Engineering Role

Hire a Controls Engineer

Connect with controls engineers who design and program industrial automation systems.

Role Overview

Controls engineers design and program the automation systems that run modern manufacturing and industrial facilities. They work with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, variable frequency drives, servo motors, and industrial robots. As Industry 4.0 drives more automation, controls engineers are becoming increasingly critical and difficult to find.

A Day in the Life

Controls engineers spend their days programming PLCs and HMIs, commissioning automation equipment, troubleshooting control system issues, designing electrical control panels, integrating robots and vision systems, and supporting production operations. Travel to customer sites for commissioning is common, especially at system integrator companies.

Career Path

Controls Engineer → Senior Controls Engineer → Controls Engineering Manager → Director of Automation → VP of Engineering

Why Use a Specialized Recruiter?

Controls engineering requires platform-specific expertise (Allen-Bradley vs. Siemens vs. Beckhoff) that is critical to match correctly. A controls engineer proficient in Rockwell cannot immediately be productive on a Siemens system. Our recruiters understand these platform distinctions.

Quick Facts

Salary Range:
$80,000 - $150,000
Experience Levels:
Entry-Level to Senior (0-15+ years)

Key Skills

PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)HMI/SCADA developmentMotion controlIndustrial networking (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET)Robot programmingControl system design

Common Industries

Valued Certifications

Rockwell Automation certificationsSiemens certificationsTUV Functional Safety (SIL)

Need to Hire a Controls Engineer?

Pre-screened candidates within 48 hours.

Contact Us Today

Frequently Asked Questions

What PLC platforms are most in demand?
Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley is the dominant platform in North America, followed by Siemens (especially in automotive and European companies). Beckhoff, Mitsubishi, and Omron are also used in specific industries. We match candidates to your specific platform requirements.
Do controls engineers need to travel?
It depends on the role. Controls engineers at system integrators and OEMs often travel 25-75% for commissioning and startup activities. Plant-based controls engineers typically have minimal travel. We screen for travel willingness based on the specific role requirements.
What is the difference between a controls engineer and an automation engineer?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Controls engineers tend to focus on PLC programming, control panel design, and electrical systems. Automation engineers may have a broader scope including mechanical design, robotics integration, and process optimization. In practice, there is significant overlap.

Explore Other Engineering Roles

Project EngineerSystems EngineerDesign EngineerProcess EngineerQuality EngineerManufacturing EngineerStructural EngineerDevOps Engineer View All Roles →