Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs
New grad controls engineer jobs draw recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience into a hands-on discipline where strong internship work or a PLC programming portfolio can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Manufacturing, Consulting & Professional Services, and Energy, with employers like Jobot, LAPORTE, and Amazon hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 142+ Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs
About American Ordnance
At American Ordnance, we know the stakes and We do what we say! ® We’re the team working behind the scenes to make sure our nation’s front lines have safe, high-quality ammunition. As a trusted premier manufacturer of ammunition to the U.S. Military, some of our capabilities range from production of direct and indirect fire, warheads, to special projects and beyond. With more than 70 years of experience and Day & Zimmermann behind us, it’s no surprise that our teams consistently exceed expectations. Come join in on our purpose – We put people to work, we protect American freedoms, and we help our customers power and improve the world! https://aollc.biz
Power the Future of Automation as a Controls Engineer II!
If you're passionate about automation, thrive on solving complex challenges, and love seeing your ideas come to life, this is the opportunity for you! As a Controls Engineer II at Day & Zimmermann, you'll design, program, and optimize PLCs, SCADA systems, and automated equipment that keep our operations running at their best. Every day brings a new opportunity to improve processes, reduce downtime, and collaborate with a talented team to build smarter, more efficient solutions. If you're ready to make a real impact while growing your engineering career, we'd love to connect with you!
As a Controls Engineer II, here' the work you'll do:
- Design, troubleshoot, and program automated equipment. Document solutions and provide technical controls support across the installation.
- Work in close support with process owners to design, build and maintain user friendly controls and equipment to increase production line uptime, product throughput and reduce scrap through automation.
- Find solutions to better utilize the existing equipment and tools to improve throughput. Reduce downtime by identifying and resolving issues in the production process and equipment.
- Limited scope of project management
- Direct the work of maintenance personnel and outside services.
This role is for you if you have these skills:
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and complex diagrams. Ability to write routine correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before employees of the organization.
- Must have ability to specify and build control systems.
- Knowledge in PLC or other automated system. SCADA experience required.
- Understand NEC, NFPA, NESC required.
- Ability to prioritize and handle multiple duties simultaneously. Apply logical thinking to determine root cause of problems with automated processes.
- Knowledge in Microsoft Office Software. Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Ability with interfacing and integrating multiple systems and platforms in automated processes.
And these qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Engineering, Engineering Technology or related field; prefer Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineer or Automation focus. Required
- 2+ years Engineering experience. Required
- PLC and HMI experience Required.
- Must possess a valid REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, which includes the gold or black star in the upper corner OR current passport indicating it is federally compliant.
- Successful completion of a background screening process is mandated for all candidates.
- A positive attitude and the ability to collaborate with team members is essential for contributing to a cohesive work environment.
Candidates may be required to satisfy additional job-related requirements, including those established and controlled by third parties, as part of the selection process.
In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws, the salary range for this role is $76,080 to $114,120. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. (The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
We care about our employee's and it shows!
Our staff receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical/Rx, dental and vision coverage; life, AD&D and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; 100% paid maternity leave for up to 12 weeks, parental leave, family leave, other paid time off; voluntary benefits and discount programs to meet our employees’ individual needs including pet insurance for our furry family members.
To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job, you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks, with or without a reasonable accommodation:
- Visual acuity (e.g., needed to prepare and analyze data, to transcribe documents, to view a computer, to read, to inspect objects, to operate machinery
- Pushing or pulling (e.g., using a part of your body to press against something in a downward or outward direction, or in a dragging or hauling motion)
- Balancing (e.g., maintaining equilibrium when walking, climbing, crouching etc.)
- Manual Dexterity (e.g., picking, pinching, typing, or other working that uses the fingers)
- Stooping (e.g., bending the spine at the waist)
- Grasping (e.g., use of hand to apply pressure)
- Reaching (e.g., reaching the arms or legs in any direction)
- Feeling (e.g., perceiving an object’s size, shape, texture etc.)
