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Controls Engineer Jobs in Cary, NC (NOW HIRING)

ADDiTEC

R&D Controls Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Vision insurance About the Role We are seeking a driven and curious R&D Controls Engineer to join our team developing next-generation metal additive manufacturing systems, including Liquid Metal ...

Sunrise Systems Inc

Be Seen First

Electrical Engineer 3 - PLC Controls Engineer_26-03927

Durham, NC · On-site

$82 - $86/hr

Electrical Engineer 3 - PLC Controls Engineer Job Id: 26-03927 Location: Durham, NC Duration: 12 Months Contract Position Type: Hourly Contract Position (W2 only) Contract-to-Hire Technical Skills ...

Targan Inc

Automation Controls Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$81K - $107K/yr

Position Summary Automation and Controls Engineer plays a key role in the troubleshooting of automated equipment at TARGAN. This position is hands-on and requires some travel to customer sites with a ...

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All JobsControls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs in Cary, NC

Controls Engineer information

See Cary, NC salary details

$51K

$89.5K

$121.4K

How much do controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer in Cary, NC is $89,467.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,400.00 and $100,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or Siemens/Rockwell training are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems critical to industrial and manufacturing environments.

What does a controls engineer do?

A Controls Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that control machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They work with automation systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, actuators, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operation. Controls Engineers also troubleshoot and optimize existing systems, implement upgrades, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Their expertise is crucial for improving productivity, reducing downtime, and integrating new technologies into production environments.

What is the difference between Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation facilities, industrial settingsDesign offices, research labs, power plants, industrial sites
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower generation, electronics, telecommunications, industrial systems
Common Search/ComparisonControls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer

Controls Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for automation and manufacturing processes, often working closely with machinery and PLCs. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power distribution, and electronic devices. While both roles require electrical knowledge and certifications, Controls Engineers specialize more in automation and control systems, whereas Electrical Engineers may work across various electrical disciplines.

What are common challenges faced by controls engineers when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Controls Engineers frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, which can present challenges in aligning design standards, timelines, and communication styles. They must ensure that control systems integrate seamlessly with hardware and software components while also meeting safety and regulatory requirements. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as Controls Engineers often act as a bridge between technical disciplines to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions efficiently.
More about Controls Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Controls Engineer jobs in Cary, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Engineer jobs in Cary, NC are:
What cities near Cary, NC are hiring for Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Cary, NC with the most Controls Engineer job openings:
Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer job openings in Cary, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,467 per year, or $43 per hour.

