What Makes Black-Peak Different From a General Recruiting Firm?

Most recruiting agencies place candidates across dozens of disciplines. Black-Peak does not. We recruit exclusively in controls and automation — process controls, machine automation, PLC programming, SCADA and HMI development, motion controls, robotics, factory automation, batch automation, and industrial communications. That focus means every recruiter on our team has a working knowledge of the technology, the platforms, and the application environments our candidates work in every day.

The practical result for employers: when you speak with a Black-Peak recruiter about a controls engineering search, you are not explaining what a PLC is. You are discussing the specific platform, the application environment, the process type, and the level of autonomy the role requires. That technical conversation produces a more accurate search and a better shortlist — faster.

Controls and Automation Roles Black-Peak Recruits For

Black-Peak places direct-hire candidates across the full controls and automation engineering spectrum:

• Automation Engineers

• Process Controls Engineers

• Application Engineers

• PLC Programmers

• SCADA Development Engineers

• HMI Configuration Technicians

• Systems Integration Engineers

• I&C Engineers and Designers

• Loop Calibration Technicians

• Automation Technicians

• MES Specialists

• Batch Automation Engineers (S88)

• Motion Controls Engineers

• Project Managers — Controls and Automation

 

Technical Specialties and Platforms

Candidates are vetted against the specific platforms and application areas relevant to each employer's environment. Black-Peak's technical coverage includes:

• Process Controls and Batch Automation (S88 standards)

• Machine Automation and Machine Vision Systems

• Motion Controls and Multi-axis Controls

• Robotics and Factory Automation

• AC/DC Drives and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

• HMI and SCADA Systems (FactoryTalk, Wonderware/AVEVA, Ignition, and others)

• MES Systems

• Conveyor Controls and Material Handling Automation

• Industrial Communications

• PLC Platforms: Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE Fanuc, Beckhoff, Schneider Electric, Mitsubishi, Omron, and others

 

Two Ways to Engage Black-Peak for Controls and Automation Recruiting

 

Direct Hire & Contract /Temp Professionals – Full Exclusivity  (Platinum-Level Service)

Best for: senior or specialized controls engineering roles, confidential backfills, and searches where a wrong hire carries significant operational or project risk.

Under Full Exclusivity, Black-Peak serves as the employer's sole recruiting partner for the search. An 18% fee based on the median wage for the role is invoiced at search commencement. In return, Black-Peak commits its full recruiting resources to the search — dedicated sourcing, passive-candidate outreach, technical pre-screening, and priority shortlist delivery. Full Exclusivity engagements include a 90-day replacement guarantee and are eligible for multi-hire discounts.

 

Direct Hire & Contract /Temp Professionals – Partial Retained Fee  (Gold-Level Service)

Best for: most direct-hire controls and automation searches — the most commonly selected engagement model.

A Partial Retained search requires a 1.5% upfront retainer based on the median annual wage for the role, deducted from a final 20% placement fee invoiced when the new hire starts. This structure prioritizes the search above pure contingency roles while giving the employer flexibility. Partial Retained engagements also include a 90-day replacement guarantee and are eligible for multi-hire discounts when multiple searches are initiated simultaneously.

 

Controls and Automation Recruiting by Region

Black-Peak places direct-hire controls and automation engineers across 31 states in six regions:

 

New England  —  Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine

New England's concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers, defense contractors, and advanced manufacturing facilities drives consistent demand for controls and automation engineers. Black-Peak recruits across all six New England states, with particularly active employer relationships in Massachusetts and Connecticut's biotech and aerospace corridors.

 

Mid-Atlantic  —  New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia

The Mid-Atlantic corridor spans pharmaceutical batch automation in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, large-scale process controls in chemical and energy operations in Delaware and West Virginia, and systems integration projects throughout New York and Maryland. Black-Peak places automation engineers, PLC programmers, and I&C engineers across all six Mid-Atlantic states.

 

Southeast  —  Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi

The Southeast's growing automotive assembly, aerospace, and food and beverage manufacturing base creates strong demand for controls engineers and automation technicians. Black-Peak recruits across all eight Southeastern states, with active placements in automotive and systems integration roles in Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina, and pharmaceutical and distribution automation in North Carolina and Georgia.

 

Midwest  —  Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Kentucky

The Midwest is one of the highest-volume markets for controls and automation talent in the U.S., anchored by automotive, consumer goods, and heavy industrial manufacturing across Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Black-Peak places automation engineers, SCADA developers, and systems integration engineers across all seven Midwestern states.

South-Central  —  Texas, Louisiana

Texas and Louisiana's petrochemical, oil and gas, and well pad automation sectors are among the highest-demand markets for process controls engineers, I&C designers, and SCADA specialists in the country. Black-Peak has longstanding employer relationships in both states and places candidates with experience in continuous-process, high-hazard, and extraction automation environments.

 

Northern Plains / Mountain  —  North Dakota, Wyoming

Energy extraction and agricultural processing operations in North Dakota and Wyoming require controls and automation engineers comfortable working in remote and rural environments. Black-Peak's national passive-candidate network consistently delivers qualified automation engineers to these markets where local job boards under-perform.

