Controls Specialist Jobs
Controls Specialist jobs are open across manufacturing, energy, building automation, and industrial automation, from entry-level technician roles to senior and principal engineers, with specializations in PLC programming, HVAC controls, and process control systems. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 411+ Controls Specialist jobs
Electrical Estimator
Detroit, MI · Contract (1 year, extension likely) · Hybrid
We’re hiring an Electrical Estimator for a major utility capital program in Metro Detroit.
You’ll own estimates end to end — ROM through definitive — on substation, overhead and underground cable work. You’ll review design packages and scope documents, validate contractor and engineering estimates, challenge bids on scope and pricing, and cost-load schedules by WBS. This is the seat where a sharp estimate protects the project, and you’ll be trusted to make the call.
What you bring
- 6+ years estimating electrical systems with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering or related field — or 8+ years with an associate degree, or 10+ years as an electrical journeyman estimator
- Real substation, OH and UG cable estimating experience
- Comfort reading plans and building labor and material costs on large construction projects
- Strong Excel; On-Screen Takeoff or similar a plus
- Renewables experience — solar or wind — is a strong plus
Details: Metro Detroit, on site Tuesday through Thursday. One-year contract with extension likely. Occasional site travel.
BridgeSource has placed specialized utility talent since 2012 across 60+ electric, gas and water utilities in North America.
Electrical Estimator
Detroit, MI · Contract (1 year, extension likely) · Hybrid
We’re hiring an Electrical Estimator for a major utility capital program in Metro Detroit.
You’ll own estimates end to end — ROM through definitive — on substation, overhead and underground cable work. You’ll review design packages and scope documents, validate contractor and engineering estimates, challenge bids on scope and pricing, and cost-load schedules by WBS. This is the seat where a sharp estimate protects the project, and you’ll be trusted to make the call.
What you bring
- 6+ years estimating electrical systems with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering or related field — or 8+ years with an associate degree, or 10+ years as an electrical journeyman estimator
- Real substation, OH and UG cable estimating experience
- Comfort reading plans and building labor and material costs on large construction projects
- Strong Excel; On-Screen Takeoff or similar a plus
- Renewables experience — solar or wind — is a strong plus
Details: Metro Detroit, on site Tuesday through Thursday. One-year contract with extension likely. Occasional site travel.
BridgeSource has placed specialized utility talent since 2012 across 60+ electric, gas and water utilities in North America.
Controls Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Controls Specialist JobsControls Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Burns & McDonnell23
- Fluor16
- Jobot10
- Michels10
- SpaceX9
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services20
- Staffing & Recruiting11
- Construction & Real Estate11
- Manufacturing2
- Energy1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls specialist jobs.
- Experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi platforms
- Proficiency with SCADA systems and HMI configuration and troubleshooting
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, control systems, or a related technical field
- Knowledge of industrial communication protocols including Modbus, Profibus, and Ethernet/IP
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, panel drawings, and P&IDs
- Experience with commissioning, startup, and field troubleshooting of automated control systems
Tips for Your Controls Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to control systems
List every PLC platform, SCADA software, and fieldbus protocol you've worked with by name. Hiring managers scan for specific tools like Allen-Bradley, Siemens S7, or Modbus, and a generic skills section won't surface your real depth.
Get certified before applying mid-level
A CSIA certification or ISA credential signals hands-on competency that a degree alone doesn't prove. If you're targeting roles above entry-level, completing one before submitting applications puts you ahead of candidates with similar experience but no formal validation.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists controls specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by industry vertical
Controls work in pharmaceuticals requires 21 CFR Part 11 compliance experience, while oil and gas roles demand SIS and functional safety knowledge. Filtering openings by industry before applying lets you pitch the exact subset of your experience that matters most to that employer.
Prepare a project-based interview narrative
Interviewers for controls roles almost always ask you to walk through a system you designed or commissioned. Have two or three projects ready with specifics: the hardware platform, the control logic challenge you solved, and the measurable outcome you delivered.
Negotiate scope, not just salary
Controls specialists often have leverage to negotiate the type of projects, travel requirements, and tool budget in addition to compensation. Clarify what systems you'll own and whether you'll be doing design, commissioning, or both before you accept any offer.
Controls Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most controls specialists?
The companies hiring the most controls specialists right now include Burns & McDonnell, Fluor, and Jobot, with the largest share of openings in Texas, California, and Tennessee, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially strong in manufacturing, energy, and building automation.
How many controls specialist jobs are remote?
About 37% of controls specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is lower than most engineering disciplines because commissioning and troubleshooting typically require on-site presence. Remote work is most common in roles focused on controls design, software development, or project engineering rather than field commissioning.
How do you become a controls specialist?
Start with a technical degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related field, then gain hands-on PLC and SCADA experience through an internship, apprenticeship, or entry-level automation technician role. Build proficiency on at least one major PLC platform, pursue an ISA or CSIA certification to validate your skills, and document real commissioning projects you can discuss in interviews.
Can you get hired as a controls specialist without much experience?
Yes, employers in manufacturing and building automation regularly hire candidates with limited direct experience if they demonstrate strong PLC fundamentals and electrical troubleshooting ability. Building a home automation or ladder logic project, earning an associate's degree or technical certificate in industrial automation, and targeting integrator firms that train new hires on the job all improve your chances without years of field experience.
What does the controls specialist interview process look like?
Most controls specialist interviews include an initial phone screen with a recruiter, followed by a technical interview where you walk through past projects and answer questions about PLC programming, troubleshooting methodology, and specific control architectures. Some employers add a practical assessment or ask you to review a ladder logic diagram on-screen. Final rounds typically involve a conversation with a lead engineer or project manager about how you approach system design decisions.
Where can I find and apply to controls specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to controls specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that fit your platform experience and industry background, then apply directly to each listing that matches your skills.
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