Thousands of verified Controls Engineer professionals across North America — onsite, hybrid, or remote. Marketplace and automation service company. Direct contracting.
Reviewed by Automate America Editorial Team — updated 2026-05-26 — citing U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics + O*NET SOC 17-2199.08.
Controls Engineer professionals on AutomateAmerica
$96-$172/hr
Suggested posting rate iSuggested rate is BLS-derived. Actual posting rate varies by location, duration, scope of work, and whether overtime is included. Post higher to attract applicants faster.
+9%
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job growth outlook through 2034
What does a Controls Engineer do?
A Controls Engineer designs the electrical guts and the logic that make a machine move. They pick the drives, the sensors, the safety relays, and the PLC, then write the program that ties motion, hydraulics, and operator buttons together. You'd find them at automation integrators, machine builders, and big plants — the people whose schematics the electricians follow and whose code keeps the line from crashing.
Controls Engineers specify, program, and tune PLC, SCADA, and DCS systems that govern industrial processes from discrete assembly to continuous chemical batching. They write control narratives, design panel schematics, configure I/O networks, and commission systems against P&IDs and functional specifications.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook: +9% employment growth projected through 2034 (median annual wage $106,950). See the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The convergence of OT and IT, edge computing, and AI-based process optimization is expanding the Controls Engineer scope into cybersecurity (ISA/IEC 62443) and data analytics. Demand is accelerating through 2034.
Onboard & manage. Use built-in time sheets, expense reports, and approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hire Controls Engineer contractors on Automate America?
Post your contract on the Post Your Opportunity page. Verified Controls Engineer contractors will respond with availability and rates within hours. You select the best match and contract directly — marketplace and automation service company.
What does a Controls Engineer contractor cost per hour?
Hourly rates on Automate America are set by the Controls Engineer contractor based on experience, geography, and project scope. The platform stat block above shows the live average from recent contracts. For reference, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median annual wage near $106,950 for this occupation (see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the most recent year). Specialized work commands 25-50% premium over the median.
Are Controls Engineer contractors available for onsite, hybrid, or remote work?
Yes. Automate America connects Controls Engineer contractors for onsite (any U.S. or Canada location), hybrid, and fully remote work. Specify your preference when you post the contract. You can also browse verified professionals by location before posting.
How fast can I find a Controls Engineer contractor?
Two paths — both fast. (1)Post your contract and qualified Controls Engineer contractors will apply within hours. (2) Skip the wait entirely — Search and Request Professionals directly from the Controls Engineer directory and message the people whose profiles match your need. Most urgent contracts ship within 48 hours.
Does Automate America vet Controls Engineer contractors before they apply?
All Controls Engineer contractors on Automate America have verified profiles, documented work history, validated skill sets, and reviews from prior customers. You can also request references, prior-work samples, and certification proof directly before signing.
Can I browse Controls Engineer contractors before posting a contract?
Yes. Search and Request Professionals shows the full Controls Engineer directory. You can filter by location, skills, and availability and message contractors directly — no contract post required.
What types of Controls Engineer contracts can I post?