Control Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain the hardware and software that monitor and control industrial processes, machines, and infrastructure. Their work helps organizations improve reliability, safety, efficiency, and product quality across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, aerospace, utilities, and technology.
Browse vetted Control Systems Engineer opportunities on Ladders, including roles focused on automation, instrumentation, robotics, process control, and systems integration. Ladders specializes in professional positions paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced engineers find opportunities aligned with their skills and career goals.
Responsibilities can include designing control architectures, programming and configuring PLCs, DCS, and SCADA systems, integrating sensors and equipment, troubleshooting system performance, and supporting commissioning and upgrades. Engineers may also document technical requirements, assess operational risks, and collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, and operations teams.
Employers commonly seek a degree in electrical, mechanical, controls, or systems engineering, along with experience in industrial automation or a related field. Valuable skills include PLC programming, control theory, instrumentation, SCADA or DCS platforms, systems modeling, safety standards, and clear technical communication. Requirements vary by industry and level of responsibility.
Control Systems Engineers work in industries where dependable automated operations are essential, including advanced manufacturing, oil and gas, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, transportation, and water treatment. Career paths may lead to senior or lead engineering roles, controls architecture, project management, or engineering management.
Use Ladders to explore vetted Control Systems Engineer jobs with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare opportunities by location, industry, experience level, and technical focus to find a role that fits your background.
Test Engineer - Systems/Electrical
$95K - $115K *
Join our dynamic team to support the validation of complex electrical systems. Contribute to designing test procedures, troubleshooting integration issues, and ensuring that interconnected systems per...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Director - Electrical, I&C and Computers
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of engineering by leading diverse teams in the execution of complex projects, ensuring compliance with safety standards and delivering high-quality technical solutions in instrumentat...
1 week ago
Electrical Systems Engineer II
$100K - $108K *
Empower innovation in electrical design and systems development within the Cargo and Vehicle Inspection sector. Collaborate across project lifecycles to enhance product functionality and support, ensu...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$146K - $219K *
Unlock innovative solutions in systems engineering by leading technical efforts to design, implement, and integrate enterprise systems for federal agencies, while mentoring engineers and shaping strat...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Manufacturing Systems Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Unlock and enhance manufacturing operations by optimizing MES, ERP, and MRP systems, translating process needs into system designs, and driving data analysis for continuous improvement initiatives acr...
Reposted yesterday
$85K - $105K *
Optimize vehicle systems engineering by researching, reverse engineering, and developing methods to capture high-quality vehicle data, enhancing global vehicle support and product performance for cust...
2 days ago
Manufacturing Systems Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Transform manufacturing systems by enhancing MES, ERP, and MRP deployments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze data, improve processes, and support decision-making through insightful d...
Yesterday
$120K - $150K *
Drive controls design and integration for mission-critical generation systems. Develop standards, ensure cybersecurity, and optimize performance KPIs while collaborating with vendors and product teams...
3 weeks ago
Principal Engineer, I&C Design
$148K - $193K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance I&C design processes for advanced nuclear technologies. Lead initiatives in system integration, technical oversight, and change control to ensure efficient, high-quality...
Reposted 3 days ago
Space Systems Engineer Level 3 or 4
$114K - $171K *
Shape the future of space exploration by leading integration efforts for launch systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless vehicle integration, uphold safety standards, and manage laun...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in automotive software validation, focusing on Battery Management Systems (BMS) and advanced driver assistance technologies. Drive end-to-end testing, compliance, and efficiency improv...
2 weeks ago
Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading avionics certification projects, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations. Collaborate with teams to develop complex designs and mentor junior engineers while delivering re...
1 week ago
$200K - $250K *
Develop advanced systems engineering solutions by leading requirements governance, interface management, and technical documentation for complex training systems, fostering collaboration to achieve qu...
3 weeks ago
HVAC Building Controls Systems Engineer
$73K - $95K *
Transform building control systems by designing, configuring, and operating HVAC solutions. Collaborate with field teams to ensure quality and efficiency while developing software and troubleshooting...
1 week ago
Licensing Engineer, Instrumentation, Controls and Electrical
$122K - $144K *
Contribute to the development of reactor facility licensing applications, ensuring regulatory compliance. Collaborate with engineering teams to prepare documentation and support interactions with the...
3 weeks ago
Licensing Engineer, Instrumentation, Controls and Electrical
$122K - $144K *
Join a dynamic team as a Licensing Engineer, supporting reactor facility applications and regulatory interactions. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure compliance and develop licensing strateg...
3 weeks ago
Embedded Software Engineer, Motor Control & Real-Time Systems
$150K - $260K *
Advance embedded software solutions by developing real-time control software and firmware for motor drives and device drivers, ensuring safety and accuracy in mission-critical systems across R&D and p...
2 weeks ago
Senior Controls Engineer, EV Body and Access Systems
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovation in vehicle access systems by developing advanced control algorithms and collaborating across teams to enhance customer experiences. Take ownership of embedded software solutions that...
6 days ago
Manufacturing Engineer - Controls
$90K - $110K *
Optimize manufacturing processes by designing systems, troubleshooting equipment, and implementing automation solutions. Collaborate across departments to enhance production efficiency and ensure qual...
3 weeks ago
Lead I&C (Instrumentation & Controls) Embedded Software Engineer
$98K - $164K *
Transform complex engineering challenges into innovative software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality embedded software for nuclear power systems, ensuring effec...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Take ownership of manufacturing processes by optimizing production methods, ensuring quality, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficie...
6 days ago
Staff Process Controls Engineer - Networking and Systems Administration
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's pioneering innovative chemical refining processes, leading cutting-edge technology implementation, and optimizing mineral supply chains through advanced engineering practices and cr...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Process Controls Engineer - Networking and Systems Administration
$110K - $130K *
Drive the development of innovative chemical refining processes, leading the control systems for equipment scope from design to commissioning while managing cross-functional teams and enabling automat...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Transform auxiliary systems for gas turbines by designing, analyzing, and supporting lifecycle operations. Collaborate on advanced modes including hydrogen blending and emissions control while ensurin...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager - Computer Controls
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing a team of engineers to design and implement control systems for nuclear power projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards and delivering high-quality results on t...
1 week ago
What does a Control Systems Engineer do?
A Control Systems Engineer designs, programs, integrates, and maintains systems that automate and regulate equipment or industrial processes. Typical work includes configuring PLC, DCS, or SCADA systems, troubleshooting controls, and supporting system upgrades and commissioning.
What qualifications are commonly required for Control Systems Engineer jobs?
Many roles ask for a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, controls, or systems engineering and relevant experience with automation or industrial controls. Employers may also value PLC programming, instrumentation, control theory, SCADA or DCS knowledge, and familiarity with industry safety standards.
Where do Control Systems Engineers work?
They work across manufacturing, energy, utilities, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, transportation, and other industries that rely on automated equipment and processes.
How can I find Control Systems Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Explore vetted Control Systems Engineer listings on Ladders, which focuses on professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Review each posting for compensation details, location, experience requirements, and technical qualifications.
What is the difference between a Control Systems Engineer and an Automation Engineer?
The roles often overlap. Control Systems Engineers tend to focus on the architecture and behavior of systems that regulate processes, while Automation Engineers may emphasize automating equipment, workflows, and production lines. Exact responsibilities depend on the employer and industry.