Senior Automation and Controls Engineer
confidential · Plano, TX
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Controls
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A senior controls role at confidential (industrial) in Plano, TX. UL508A Panel Design Certification or experience in a UL listed manufacturing shop.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- PLC, Automation, SolidWorks, AutoCAD
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Texas: typical posted base $98k–$158k.
Median of the low and high ends of 13 live postings that list pay, out of 100 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 99 other live controls postings in Texas.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (5+ vs 4+)
Typical $98k–$158k, from 12 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 76%
- ✓ PLC 72%
- Robotics 39%
- EHS / safety 27%
- Root cause 25%
- Python 23%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for SolidWorks, AutoCAD, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
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 confidential
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?
- 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 confidentialAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
Design, draft, and develop control system schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams for UL891 and UL508A assemblies
Configure and program PLCs, relays, and automation devices to execute advanced power control and sequencing logic.
Integrate and troubleshoot Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus RTU, and Ethernet/IP systems for high-reliability operation.
Develop and verify interlock logic, sequencing, and fail-safe systems for complex power and automation environments.
Support on-site commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of control systems to ensure safety, performance, and compliance.
Design and validate systems in accordance with UL508A, UL891, and NEC Article 409 standards.
Produce complete documentation packages (wiring diagrams, BOMs, I/O lists) with high accuracy and clarity.
Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and field personnel to ensure designs translate seamlessly from concept to installation.
Identify and implement process and design improvements to increase manufacturability, reliability, and control performance.
Maintain internal safety, quality, and compliance standards throughout the design and commissioning.
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in automation, controls design, or electrical systems integration in industrial, manufacturing, or power systems environments.
Technical degree in automation, electrical engineering, or a related field - or equivalent hands-on professional experience.
Strong knowledge of UL508A, UL891, NEC Article 409, and industrial control panel standards
Proficiency with SolidWorks Electrical for schematic design, panel layout, and documentation (AutoCAD Electrical is a plus).
Experience with PLC programming and industrial communication protocols such as Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus RTU, or Ethernet/IP.
Hands-on experience with system testing, commissioning, and field integration of automation or power systems.
Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills in fast-paced engineering environments.
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Key
Professional Skills
High attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving ability.
Strong communication and collaboration skills across departments.
Self-motivated and capable of executing in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.
Preferred
UL508A Panel Design Certification or experience in a UL listed manufacturing shop.
Experience with data center, AI infrastructure, or large-scale industrial automation projects.