- Lifting motion or lifting objects more than 10 pounds
- Climbing (e.g., ascending/descending ladders, stair, scaffolding, ramps, pole etc. using feet and legs or hands/arms to climb)
- Walking
- Hearing
- Repetitive motions of any part of the body
- Talking
- Kneeling, crouching or crawling
- Capacity to think, concentrate and focus over long periods of time
- Ability to write complex documents in the [English] language
- Ability to read complex documents in [English] language
- Capacity to reason and make sound decisions
- Ability to wear a mask, respirator, bullet proof vest, or other equipment
- Ability to regularly perform all job functions at Company’s office or work site
- Ability to withstand environmental conditions (e.g., extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, extreme noise, etc.)
Ready to join our mission? We're eager to connect with you!
- Talent Acquisition Partner: Fantasia Jacobs-Fuller
#LI-FJ1
Diversity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity
American Ordnance, a Day & Zimmermann Company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. Diversity, and Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity: American Ordnance is committed to maintaining an inclusive workforce, where employees are hired, retained, compensated and promoted based on their contributions to our Company. Our collective strength is rooted in over 110 years of diverse employees and businesses, commitment to success, and delivery on promises made. Federal and state Equal Employment Opportunity laws prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status and disability status. American Ordnance is committed to providing an equal opportunity work environment in full compliance with these laws. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation in the application process, please email reasonableaccommodation@dayzim.com.
About American Ordnance
At American Ordnance, we know the stakes and We do what we say! ® We’re the team working behind the scenes to make sure our nation’s front lines have safe, high-quality ammunition. As a trusted premier manufacturer of ammunition to the U.S. Military, some of our capabilities range from production of direct and indirect fire, warheads, to special projects and beyond. With more than 70 years of experience and Day & Zimmermann behind us, it’s no surprise that our teams consistently exceed expectations. Come join in on our purpose – We put people to work, we protect American freedoms, and we help our customers power and improve the world! https://aollc.biz
Power the Future of Automation as a Controls Engineer II!
If you're passionate about automation, thrive on solving complex challenges, and love seeing your ideas come to life, this is the opportunity for you! As a Controls Engineer II at Day & Zimmermann, you'll design, program, and optimize PLCs, SCADA systems, and automated equipment that keep our operations running at their best. Every day brings a new opportunity to improve processes, reduce downtime, and collaborate with a talented team to build smarter, more efficient solutions. If you're ready to make a real impact while growing your engineering career, we'd love to connect with you!
As a Controls Engineer II, here' the work you'll do:
- Design, troubleshoot, and program automated equipment. Document solutions and provide technical controls support across the installation.
- Work in close support with process owners to design, build and maintain user friendly controls and equipment to increase production line uptime, product throughput and reduce scrap through automation.
- Find solutions to better utilize the existing equipment and tools to improve throughput. Reduce downtime by identifying and resolving issues in the production process and equipment.
- Limited scope of project management
- Direct the work of maintenance personnel and outside services.
This role is for you if you have these skills:
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and complex diagrams. Ability to write routine correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before employees of the organization.
- Must have ability to specify and build control systems.
- Knowledge in PLC or other automated system. SCADA experience required.
- Understand NEC, NFPA, NESC required.
- Ability to prioritize and handle multiple duties simultaneously. Apply logical thinking to determine root cause of problems with automated processes.
- Knowledge in Microsoft Office Software. Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Ability with interfacing and integrating multiple systems and platforms in automated processes.
And these qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Engineering, Engineering Technology or related field; prefer Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineer or Automation focus. Required
- 2+ years Engineering experience. Required
- PLC and HMI experience Required.
- Must possess a valid REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, which includes the gold or black star in the upper corner OR current passport indicating it is federally compliant.
- Successful completion of a background screening process is mandated for all candidates.
- A positive attitude and the ability to collaborate with team members is essential for contributing to a cohesive work environment.
Candidates may be required to satisfy additional job-related requirements, including those established and controlled by third parties, as part of the selection process.
In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws, the salary range for this role is $76,080 to $114,120. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. (The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
We care about our employee's and it shows!
