Controls Engineer
Management Analysis and Utilization, Inc. (MAU Wo
Gainesville, GA · $75k–$150k a year · Posted October 14, 2026
More in Georgia job market · Engineering jobs
Pay compared with the market
This listing pays about $112,500 a year. Across 190 open controls engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $99,000 to $115,000 and the median is $115,000. That is inside the middle half of those listings, 2% below the median.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
About the job
Locations: Gainesville, GA or Jefferson, GA Shift: 1st Shift | 7:30am – 4:30pm Compensation: $75,000 – $150,000 (based on experience) Reports To: Assistant Manager Environment: Manufacturing | Office & Factory Floor Employment Type: Full‑time
Role Overview
We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support and advance next‑generation manufacturing automation across its North American operations. This role combines hands‑on controls engineering , system integration , and continuous improvement , working directly on the factory floor to improve safety, productivity, reliability, and throughput .
You’ll partner closely with manufacturing, maintenance, IT, vendors, and leadership to design, deploy, and maintain robust automation and mechatronic systems that support our long‑term manufacturing strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Design, develop, and optimize PLC programs (Allen‑Bradley, Mitsubishi) for production equipment
Engineer, test, and commission new automation and mechatronic systems
Troubleshoot complex controls issues and support maintenance teams to reduce downtime
Perform root cause analysis on recurring equipment failures and implement long‑term fixes
Develop and maintain controls standards and best practices across the plant
Create detailed technical documentation (schematics, risk assessments, operator instructions)
Manage automation and controls projects from concept through launch (scope, cost, timeline)
Integrate automated systems with MES platforms in collaboration with IT
Work with vendors to evaluate new technologies and automation solutions
Support preventive maintenance strategy development for automated equipment
Train manufacturing and maintenance teams on new systems and upgrades
Occasionally support off‑shift or weekend activities as needed
Core Competencies
Strong technical communication (written & verbal)
Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail
Collaborative, team‑oriented mindset
Self‑motivated with openness to feedback
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
Flexible and responsive to production and project demands
Preferred Technical Experience
Allen‑Bradley PLC platforms
AutoCAD Electrical
HMI design and development
Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Project management experience
Programming exposure: Visual Basic, C/C++, Python
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in:
Automation Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Mechatronics
Related field
OR
3+ years of relevant industry experience in controls, software development, automation, or engineering/IT
Work Environment
This role blends office‑based engineering with regular on‑floor manufacturing work , requiring the ability to:
Stand and walk on concrete floors
Use hand tools and test equipment
Read and interpret detailed schematics