Automation Controls Engineer - Experienced

Koops, Inc. · Holland, TX

Level: Engineer
Team: Controls
Travel: 15%
Degree: Required (or equivalent experience)
Experience asked: 10+ years
Industry: Industrial
Posted: Recently

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at Koops, Inc. (industrial) in Holland, TX. Design, develop, and debug control systems for custom automation equipment.

They ask for: 10+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
Tools it names: PLC, Robotics, Automation
Day to day: about 15% travel

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in Texas: typical posted base $95k–$140k.

Median of the low and high ends of 9 live postings that list pay, out of 81 controls engineer openings in Texas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 80 other live controls postings in Texas.

Base pay: Not listed in this posting
Experience asked: More than usual (10+ vs 4+)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ PLC 84%
✓ Automation 77%
✓ Robotics 40%
EHS / safety 27%
Python 26%
New product launch 22%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 10+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Promotion path mentioned

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Koops, Inc.
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting says about 15% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

Full description from Koops, Inc.As posted on their careers site.Show

requirements

and deliver solutions

✓Support on-site debugging and system startup as needed (travel ~15%)

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking an engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, values teamwork, and takes pride in delivering high-quality automation solutions. Our ideal candidate has 5-10 years of controls experience in the automation industry.

Qualifications

✓Experience with electrical design software, PLCs, HMIs, robots, motion control, pneumatics, and vision systems
✓Proven ability to produce electrical layouts and detailed schematics using CAD tools
✓Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
✓Excellent communication skills to understand customer needs and coordinate solutions
✓Team-oriented mindset
✓Professional presence with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction
✓High standard of integrity
✓Creative problem-solving abilities

Education & Experience

✓Four-year engineering degree or equivalent applicable work experience
✓At least 5 years of Controls Engineering experience in automation
✓Willingness and ability to travel approximately 15%

Why Koops?

If you enjoy working as part of an engaged, collaborative team — we’d love to hear from you. In exchange for your expertise and commitment, Koops offers:

✓A team that promotes professional and personal growth
✓An encouraging, people-first culture
✓Employee ownership (ESOP)
✓Competitive wages
✓Retirement contributions (401k & ESOP)
✓Competitive Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
✓Paid time off
✓Wellness incentives
✓Cutting-edge technology

At Koops, we aren’t just recruiting employees — we’re looking for fellow owners.

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Show full description ↓

Job Description Job Description The Controls Engineers at Koops design, develop, and debug control systems for custom automation equipment across a wide range of industries, including automotive, medical, aerospace, and construction. We’re looking for a talented, creative, and self-motivated engineer to join a highly collaborative team where problem-solving, creativity, and a strong team dynamic drive success.

At Koops, we aren’t just recruiting employees — we’re looking for fellow owners, because we are proudly employee-owned (ESOP).

What You’ll Do

•Design, develop, and debug control systems for custom automation equipment
•Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, robots, and motion control systems
•Develop electrical layouts and detailed schematics using CAD software
•Integrate sensors, pneumatics, and vision systems into automation solutions
•Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, project, and build teams
•Work directly with customers to understand