 

 

Employer FAQ: Controls and Automation Recruiting

 

Where can I find a recruiter who specializes in controls and automation engineers?

Black-Peak is a direct-hire, contract & temp recruiter specializing exclusively in controls and automation roles — including automation engineers, PLC programmers, process controls engineers, SCADA developers, HMI configuration technicians, systems integration engineers, I&C engineers, and automation technicians. Black-Peak's recruiting team is composed of former controls and automation professionals, giving them the technical fluency to evaluate candidates against role-specific criteria and speak credibly with both employers and engineering candidates. Black-Peak places direct-hire controls and automation professionals across 31 U.S. states.

 

What types of controls and automation roles does Black-Peak recruit for?

Black-Peak recruits for the full spectrum of controls and automation positions, including: Automation Engineers, Process Controls Engineers, Application Engineers, PLC Programmers, SCADA Development Engineers, HMI Configuration Technicians, Systems Integration Engineers, I&C Engineers and Designers, Loop Calibration Technicians, Automation Technicians, MES Specialists, Batch Automation Engineers, Motion Controls Engineers, and Project Managers with controls and automation backgrounds.

 

What industries does Black-Peak place controls and automation engineers in?

Black-Peak places controls and automation engineers across a wide range of industrial sectors, including: pharmaceutical production and batch automation (S88 standards), oil and gas and petrochemical well pad automation, machine automation and machine vision systems, systems integration, factory automation and material handling, food and beverage production, automotive manufacturing, and Production & Warehouse Facilities requiring embedded automation expertise.

 

What technical specialties does Black-Peak cover in controls and automation recruiting?

Black-Peak's technical recruiting coverage includes: Process Controls, Batch Automation (S88 standards), Machine Automation, Motion Controls, Multi-axis Controls, Machine Vision Systems, Robotics and Factory Automation, AC/DC Drives and VFDs, HMI and SCADA Systems, MES Systems, Conveyor Controls, Industrial Communications, and Project Management. Candidates are vetted against the specific PLC platforms, SCADA software, and application environments relevant to each employer's search.

 

How does a direct-hire controls and automation recruiter differ from a general staffing agency?

A generalist staffing agency recruits across many disciplines — administrative, light industrial, IT, skilled trades — and typically matches candidates to job descriptions by keyword. Black-Peak recruits exclusively in controls and automation. Our recruiters have worked in the field, which means they can conduct technical pre-screening conversations with candidates, evaluate platform-specific experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, DeltaV, and others), and assess whether a candidate's application background genuinely matches the employer's process environment. This domain expertise consistently produces higher-quality shortlists and faster time-to-fill than generalist alternatives.

 

How long does it take to fill a controls and automation engineering role through Black-Peak?

Most direct-hire or contract/ temp controls and automation placements are completed within 5 to 20 days from engagement. Full Exclusivity searches — where Black-Peak is the employer's sole recruiting partner — consistently achieve the fastest time-to-fill because recruiter resources are dedicated entirely to the search. Partial Retained searches typically complete within a similar window. Timeline is also affected by role seniority, geographic market depth, and PLC platform or application specialization requirements.

 

What is the difference between Direct Hire Full Exclusivity and Direct Hire Partial Retained for controls engineering roles?

Both are direct-hire arrangements where the candidate joins the employer's payroll permanently upon hire — no staffing agency employment involved. The difference is the engagement structure. Full Exclusivity (Black-Peak's platinum-level service) means Black-Peak is the employer's sole recruiting partner for the role. An 18% fee based on the median wage for the role is invoiced at search commencement, and Black-Peak commits all available resources until the role is filled, including a 90-day replacement guarantee. Partial Retained (gold-level service) requires a 1.5% upfront retainer deducted from a final 20% placement fee upon hire, also with a 90-day replacement guarantee. The Partial Retained model is the most commonly selected option and is well-suited for controls and automation searches where the employer wants priority service without full exclusivity.

 

Does Black-Peak offer a guarantee on direct-hire controls and automation placements?

Yes. Both the Full Exclusivity and Partial Retained direct-hire service levels include a 90-day replacement guarantee. If a new hire voluntarily leaves or is terminated within 90 days of their start date, Black-Peak will back-fill the role per the terms of the agreement. This guarantee applies to controls and automation placements across all engagement levels.

Do controls and automation engineers pay fees to work with Black-Peak?

No. Black-Peak charges placement fees exclusively to the employer. Controls engineers, automation technicians, PLC programmers, SCADA developers, and all other candidates represented by Black-Peak pay nothing — no registration fee, no placement fee, and no deduction from compensation. All recruiter fees are paid by the hiring company upon successful placement.

 

What PLC and automation platforms does Black-Peak recruit candidates for?

