Controls Software Engineer Jobs

Controls Software Engineer jobs are open across industrial automation, automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing, from entry-level to staff and principal engineer, with specializations in PLC programming, embedded control systems, and SCADA development. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.

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Overview

Open roles105+
Top stateCalifornia
Top employerTesla
Top cityPalo Alto, CA
Work type47% On-site
Top industryTechnology

Showing 5 of 105+ Controls Software Engineer jobs

Software & Controls Engineer
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New 17h ago
Software & Controls Engineer
GLOBAL Automation Technologies
Auburn Hills, Michigan
Specialized Engineering
Software Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Robotics Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's
2-10

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Electrical System Validation Engineer, Body Controls, Vehicle Software
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Added 1d ago
Electrical System Validation Engineer, Body Controls, Vehicle Software
Tesla
Palo Alto, California
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Software Engineering
Technical Product & Program Management
$140k - $396k/yr
10,000+

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Senior Software Engineer - Aerospace Controls
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Added 2d ago
Senior Software Engineer - Aerospace Controls
Rolls-Royce
Washington, District of Columbia
Engineering (Non-Software)
Mechanical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
$118k - $192k/yr
Bachelor's degree in engineering
10,000+

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Principal Software & Controls Engineer
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Added 2d ago
Principal Software & Controls Engineer
Milacron
Batavia, Ohio
Automation QA
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Specialized Engineering
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering
1,001-5,000

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Staff Embedded Software & Controls Engineer
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Added 2d ago
Staff Embedded Software & Controls Engineer
Stryker
Flower Mound, Texas
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Specialized Engineering
$113k - $188k/yr
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering
10,000+

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See All 105+ Controls Software Engineer Jobs

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Controls Software Engineer Job Market

Who's Hiring

  • Tesla10
  • Rivian3
  • Milacron3
  • OpenAI2
  • Vertiv2

Top Industries Hiring

  • Technology & Software
  • Consulting & Professional Services
  • Manufacturing
  • Science & Research
  • Aerospace & Defense

What Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in controls software engineer jobs.

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer engineering
  • Proficiency in PLC programming using IEC 61131-3 languages including ladder logic and structured text
  • Experience with industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, Profibus, or Modbus
  • Familiarity with SCADA systems and HMI development tools
  • Knowledge of motion control systems and servo drive commissioning
  • Experience with functional safety standards such as IEC 62061 or ISO 13849

Tips for Your Controls Software Engineer Job Search

Tailor your resume to control environments

List the specific hardware platforms you've programmed, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, alongside the communication protocols you know, like EtherCAT or Profinet. Hiring managers in controls roles scan for these before reading anything else.

Apply early to roles that fit

Migrate Mate lists controls software engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.

Show real system integration work

Controls software roles rarely hire based on academic projects alone. If you've integrated motion control, vision systems, or safety PLCs in a production environment, name the application and outcome explicitly in your work history.

Target postings by industry vertical

Controls work in semiconductor fabs demands different skills than automotive assembly or oil and gas. Filter by industry when searching so your experience with safety-rated or high-precision systems lands in front of the right team.

Prepare for a technical hands-on interview

Many controls teams ask you to review or write ladder logic, function block diagrams, or state machine code on the spot. Refresh your ability to read and explain existing code from an unfamiliar project before your first technical screen.

Negotiate around project scope, not just base pay

Controls engineers often have leverage to negotiate hardware access, lab time, or travel allowances tied to field commissioning work. Clarify what systems you'll own and what budget you'll influence before accepting any offer.

Controls Software Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies are hiring the most controls software engineers?

The companies hiring the most controls software engineers right now include Tesla, Rivian, and Milacron, with the largest share of openings in California, Texas, and Michigan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially strong in automotive, semiconductor equipment, and industrial automation.

How many controls software engineer jobs are remote?

About 53% of controls software engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies significantly by specialization. Software-heavy roles focused on simulation, model-based design, or offline PLC development are most likely to allow remote work, while commissioning and field service positions almost always require on-site presence.

How do you become a controls software engineer?

Start with a degree in electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering, then build hands-on experience with PLC platforms and industrial communication protocols through coursework, internships, or personal projects. Getting certified on a major PLC platform strengthens early applications. Most engineers specialize gradually, moving into motion control, process automation, or safety systems as they accumulate project experience.

How do you get hired as a controls software engineer with little experience?

Focus on roles labeled controls engineer or automation engineer at smaller machine-builder or systems integrator companies, where you'll touch more of the stack earlier. Document any lab work, robotics competitions, or independent automation projects in detail. Demonstrating that you can read existing ladder logic and explain a control sequence clearly goes a long way in entry-level screens.

What does the controls software engineer interview process look like?

Most processes start with a recruiter screen followed by a technical phone interview covering control theory basics and your platform experience. A take-home or live coding exercise involving PLC logic, state machines, or a small automation scenario is common at mid-level and above. Final rounds typically include a system design discussion and a conversation with the engineering lead or project manager about past commissioning work.

Where can I find and apply to controls software engineer jobs?

You can find and apply to controls software engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your platform experience and industry background, then apply directly to each listing that fits.

See All 105+ Controls Software Engineer Jobs

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