Controls Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin
Controls Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are concentrated in Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, where manufacturers like Rockwell Automation, Johnson Controls, and Harley-Davidson maintain large engineering operations. Demand is strongest in PLC programming, machine safety, and process automation, with openings at every level from entry-level technician-track roles to senior systems integration engineers. Wisconsin's dense industrial base keeps this one of the more active markets in the Midwest for controls talent. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Controls Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 85+ Controls Engineer jobs











Controls Application Engineer II
Fives Giddings & Lewis – Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Position Summary
Controls Application Engineer for the metal cutting machine tool business. Responsible for the application software engineering design required for the machine tool products developed and produced for Fives. In addition, provide innovative original technical designs, project support for sold orders & development projects, as well as sales and service support.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Proactively attains a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
- Responsible for the design, development, testing, and maintenance of CNC application for machine tools and other related equipment and systems using various CNC/PLC programming techniques and troubleshooting concepts.
- Produce and review end-user operator documentation
- Troubleshoots software issues when required in support of product startup and field installation support.
- Focus on continuously improving and optimizing system performance, increasing control system functionality and capability.
- Participate in cross-functional design teams spanning the entire product life cycle, beginning with the specification stage, and continuing through implementation to product shipment.
- Works with Electrical Design engineering to select and layout hardware, including controls, amplifiers, digital input and output cards and other components.
- Maintains software project cost targets and schedules to ensure projects are on track; provides updates on project status as required.
- Works with the installation teams to promote efficient & effective machine installs with acceptance at customers facilities with on-site support when required.
- Supports commonality and consistency within & across product lines within the business group.
- Promotes “right first time” content with appropriate risk mitigation plans when required.
- Stays up to date on new control methods, designs, industry standards and electrical codes
- Improves overall company efficiency by participation in special assignments and projects.
- ISO 9001 &14001 awareness and compliance
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, candidates should possess:
-
Education/Certification:
- Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from four-year college or university – Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or other related engineering degree.
- Experience:
- 3-5 years related experience.
-
Skills:
- Knowledgeable and efficient at the development of electrical, mechanical and software solutions to complex machining systems.
- Knowledge and experience developing and testing software on industrial automation equipment.
- Effective problem-solving skills, targeted toward solving technical problems.
- Ability to interpret hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical schematics.
- Proficiency in the development and testing of PLC software.
- Proficiency in the development and testing of CNC software is strongly desired.
- Proficiency developing User Interface screens (e.g. Fanuc Picture, Siemens custom screens, etc.)
- Ability to work well with people and have good communication skills.
- Self-driven and motivated to succeed.
- Able to work with minimal supervision.
- Intermediate Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word
- Visual Basic, C++, C#, Visual Studio, and web-based programming a plus.
- HMI interface development a plus
What We Offer
Fives is proud to provide a comprehensive total rewards package that may include:
- Competitive compensation
- Annual performance incentive opportunities
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Career development and training opportunities
- Employee assistance programs
- Opportunities for advancement within a global organization
Why Come to Fives?
By becoming part of Fives, you will be joining an international group that will provide you access to numerous opportunities for growth and mobility across a wide range of industries and functions. We will give you room to learn, grow, and develop both professionally and personally while contributing to innovative solutions that are shaping the future of industry.
Industry Can Do It With You!
About Fives
Corporate Group Overview
We are a part of an industrial engineering group with a heritage of over 200 years, Fives Group designs and delivers machines, process equipment, and production lines for the world's largest industrial players. Across the globe, we are committed to making industry smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable.
Site Company Overview
Fives Giddings & Lewis is a recognized leader in large-scale machine tool solutions, delivering advanced machining systems and services to customers across aerospace, defense, energy, and industrial markets. This position reports directly into this divisional site.
Business Unit Overview
This divisional site is one of many companies within our business unit. Our High Precision Machines business unit designs and builds advanced machine tools and manufacturing systems enabling customers to produce complex components with unmatched precision and efficiency.
Fives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
See All 85 Controls Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in Wisconsin
Where Wisconsin roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in Wisconsin
A snapshot from current Wisconsin openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Food & Beverage
- Chemicals & Materials
What Wisconsin Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across Wisconsin.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or controls-related discipline required
- Proficiency with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi strongly preferred
- Experience designing or commissioning HMI and SCADA systems in an industrial environment
- Familiarity with machine safety standards including NFPA 79 and ISO 13849
- Ability to read and produce electrical schematics and panel layout drawings
- Strong troubleshooting skills for automated manufacturing or process control systems
Controls Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in Wisconsin?
Most Wisconsin controls engineer roles require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering from an accredited program. Wisconsin does not mandate a state-issued license specifically for controls engineers, but employers frequently value a Professional Engineer registration through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services for senior or consulting roles. Practical PLC and automation experience, gained through co-ops, internships, or technician work, carries significant weight with Wisconsin hiring managers.
How much do controls engineers make in Wisconsin?
Controls engineers in Wisconsin earn a median of about $96,980 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $71,800 for the lowest 10% to over $134,030 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin controls engineer roles are posted by Jobot, Oshkosh Corporation, and Charter Manufacturing and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Wisconsin's strong manufacturing and industrial automation sector means both large OEMs and regional systems integrators post openings consistently throughout the year.
Which Wisconsin cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Madison are the Wisconsin cities with the most controls engineer openings. Milwaukee leads because of its concentration of industrial manufacturers and automation firms, while Madison draws demand from food processing and life sciences companies, and Green Bay is driven by paper, packaging, and large consumer goods producers anchored in the region.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in Wisconsin?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline, requiring on-site commissioning, machine startup, and facility troubleshooting. About 26% of controls engineer openings tied to Wisconsin are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those openings tend to cover project management, documentation, or pre-sales engineering tasks where physical presence is less critical.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in Wisconsin with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an associate or technician-level role in industrial maintenance or electrical systems, which many Wisconsin manufacturers use as a feeder into controls engineering. Companies like Rockwell Automation and Johnson Controls run structured new-grad and co-op programs out of their Milwaukee-area operations. Completing coursework or earning a certification in Allen-Bradley PLCs through a Wisconsin technical college, such as Milwaukee Area Technical College or Fox Valley Technical College, gives candidates a concrete, employer-recognized credential that opens early interviews.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Wisconsin?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Wisconsin on Migrate Mate, which lists current Wisconsin openings from employers hiring right now. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to each one.
See All 85 Controls Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer Jobs