R&D Controls Engineer

ADDiTEC

Durham, NC • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

About the Role
We are seeking a driven and curious R&D Controls Engineer to join our team developing next-generation metal additive manufacturing systems, including Liquid Metal Jetting (LMJ) and Laser-Assisted Directed Energy Deposition (DED) 3D printers. 
You'll work at the intersection of laser physics, thermal control, CNC/PLC programming, and real-time systems. The role involves designing control architectures that coordinate sensors and actuators at interpolation cycle rates, developing advanced waveform generation for electromagnetic coil drivers, and collaborating with an external automation integrator (similar to a CSI-type relationship) to push the Siemens Sinumerik platform for additive manufacturing R&D. 
We value mindset over checkbox credentials. If you have a solid controls or automation foundation and the self-motivation to learn new systems quickly, this role will give you the opportunity to work on problems that very few teams in the world are tackling. 
Key Responsibilities 
  • Design, implement, and tune closed-loop control systems for real-time thermal management during metal additive manufacturing. 
  • Develop PLC logic and CNC synchronized actions for coordinating printing. 
  • Implement PID and advanced control strategies (feedforward, adaptive gain scheduling). 
  • Architect and configure CNC/PLC analog and digital I/O for integrating sensors (pyrometers, thermocouples) and actuators (laser power supplies, shutters, micro-motor pyrometer steering) 
  • Develop and validate control algorithms that adapt to varying print speeds, toolpath geometries, and thermal conditions 
  • Develop advanced waveform generation for electromagnetic coil drivers — including sub-thresholding pulse patterns, variable pulse widths, and complex frequency profiles using the Prio card or equivalent hardware 
  • Collaborate with the print optimization and path planning team to ensure control strategies align with toolpath direction, speed profiles, and feature-type transitions 
  • Serve as the internal bridge to automation integrators and Siemens support for CNC/PLC platform issues 
  • Instrument and characterize system dynamics — measure plant transfer functions, identify thermal time constants, and size controller bandwidth accordingly 
  • Support machine commissioning, integration testing, and design-of-experiments for process development 
  • Maintain rigorous documentation of control architectures, tuning parameters, commissioning procedures, and test results 
Required Qualifications 
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engineering with controls focus (or equivalent demonstrated experience) 
  • 2+ years of experience designing and implementing closed-loop control systems in industrial or R&D environments 
  • Strong foundation in classical control theory: PID tuning, stability analysis, frequency response, and system identification 
  • Hands-on PLC programming experience (Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, or similar industrial automation platforms) 
  • Experience with real-time sensor integration (pyrometers, thermocouples, photodiodes, or similar high-speed analog instrumentation) 
  • Experience configuring and commissioning industrial motion control systems (multi-axis CNC, servo drives, or motion controllers) 
  • Ability to read, develop, and troubleshoot electrical schematics and control panel wiring 
  • Proficiency with at least one industrial communication protocol (EtherCAT, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP) 
Preferred Qualifications 
  • Experience with Siemens Sinumerik CNC systems — synchronized actions ($A_INA, $A_OUTA, WHENEVER/DO), structured text, machine data configuration 
  • Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT or similar real-time platforms 
  • Familiarity with laser systems — power modulation, analog control interfaces, safety interlocks 
  • Experience with non-contact temperature measurement (pyrometry) including spectral filtering and emissivity considerations 
  • Background in thermal process control (welding, heat treatment, laser processing, or additive manufacturing) 
  • Knowledge of advanced control methods: feedforward compensation, Smith predictors for transport delay, gain scheduling, or model-predictive control 
  • Electronics design experience — particularly H-bridge circuits, high-current motor drivers, or power electronics 
  • FPGA or microcontroller programming for custom waveform generation or high-speed signal processing 
  • Familiarity with G-code/CNC part program structure and post-processor development 
  • Experience with machine safety systems (STO, SS1, SLS) and relevant standards (IEC 62443, ISO 13849) 
Mindset & Attributes (What Matters Most) 
  • Curious and self-motivated— the kind of engineer who hangs around, asks questions, and tries to figure things out without being told. This is the #1 trait we're looking for 
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset — able to diagnose issues across mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software domains simultaneously 
  • Self-directed and resourceful in an R&D environment where requirements evolve and solutions aren't predefined 
  • Comfortable iterating rapidly: prototype control logic, test on hardware, analyze data, refine 
  • Clear communicator who can explain control system behavior to mechanical engineers, process engineers, and leadership 
  • Collaborative and low-ego — willing to support builds, run experiments, and do hands-on work alongside design work 
  • Comfortable working with external vendors and automation integrators as technical counterpart 
  • Detail-oriented with a systems-level perspective — understands how a control loop interacts with toolpath planning, thermal physics, and part quality 
What We Offer 
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package 
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge metal additive manufacturing technology at the frontier of closed-loop process control 
  • Direct impact on product development — your control systems directly determine print quality and material properties 
  • A collaborative, low-ego team environment focused on innovation and execution 
  • Exposure to multidisciplinary challenges spanning controls, laser physics, materials science, and CNC systems 
  • A culture that values curiosity, initiative, and continuous improvement 
Even if you don't meet every qualification listed above, we strongly encourage you to apply. We'relooking for engineers with the right mindset — people who are curious, self-driven, and excited to learn. If you have a solid technical foundation and the motivation to push boundaries, our team will provide the guidance and resources to get you up to speed quickly. The right attitude and aptitude matter far more than checking every box.