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Control Systems Developer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

$120K - $170K/yr

The Opportunity The Senior Control Systems Engineer works on a variety of energy-focused control system projects, particularly within thermal and electrical energy plants. This role requires deep ...

WHAT YOU GET TO DO The Control Systems Engineer - PLC provides control-system focused support to keep the Customer's automated warehouse stable and running. The role monitors and troubleshoots ...

$154K - $159K/yr

Who We Are : Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner ... Our diverse leadership and dedicated engineering team are committed to excellence and consistent ...

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Control Systems Developer information

What is a control systems developer?

A Control Systems Developer is an engineering professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains systems that control machinery, processes, or devices in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, and robotics. They use software, hardware, and algorithms to ensure systems operate safely, efficiently, and according to specific requirements. Their work often involves programming controllers (like PLCs), designing feedback loops, and integrating sensors and actuators to automate processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a control systems developer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Control Systems Developer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or computer science, along with expertise in control theory, automation, and programming languages such as C, C++, or Python. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, MATLAB/Simulink, and relevant certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshoot complex systems. These competencies ensure reliable automation solutions, system efficiency, and the ability to adapt to evolving technological requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by control systems developers when integrating new technologies with legacy systems?

Control Systems Developers often encounter challenges when integrating modern automation technologies with existing legacy infrastructure. These challenges include compatibility issues, limited documentation for older systems, and ensuring minimal downtime during updates. Developers must be adept at troubleshooting, adapting code to different protocols, and collaborating closely with hardware engineers and IT specialists to ensure seamless integration. Overcoming these hurdles often requires creative problem-solving and a strong understanding of both new and legacy system architectures.

What is the difference between Control Systems Developer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectControl Systems DeveloperAutomation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Software Engineering; certifications like PLC or SCADABachelor's in similar engineering fields; certifications in automation or control systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning, programming, and testing control systems in industrial or manufacturing settingsDeveloping and implementing automation solutions across various industries
Industry UsageManufacturing, process control, roboticsManufacturing, energy, automotive, and process industries

Control Systems Developers focus on designing and programming control systems, while Automation Engineers implement automation solutions to improve processes. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, often working in overlapping industries. The main difference lies in their scope: developers primarily create control software, whereas engineers deploy automation solutions across systems.

Control Systems Project Engineer I

Mansfield, PA • On-site

Thermo Systems
Industrial Automation Equipment Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead and support start-up and commissioning of control systems.

  • Lead and perform Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for automation systems.

  • Develop and implement HMI and PLC-based automation solutions.


Job description

Control Systems Project Engineer I
Location: Onsite in Mansfield, TX or Duquesne, PA
Employment Status: Full Time | Direct Hire
Compensation: $90,000 - $120,000 per year + Annual Bonus Eligibility
Travel: Up to 50% depending on project assignments
On Call: May participate in on-call rotation based on location and project requirements
Who We Are
Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering premier class automation solutions across the Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets.
Guided by The Thermo Way , we are unified, dynamic, and committed to delivering excellence. Our culture is grounded in three core principles:
Employee Success � investing in our people and their growth
Customer Success � delivering reliable, high-quality solutions
Financial Strength � operating with discipline and long-term focus
We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive sustainable success.
The Opportunity
The Control Systems Project Engineer I supports the design, integration, and delivery of automation and control system projects across industrial and mission-critical environments. In this role, you will lead individual project tasks or small to mid-sized projects while providing engineering expertise across design, implementation, testing, and commissioning phases.
Working alongside project managers, engineers, and commissioning teams, this role contributes to high-impact automation projects while ensuring systems are delivered safely, reliably, and in alignment with project requirements.
This position is ideal for professionals who are technically capable in the field, comfortable leading engineering tasks, and motivated to grow into more advanced technical and project leadership responsibilities.
What You'll Do
Core Responsibilities
  • Lead and support start-up and commissioning of control systems.
  • Lead and perform Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for automation systems.
  • Interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and electrical wiring
  • Diagrams and provide feedback on field conditions.
  • Develop and implement HMI and PLC-based automation solutions.
  • Contribute to design and implementation of complex control systems.
  • Provide instrumentation specifications for automation and control system designs.
  • Review technical documentation generated by project team members for accuracy and quality.
  • Deliver assigned engineering tasks accurately, on schedule, and within project scope.
  • Identify potential technical challenges and proactively develop solutions.

Collaboration & Communication
  • Coordinate with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, and commissioning teams to ensure successful project execution.
  • Communicate clearly and proactively with customers and trade partners throughout project lifecycles.
  • Serve as the primary customer contact for projects or tasks assigned to lead.
  • Provide updates on project progress, risks, and technical challenges to project leadership.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers and project stakeholders.

Quality, Safety & Process
  • Follow Thermo Systems Quality Management System (QMS) processes and standards.
  • Maintain strong attention to detail in engineering documentation and system configuration.
  • Ensure automation designs align with project specifications and customer requirements.
  • Apply strong understanding of industrial networking, IT infrastructure, and system integration practices.
  • Support continuous improvement in engineering workflows and project delivery processes.

People Leadership
  • Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and project team members when assigned.
  • Support field teams and commissioning personnel during system installation and testing.
  • Promote a collaborative team culture aligned with The Thermo Way.

What We're Looking For
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
  • Typically 4+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or system integration environments.
  • Demonstrated experience leading engineering tasks or small project scopes.

Skills & Qualifications
  • Strong understanding of PLC programming and HMI development.
  • Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and control system documentation.
  • Experience supporting system integration, testing, and commissioning activities.
  • Knowledge of industrial networking and IT systems related to control system integration.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines across multiple projects.
  • Commitment to quality, safety, and accountability.
  • Willingness to travel and support field-based project assignments.

What You'll Get
  • Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options
  • Paid time off and sick leave
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
  • In-house and external technical training opportunities
  • Exposure to complex, high-impact automation projects
  • A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork

Learn more at www.thermosystems.com
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status.
Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.