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Control Systems Engineer Jobs in State College, PA

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Control Systems Engineer information

See State College, PA salary details

$59.7K

$106.4K

$171.6K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems engineer in State College, PA is $106,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,200.00 and $123,700.00 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.
More about Control Systems Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in State College, PA? The most popular types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:
What job categories do people searching Control Systems Engineer jobs in State College, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Control Systems Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:
What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Control Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near State College, PA with the most Control Systems Engineer job openings:
Control Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Systems Engineer job openings in State College, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,382 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

203rd of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for an experienced Systems Engineer to join our Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Tools Team, within the Engineering Services Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The PLM and CAD Tools Team works in collaboration with the ARL Research Offices to support managing research and engineering data via Siemens Teamcenter and a suite of engineering design tools.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Design, administer, configure, and maintain Siemens Teamcenter PLM environments; including coordinating, recommending, evaluating, installation, patching, upgrades, documentation, and desktop deployment
  • Plan, design, and implement custom workflows, user roles, and access permissions
  • Assist with the integration of Teamcenter with MCAD/ECAD tools and other enterprise applications (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, Altium, CADENAS PARTSolutions)
  • Solve interoperability and other advanced issues via helpdesk systems
  • Analyze and translate business process requirements into technical solutions
  • Generate custom reports and system documentation
  • Facilitate and participate in application testing, rollout activities, and user training sessions
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system functionality and user experience
  • Lead meetings and design reviews
  • Maintain all required compliance training related to business systems, safety, and security
  • May supervise staff

Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Proficiency with Windows Server, Red Hat Linux, and SELinux system administration
  • Programming skills in multiple languages
  • Familiarity with VMWare and virtual machine management
  • Knowledge of Oracle databases and application servers (e.g., Apache Tomcat)
  • Detail orientation related to project deliverables and team tracking
  • Experience with Siemens Teamcenter or other similar PLM in a production environment; including workflow development, patching, and upgrades
  • Demonstrated ability to work through a difficult problem, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution
  • Experience in collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
  • Ability to clearly convey technical details, including detailed processes

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical field (Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Sciences, Mechanical Engineering)
  • Experience with PLM systems implementation, particularly Siemens Teamcenter
  • Enterprise software integration and support (COTS tools)
  • Microsoft Office Product Suite - Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Project, Visio
  • Prior supervisory and/or leadership experience
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA, but options may exist for a hybrid work from office/ work from home scenario dependent upon research requirements. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $231,000.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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