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Controls Engineer
Career Insights for Electrical Controls Engineer
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Based on Oregon data
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What they do
An Electrical Controls Engineer designs, develops, and supervises all aspects of electrical control systems, equipment, and machinery. May be responsible for the installation and technical support of PLC based hardware and software.
$111,581 / year median in Oregon
+8% projected growth
Job Description
Job Title:
Controls Engineer Job Description This Controls Engineer role focuses on developing and supporting control systems for industrial and mobile equipment. You will design and program PLC and embedded control software, create intuitive HMI/operator interfaces, and integrate sensors, actuators, and networks into cohesive systems. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams and occasional travel for testing, commissioning, and system integration. Responsibilities Develop control software for PLC and embedded controllers to operate industrial and mobile equipment. Design, program, and optimize HMI/operator displays to ensure user-friendly and efficient operation. Translate product requirements and customer needs into clear, actionable software requirements and specifications. Implement and test control algorithms for motors, valves, hydraulic systems, and various sensors. Perform unit and integration testing on machines to verify performance, reliability, and safety. Lead or participate in software and HMI design reviews to ensure quality, maintainability, and adherence to standards. Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, service, and product teams to deliver integrated solutions. Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for field, customer, or warranty issues as needed. Contribute to technical documentation, including test plans, work instructions, and troubleshooting guides. Write software that defines machine behavior and ensures consistent, reliable operation. Create HMI screens that allow operators to monitor and control equipment effectively. Connect and control components such as motors, valves, hydraulics, and sensors within the control system. Diagnose and resolve issues when equipment is not running properly to minimize downtime. Integrate PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and networks into fully functioning systems. Occasionally travel domestically and internationally for testing, commissioning, or system integration activities. Interface with customers and provide field support when required. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field. 5+ years of experience developing control software for industrial or mobile equipment. Hands-on experience with PLC or embedded control systems, including Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms. Proficiency in C, C++, or Structured Text programming for control and embedded applications. Experience in HMI development for industrial or mobile equipment. Strong understanding of integrating sensors and actuators, including pressure, temperature, motors, valves, and hydraulics. Demonstrated ability in PLC and controls programming, including ladder logic and structured text. Strong troubleshooting and system-level problem-solving skills for complex machinery. Experience writing, testing, and troubleshooting PLC programs. Ability to perform system integration, connecting PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and networks into cohesive systems. Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation such as test plans and work instructions. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with off-road or mobile construction equipment control systems. Familiarity with CodeSys and ladder logic programming environments. Knowledge of CAN bus, Ethernet, or other industrial networking technologies. Experience with hydraulic control systems and their integration into control architectures. Understanding of 12V and 24V DC electrical systems used in mobile or industrial applications. Exposure to telematics or machine connectivity solutions. Experience interfacing directly with customers and supporting field service activities. Background in automation and controls engineering in an industrial setting. Experience with HMI programming and designing user-friendly operator screens. Work Environment This role is primarily onsite, working closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, service, and product teams in a collaborative engineering environment. The position offers the opportunity for a flexible schedule, aligned with project and operational needs. You will work with PLCs, embedded controllers, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and industrial networking technologies to develop and support control systems. The role includes occasional travel, including trips to Tennessee and other domestic or international locations, for testing, commissioning, and system integration activities. The environment emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous improvement within a growing engineering team. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Eugene, OR. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $55.28 - $62.50/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Eugene,OR.