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Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

We are looking to hire PLC Control Systems Engineers to support the hands-on work with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) hardware and software, providing full lifecycle support across fielded ...

Senior Control Systems Engineer

Pennington, NJ · On-site

$168K - $174K/yr

HDR is looking for a Senior Control Systems Engineer to serve in a project leadership role in support of our national Control Systems practice which includes full-service capabilities. Our practice ...

Senior Control Systems Engineer

Pennington, NJ · On-site

$168K - $174K/yr

HDR is looking for a Senior Control Systems Engineer to serve in a project leadership role in support of our national Control Systems practice which includes full-service capabilities. Our practice ...

Control Systems programmer

Havertown, PA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Control System Programmer Location: Havertown, PA Job Type: Full-Time, Direct hire Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled Control System Programmer to join our team in designing ...

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Control Systems Engineer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$61.6K

$109.8K

$177.1K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems engineer in Philadelphia, PA is $109,764.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,800.00 and $127,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Control Systems Engineers in senior or specialized roles, especially in industries like aerospace, defense, or oil and gas, can earn $500,000 or more annually with experience, bonuses, and stock options. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive expertise in automation, programming, and system integration.

What are some common challenges faced by Control Systems Engineers in fast-paced industrial environments?

Control Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected system faults under tight deadlines, integrating new automation technologies with legacy equipment, and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including process engineers, IT specialists, and maintenance staff—is essential to address these issues efficiently. Staying current with evolving industry standards and cybersecurity practices also plays a critical role in maintaining reliable and safe control systems.

What does a control systems engineer do?

A control systems engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that manage the behavior of machinery and processes. They analyze system requirements, create control algorithms, and use tools like MATLAB or PLCs to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely. This role often involves testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automation systems in manufacturing, aerospace, or industrial environments.

What is the difference between Control Systems Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControl Systems EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test control systems in manufacturing, automation, or robotics industriesDesign, develop, and test electrical systems in power, electronics, or communication sectors
Industry UsageCommon in automation, robotics, manufacturing, and process controlWidespread across power generation, electronics, telecommunications, and industrial sectors

Control Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining automated control systems, while Electrical Engineers work on broader electrical systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but their industry applications and daily tasks differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Control Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering along with expertise in control theory and system dynamics. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and programming languages such as ladder logic or MATLAB/Simulink is typically required, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the design, implementation, and optimization of safe, efficient, and reliable automated systems in industrial environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Control Systems Engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and work in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or large-scale manufacturing. Senior engineers with specialized skills in automation, robotics, or software integration often reach this salary level.

What are control systems engineers?

Control systems engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that control and automate the operation of equipment or processes. They use principles from engineering, mathematics, and computer science to ensure that machinery and processes operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. Control systems engineers work in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and automotive, where automated control and precision are essential. Their responsibilities often include creating and testing control algorithms, integrating sensors and actuators, and troubleshooting system issues.

What Is a Control Systems Engineer?

A control systems engineer’s duties include designing, building and maintaining instrumentation, monitors, and other equipment used to control complex systems. Some examples of these control systems include navigation networks, production machinery gauges, and computer system monitors. It is the control systems engineer’s job to maintain safe and efficient field operation of the equipment and to ensure the safety of those utilizing the equipment. These skilled engineers are typically well versed in mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering concepts and design.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Control Systems Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in industries like aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and company size, with senior engineers and those in managerial positions often reaching this level.
What are the most commonly searched types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA? The most popular types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
What job categories do people searching Control Systems Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Control Systems Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Control Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Control Systems Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Control Systems Engineer job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,764 per year, or $52.8 per hour.
Control Systems Engineer IV

Control Systems Engineer IV

Data Intelligence LLC

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$113K - $136K/yr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Data Intelligence LLC
Job Openings >> Control Systems Engineer IV
Control Systems Engineer IV
Summary
Title: Control Systems Engineer IV ID: 1575 Location: Philadelphia, PA
More about this job >
Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Engineer IV - Control Systems to support mission-critical maritime programs for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and U.S. Navy platforms. This role focuses on the design, development, integration, and sustainment of advanced machinery control systems, damage control systems, and networked control architectures across multiple vessel classes.

The engineer will contribute to systems supporting CVN68 Class, CVN78 Class, Columbia Class, Amphibious Class ships, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs, and USCG Cutters.


Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, test, and integrate PLC-based machinery control systems for maritime platforms.
  • Support damage control systems and networked control system architectures across shipboard environments.
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex PLC-based control systems, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Develop, modify, and validate PLC code using:
    • ControlLogix / Studio 5000
    • Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 and/or TIA Portal
  • Oversee installation, testing, and commissioning of control systems onboard vessels and in land-based test environments.
  • Serve as a technical lead, providing guidance to junior engineers and coordinating engineering efforts across teams.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, including:
    • Ship Change Documents (SCDs)
    • Test procedures and reports
    • System design documentation
  • Interface with government stakeholders, shipbuilders, and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure system performance and compliance.
  • Support lifecycle activities including design updates, system upgrades, and sustainment efforts.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in an Engineering discipline from an accredited college or university
  • 10+ years of professional experience as a control systems engineer
  • 7+ years of experience developing, testing, and installing PLC software using:
    • Rockwell ControlLogix / Studio 5000, and
    • Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 or TIA Portal
  • 7+ years of experience troubleshooting PLC-based machinery control systems
  • 5+ years of experience in a lead engineer role
  • 3+ years of experience creating Ship Change Documents (SCDs) or equivalent technical documentation

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting naval or maritime platforms, especially:
    • Aircraft carriers (CVN68 / CVN78)
    • Submarines (Columbia Class)
    • Amphibious ships
    • USCG cutters
  • Familiarity with U.S. Navy or USCG engineering processes and standards
  • Experience with networked control systems and industrial communication protocols
  • Prior experience supporting Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs


The salary range for this position is between $113,000 -$136,000 annually, depending on experience.

Apply Now
 
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