Our staff receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical/Rx, dental and vision coverage; life, AD&D and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; 100% paid maternity leave for up to 12 weeks, parental leave, family leave, other paid time off; voluntary benefits and discount programs to meet our employees’ individual needs including pet insurance for our furry family members.
To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job, you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks, with or without a reasonable accommodation:
- Visual acuity (e.g., needed to prepare and analyze data, to transcribe documents, to view a computer, to read, to inspect objects, to operate machinery
- Pushing or pulling (e.g., using a part of your body to press against something in a downward or outward direction, or in a dragging or hauling motion)
- Balancing (e.g., maintaining equilibrium when walking, climbing, crouching etc.)
- Manual Dexterity (e.g., picking, pinching, typing, or other working that uses the fingers)
- Stooping (e.g., bending the spine at the waist)
- Grasping (e.g., use of hand to apply pressure)
- Reaching (e.g., reaching the arms or legs in any direction)
- Feeling (e.g., perceiving an object’s size, shape, texture etc.)
- Lifting motion or lifting objects more than 10 pounds
- Climbing (e.g., ascending/descending ladders, stair, scaffolding, ramps, pole etc. using feet and legs or hands/arms to climb)
- Walking
- Hearing
- Repetitive motions of any part of the body
- Talking
- Kneeling, crouching or crawling
- Capacity to think, concentrate and focus over long periods of time
- Ability to write complex documents in the [English] language
- Ability to read complex documents in [English] language
- Capacity to reason and make sound decisions
- Ability to wear a mask, respirator, bullet proof vest, or other equipment
- Ability to regularly perform all job functions at Company’s office or work site
- Ability to withstand environmental conditions (e.g., extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, extreme noise, etc.)
Ready to join our mission? We're eager to connect with you!
- Talent Acquisition Partner: Fantasia Jacobs-Fuller
#LI-FJ1
Diversity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity
American Ordnance, a Day & Zimmermann Company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. Diversity, and Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity: American Ordnance is committed to maintaining an inclusive workforce, where employees are hired, retained, compensated and promoted based on their contributions to our Company. Our collective strength is rooted in over 110 years of diverse employees and businesses, commitment to success, and delivery on promises made. Federal and state Equal Employment Opportunity laws prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status and disability status. American Ordnance is committed to providing an equal opportunity work environment in full compliance with these laws. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation in the application process, please email reasonableaccommodation@dayzim.com.
See All 142+ Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs
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Find JobsEntry Level Controls Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Jobot12
- LAPORTE12
- Amazon10
- American Electric Power5
- FORTNA4
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing32
- Consulting & Professional Services31
- Energy17
- Staffing & Recruiting13
- Technology & Software12
Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level controls engineer job?
Employers at this level look for hands-on familiarity with PLCs, HMI software, and control system fundamentals, often gained through coursework, lab work, or internships. A portfolio of school or personal projects that shows wiring diagrams, ladder logic, or process control simulations gives you a concrete edge. Applying to manufacturers and system integrators that explicitly list zero to two years of experience is the most direct path.
Which companies hire entry level controls engineers?
Companies hiring entry level controls engineers right now include Jobot, LAPORTE, and Amazon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Hiring at this level covers a mix of industrial manufacturers, automation system integrators, and engineering services firms that routinely bring on new graduates to support ongoing projects.
Are there remote entry level controls engineer jobs?
Yes, though most roles at this level are on-site because hands-on equipment access is central to the work. About 22% of entry level controls engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, typically covering design, documentation, or simulation tasks that don't require a plant floor presence.
Are these new grad controls engineer jobs?
Yes, the listings here include new grad, recent graduate, and junior controls engineer roles. A posting is generally new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or co-ops toward that threshold, or accepts a strong academic or project portfolio in place of full-time work history. Searching for 'junior' alongside 'entry level' surfaces more of these openings.
Which industries hire the most entry level controls engineers?
Entry Level controls engineer roles concentrate in Manufacturing, Consulting & Professional Services, and Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Those sectors drive hiring at this level because they run continuous production lines and automation-heavy facilities that need engineers who can support commissioning, troubleshooting, and system upgrades under senior supervision.