Controls Engineer Jobs in South Dakota
Controls Engineer jobs in South Dakota are open across Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Brookings and other South Dakota metros, with employers like Twin City Fan Companies, Terex Corporation, and AFCO Performance hiring at every experience level. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Controls Software Engineer will be a part of a dynamic team of engineers working on the development of control/automation code for heavy construction equipment, ranging from rock crushers, screens, conveying equipment, etc. The engineer will be involved in the creation of product requirements, decomposition to software requirements, structured software decomposition, code development, software design reviews, and software unit and integration testing. The engineer will move from project to project as required and may be working on multiple projects within a given timeframe. All project work will be scheduled by the New Product Development Manager(s) and the Continuous Improvement Manager(s) such that the engineer will not be over allocated but will have definite deadlines and visibility into upcoming work. Software will be developed on PLCs, embedded controllers, and HMI displays. Currently all systems are coded in either CodeSys, TIA Portal or B&R Automation Studio. The Control Software Engineer will work with the Electrical Engineer(s) on a project to map I/O, define necessary configurations, understand sensor input requirements as well as device output drive requirements. The Control Software Engineer will work cooperatively with the Electrical Engineer(s) and the Mechanical Engineer(s) to develop the appropriate control algorithms to produce the equipment functionality required by the customer and Product Management.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Use structured systems engineering approach for the development of the software used to control heavy construction equipment.
- Uses knowledge of process automation techniques to advance the simplicity of operation and troubleshooting of equipment to maximize productivity by enhancing operator functionality and the minimization of equipment downtime.
- Uses structured software design techniques to distill product requirements into a product software specification, product software design, and product software test plan and creates the corresponding documents.
- Completes the controller/PLC programming and the HMI screen programming for product projects based on the software design.
- Performs unit testing and integration testing of all controller/PLC/HMI systems to insure performance and realization of all product requirements.
- Develops the software test plans for new designs and changes to existing designs, and coordinates the testing and validation using these plans.
- Contributes to the development of product documentation, including production work instructions, training manuals, troubleshooting guides, and product test plans.
- Identifies improvement opportunities and enhancements for product enhancements and/or cost reductions.
- Contributes to project teams to ensure the successful completion of project objectives, including schedule, budget, and feature set.
- Contributes to the development of new processes and procedures to enhance the software and hardware design capabilities and work products of the engineering team.
- Leads cross-functional software and HMI design reviews.
- Leads software design reviews for developed control software.
- Assists customers, via telephone or on site, to resolve function and/or application issues.
- Works with the Service Department to resolve field and warranty issues.
- Works with the Technical Publications Department to develop and update operation/parts/service manuals.
- Adheres to all Astec design and coding standards.
- Performs engineering calculations as required during design cycle.
- Follows proper safety procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Electrical / Computer Engineering or related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the design and development of industrial or mobile equipment control software.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Knowledgeable of development software and tools for embedded systems.
- Proficient in C / C++ / Structure Text programming, preferably in automotive or mobile equipment applications.
- Knowledgeable of network protocols such as CAN, Ethernet, Wireless 802.11, etc.
- Proficient at interfacing software with the control and data acquisition from sensor, including pressure, proximity, angular, temperature, etc.
- Proficient with developing code for the control of valves, motors, and other industrial devices.
- Ability to work satisfactorily as a team member.
- Good communication skills (both verbal and written).
- Good organization and time-management skills.
- Willingness to accept responsibility and take on new challenges.
- Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment on a customary and regular basis.
- Proficiency with personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite software applications.
- Adept at problem solving.
Language Skills
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
- Ability to present information and write routine reports, correspondence, and effectively present information to customers and/or employees of organization and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
Reasoning Ability Skills
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Must have strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
PREFERENCES
- Experience with CodeSys, C/C++, and Ladder Logic programming.
- Experience developing software/firmware controls for and interfaces to Telematics, hydraulic circuits, 12V/24V DC electric circuits, A/C motors, and/or control systems for off-road construction equipment.
- Experience in the design and creation of software for the control & automation of off-road construction equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
**WORK ENVIRONMENT
See All 17 Controls Engineer Jobs in South Dakota
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Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in South Dakota
Where South Dakota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in South Dakota
A snapshot from current South Dakota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Twin City Fan Companies3

- Terex Corporation2

- AFCO Performance1

- AKG North American Operations1

- AKG of America1

Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing9
- Consumer Goods3
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Electronics & Hardware2
- Medical Devices2
What South Dakota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across South Dakota.
- 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
Controls Engineer Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
How many controls engineer jobs are there in South Dakota?
There are 17+ controls engineer openings in South Dakota on Migrate Mate as of June 2026, with the most roles in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Brookings. New positions post regularly as employers across South Dakota hire.
How much do controls engineers make in South Dakota?
Controls engineers in South Dakota earn a median of about $93,200 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,310 for the lowest 10% to over $128,500 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which South Dakota cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Brookings have the most controls engineer openings in South Dakota right now, with additional roles spread across smaller metros statewide.
Which companies hire controls engineers in South Dakota?
Employers hiring controls engineers in South Dakota include Twin City Fan Companies, Terex Corporation, and AFCO Performance, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in South Dakota?
Yes. About 12% of controls engineer openings tied to South Dakota are remote or hybrid as of June 2026. The rest are on-site roles based in South Dakota metros.
How do I apply for controls engineer jobs in South Dakota?
You can apply to controls engineer jobs in South Dakota directly on Migrate Mate. Search the listings above, find roles that match your experience and preferred South Dakota location, then apply to each one that fits.
See All 17 Controls Engineer Jobs in South Dakota
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