintain large engineering footprints in the state. The most sought-after specializations in Arizona listings include PLC programming, SCADA systems, and process control for semiconductor fabrication and advanced manufacturing environments. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Controls Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 45+ Controls Engineer jobs









Career Area:
EngineeringJob Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Caterpillar’s Resource Industries Group is offering an opportunity to lead machine controls development for our flagship Large Mining Truck (LMT) product line. This is more than a job. It's a chance to engineer the next generation of intelligent, high-performance machines that power industries around the world.
With Caterpillar’s renewed focus on delivering industry-leading technologies that improve safety, productivity, and efficiency, this role is critical to the successful development and implementation of key machine technologies across multiple programs. The work you lead will help shape the future of our products and drive meaningful value for customers around the globe
What You’ll Do:
Impact: Analyze real-world machine operations and customer applications to define control strategies that elevate performance, efficiency, and operator experience.
Customer Focus: Develop advanced simulations and trade-off analyses to optimize configurations and control logic, leveraging expertise across Caterpillar.
Architect the System: Influence electronic architecture decisions and contribute to long-term product planning through (MGPP) Multi Generation Product/Process Planning development.
Safety & Quality: Ensure control software meets rigorous Functional Safety standards and supports condition monitoring for customers and dealers.
Collaborate Across Systems: Provide detailed control requirements to subsystem teams for seamless integration.
Validation: Lead validation efforts using Virtual Product Development, Software-in-the-Loop, and Hardware-in-the-Loop methodologies.
Field-Test: Validate machine controls at proving grounds and customer sites and develop risk mitigation plans for pilot machines.
Drive New Tech: Initiate and support New Technology Introduction (NTI) programs that shape the future of Caterpillar’s product strategy.
What Skills You Will Have:
Technical Excellence: Experience in control systems and software requirements development, combined with strong systems engineering knowledge across areas such as (Engines, Powertrain, Hydraulics, etc.)
Process Management: Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes. Prior experience leading cross-functional teams in matrix organization
Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical skills with demonstrated problem-solving ability.
Effective Communications: Ability to communicate technical information effectively with team members and others in a workgroup, as well as employees in other business units, customers, and suppliers. Demonstrated record of being a self-starter with strong technical leadership and presentation skills.
Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent education.
Top Candidates Will Also Have:
Machine controls requirements development and validation experience.
Machine/Vehicle performance requirements development and validation experience.
Caterpillar Off-Highway and Large Mining Trucks experience.
Hands on testing and data collection experience.
Machine performance and controls simulation experience.
Experience with Matlab, Simulink, Python, Multibody simulation tools (Caterpillar Dyansty)
Additional Information:
The primary work location for this role is Tucson, AZ, with a requirement to work on-site full-time at a Caterpillar facility.
This position may require 5 - 10 % travel.
Domestic relocation assistance is available.
Visa sponsorship, international assignments, or payroll transfers are not available for this role.
Posting Date: 8/11/2026 - 8/25/2026
Summary Pay Range:
$97,530.00 - $146,290.00Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
401(k) savings plans*
Health Savings Account (HSA)*
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
Health Lifestyle Programs*
Employee Assistance Program*
Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
Career Development*
Incentive bonus*
Disability benefits
Life Insurance
Parental leave
Adoption benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
- These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
See All 45 Controls Engineer Jobs in Arizona
Find roles in Arizona that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in Arizona
Where Arizona roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in Arizona
A snapshot from current Arizona openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
- Energy
- Retail
- Education
What Arizona Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across Arizona.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs from Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent platforms
- Proficiency with SCADA systems and HMI configuration in industrial or manufacturing settings
- Familiarity with semiconductor or aerospace manufacturing processes preferred by Arizona employers
- Professional Engineer licensure through the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration is a plus for senior roles
- Strong knowledge of NEC, ISA, and relevant industry safety and control standards
Controls Engineer Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in Arizona?
A bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering is the standard entry point for controls engineer roles in Arizona. While Arizona does not mandate a state license for most controls engineering positions, senior or project-lead roles at aerospace and semiconductor employers often prefer candidates who hold or are pursuing Professional Engineer licensure through the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration. Building hands-on PLC and SCADA skills through lab coursework or internships at Arizona manufacturing firms strengthens any application.
How much do controls engineers make in Arizona?
Controls engineers in Arizona earn a median of about $108,280 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,950 for the lowest 10% to over $170,800 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in Arizona?
Employers hiring controls engineers in Arizona right now include Sargent & Lundy, Raytheon, and WSP, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Arizona's deep semiconductor and defense manufacturing base means large, long-established employers like Intel, Raytheon Technologies, and Honeywell are among the most consistent sources of controls engineering openings in the state.
Which Arizona cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa consistently lead Arizona for controls engineer openings. Phoenix and its East Valley suburbs, including Chandler and Mesa, drive the bulk of demand through Intel's semiconductor fabs and a dense cluster of advanced manufacturing and defense contractors, while Tucson's concentration of Raytheon Technologies operations and University of Arizona research partnerships sustains steady hiring in that market.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in Arizona?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline tied to physical equipment, so most roles require regular on-site presence at a plant, fab, or facility. About 32% of controls engineer openings tied to Arizona are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to focus on off-site system design, documentation, or software configuration rather than commissioning or maintenance work.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in Arizona with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to new-graduate or associate engineer programs at Arizona's major semiconductor and aerospace employers, where structured rotational programs exist for candidates without prior industry experience. Intel's college hiring program in Chandler and Honeywell's early-career engineering tracks in the Phoenix area are concrete starting points. Adjacent roles like maintenance technician, automation technician, or test engineer at these same facilities are common lateral entry points. Completing a Certified Automation Professional credential or building a portfolio of PLC ladder logic projects strengthens a candidate's profile considerably.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Arizona?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Arizona on Migrate Mate, which lists current Arizona openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and target location, and apply directly to each position through the listing.
See All 45 Controls Engineer Jobs in Arizona
Find roles in Arizona that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer Jobs