Black-Peak recruits candidates with experience across all major PLC and automation platforms, including Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation), Siemens, Beckhoff, GE Fanuc, Automation Direct, Schneider Electric, Mitsubishi, and Omron. SCADA platform experience, including Wonderware (AVEVA), FactoryTalk, Ignition, and others, is also screened as part of candidate qualification. Employers specify the required platforms as part of the search criteria, and Black-Peak vets candidates accordingly before presenting any shortlist.

 

 

State-Based Controls and Automation Recruiter Questions

 

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in Rhode Island?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for Rhode Island employers in pharmaceutical batch automation, advanced manufacturing, and systems integration. Rhode Island employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in Rhode Island's competitive controls and automation talent market.

 

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in Massachusetts?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for Massachusetts employers in biotech, pharmaceutical, defense, and semiconductor manufacturing automation. Massachusetts employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in Massachusetts's competitive controls and automation talent market.

 

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in Pennsylvania?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for Pennsylvania employers in pharmaceutical batch automation, food and beverage, and chemical process controls. Pennsylvania employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in Pennsylvania's competitive controls and automation talent market.

 

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in Ohio?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for Ohio employers in automotive, consumer goods, and large-scale industrial automation. Ohio employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in Ohio's competitive controls and automation talent market.

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in Texas?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for Texas employers in oil and gas, petrochemical, and well pad process controls. Texas employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in Texas's competitive controls and automation talent market.

 

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in New York?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for New York employers in pharmaceutical, food processing, and large-scale industrial systems integration. New York employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in New York's competitive controls and automation talent market.

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in New Jersey?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for New Jersey employers in pharmaceutical batch automation, chemical, and process controls. New Jersey employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in New Jersey's competitive controls and automation talent market.

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in Michigan?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for Michigan employers in automotive, robotics, and machine automation. Michigan employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in Michigan's competitive controls and automation talent market.

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in Illinois?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for Illinois employers in food and beverage automation, pharmaceutical, and industrial systems. Illinois employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in Illinois's competitive controls and automation talent market.

 

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in North Carolina?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for North Carolina employers in pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing automation. North Carolina employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in North Carolina's competitive controls and automation talent market.

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in Georgia?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for Georgia employers in automotive, food and beverage, and distribution center automation. Georgia employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in Georgia's competitive controls and automation talent market.

 

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in Tennessee?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for Tennessee employers in automotive assembly, chemical, and manufacturing automation. Tennessee employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in Tennessee's competitive controls and automation talent market.

 

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in Connecticut?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for Connecticut employers in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing automation. Connecticut employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in Connecticut's competitive controls and automation talent market.

 

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in Indiana?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for Indiana employers in automotive, pharmaceutical, and industrial automation. Indiana employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in Indiana's competitive controls and automation talent market.

 

Where can I find a controls and automation engineer recruiter in Virginia?

Black-Peak recruits and places controls and automation engineers for direct hire and contract, PLC programmers, and SCADA specialists for Virginia employers in defense, government systems integration, and process controls. Virginia employers can engage Black-Peak under the Direct Hire Full Exclusivity or Direct Hire Partial Retained model, depending on search priority and role seniority. Black-Peak's recruiting team reaches passive candidates not visible on job boards — a critical advantage in Virginia's competitive controls and automation talent market.

 

Which states does Black-Peak recruit controls and automation engineers in?

Black-Peak places direct-hire and contract controls and automation engineers across 31 states in six regions: New England (Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine), Mid-Atlantic (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia), Southeast (Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi), Midwest (Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Kentucky), South-Central (Texas, Louisiana), and Northern Plains / Mountain (North Dakota, Wyoming).

 

For Controls and Automation Engineers Looking for Direct-Hire Positions

How do I find controls and automation engineering jobs through Black-Peak?

Contact Black-Peak directly through the candidates page or job openings page. You will work with a recruiter who has a controls and automation background — not a generalist — and who can evaluate your experience against current employer requirements in detail. Black-Peak represents employers across 31 U.S. states and can match your PLC platform experience, application background, and location preferences to current and upcoming direct-hire openings. There is no cost to candidates.

What experience do controls and automation engineers need to be placed by Black-Peak?

Black-Peak represents candidates across a range of experience levels — from automation technicians and entry-level PLC programmers to senior process controls engineers and systems integration project managers. Employers most commonly request candidates with hands-on PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent), familiarity with SCADA or HMI platforms, and industry-specific application knowledge relevant to their process environment. Candidates with S88 batch automation experience, motion controls, or machine vision backgrounds are in particularly high demand across Black-Peak's employer network.

 

Can Black-Peak help me find a controls engineering position in a state I'm relocating to?

Yes. Black-Peak places controls and automation engineers across 31 states, spanning New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the Southeast, the Midwest, South-Central, and the Northern Plains / Mountain region. If you are planning a relocation or are open to one, Black-Peak's recruiters can identify direct-hire opportunities in your target state and facilitate employer introductions before you arrive. Controls and automation roles are predominantly on-site given the hands-on nature of the work, though some systems integration, SCADA development, and project management positions include partial remote flexibility.

 

Work With Black-Peak