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Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Trenton, NJ (NOW HIRING)

HDR

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 ...

HDR

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 ...

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All JobsControl Systems Engineer JobsControl Systems Engineer Jobs in Trenton, NJ

Control Systems Engineer information

See Trenton, NJ salary details

$61.2K

$109.1K

$176K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems engineer in Trenton, NJ is $109,076.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,200.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a control systems engineer?

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 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 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 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.

Are control systems engineers in demand?

Control systems engineers are in high demand due to their role in designing and maintaining automation and control systems across industries such as manufacturing, energy, and aerospace. The growing adoption of industrial automation, robotics, and smart technologies increases employment opportunities for these engineers, especially those with skills in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and relevant certifications.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Trenton, NJ?

The most popular types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Trenton, NJ are:

What are popular job titles related to Control Systems Engineer jobs in Trenton, NJ?

For Control Systems Engineer jobs in Trenton, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Trenton, NJ are hiring for Control Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Trenton, NJ with the most Control Systems Engineer job openings:

Control Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Systems Engineer job openings in Trenton, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,076 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Senior Control Systems Engineer

Thermo Systems

East Windsor, NJ • On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Location: East Windsor, NJ
Term: Direct Hire | Full Time
Compensation: $120,000 - $170,000 Annual Salary + Bonus Eligibility
Who We Are:
Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner, delivering world-class automation solutions in the Energy market. Our diverse leadership and dedicated engineering team are committed to excellence and consistent growth. Our unique company culture, known as "The Thermo Way," strengthens our team by fostering an environment where all members perform their best.
Our commitment to being unified, dynamic, and delivering excellence is evident in how we build trusting relationships through connection and camaraderie, ability to adapt, and focus on integrity and success. These values guide our daily operations and interactions, setting the standard for our team's behavior. As we continue to grow and evolve, "The Thermo Way" supports our goals of becoming a world-class organization, ensuring employee success, customer success, and financial strength.
Job Summary
Works on a variety of complex control system integration projects with a primary focus on boiler and thermal energy plant automation. The ideal candidate has extensive experience designing, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting control systems for industrial boiler plants, steam generation systems, and thermal utility facilities.
This role requires a deep understanding of boiler operations, combustion control strategies, burner management systems (BMS), heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), steam distribution, and the integration of balance-of-plant equipment. An in-depth knowledge of chillers, heat pump chillers, cooling towers, thermal energy storage, geo-exchange systems, electrical generators, and switchgear is an added advantage.
The successful candidate will lead multiple projects simultaneously, provide technical leadership to project teams, mentor junior engineers, and serve as a trusted technical advisor to customers throughout the project lifecycle.
Top Required Skills (Must Haves)
  • 10+ years of control systems engineering experience in thermal energy, central utility, or power generation environments
  • Demonstrated experience with industrial boiler control systems, including combustion controls, burner management systems (BMS), steam generation, and boiler sequencing
  • Experience with Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs) and thermal energy plant operations
  • Advanced PLC and HMI programming experience
  • Experience commissioning complex thermal energy or utility plant control systems
  • Strong understanding of P&IDs, electrical drawings, and instrumentation
  • Experience leading complex projects and mentoring engineers
  • Ability to travel up to 50%

Technical Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, programming, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of industrial boiler and thermal energy plant control systems.
  • Design and implement control strategies for boiler sequencing, combustion control, burner management systems (BMS), steam generation, heat recovery, and balance-of-plant equipment.
  • Integrate boilers with chillers, cooling towers, thermal energy storage, generators, switchgear, and other plant systems.
  • Lead migration and modernization projects involving legacy boiler and thermal plant control systems.
  • Develop complex PLC, HMI, SCADA, and network architectures supporting thermal energy facilities.
  • Provide instrumentation specifications and control narratives for boiler and steam systems.
  • Lead field startup, commissioning, and performance testing while mentoring junior engineers.
  • Review P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and field conditions to ensure accurate system implementation.
  • Support continuous improvement of engineering standards and the Quality Management System (QMS).

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related engineering discipline.
  • Typically 10+ years of controls engineering experience.
  • Minimum of 3 years performing at the level of a Control Systems Project Engineer II or equivalent.
  • Extensive experience with industrial boiler systems, combustion controls, burner management systems (BMS), and steam generation.
  • Experience with district energy, central utility plants, combined heat and power (CHP), power generation, or large industrial thermal systems strongly preferred.
  • Expert knowledge of PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial networking, and control system integration.
  • Proven experience leading complex automation projects from design through commissioning.

Travel required:
  • Overnight travel may be required up to 50%

Work Authorization/Other Requirements:
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the country where the position is located is required.
  • Maintain a valid drivers license.
  • Fit for Duty at all times

Culture:
Model Thermo Systems core values of employee success, customer success and financial strength by:
  • Seeking new and additional business through project change orders, additional services to existing customers, and referrals for new customers/projects. Drive financial success.
  • Be a good teammate, support your colleagues, promote a positive atmosphere for those around you. Drive employee success.
  • Go the extra mile for your customer, take ownership of their needs, over communicate. Drive customer success.
  • Foster an environment of integrity, trust, collaboration, professionalism, serving one another, leading by example, and assuming good intent each and every day.

What You'll Get:
  • Competitive salary, annual bonuses, 401(k) with company match, and business travel reimbursement: We appreciate our employees, and we make sure they know it.
  • Benefits: We offer full-time employees multiple healthcare packages, including low-cost options.
  • Casual Dress: Every day is "Casual Friday"; we want you to be comfortable when you come to work.
  • Training: We offer in-house and factory technical training to keep our staff sharp.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: We encourage academic advancement and professional credentialing.
  • Vacation/Sick Time: We believe work-life balance is essential. Ensuring our employees have time to truly relax and recharge is important to us.
  • Culture & Extras: We provide free lunches, regular team bonding & fun office events, and plenty of company swag.

Visit us at www.thermosystems.com to learn more!
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.

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