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Controls Engineer Jobs in North Charleston, SC (NOW HIRING)

PIP Global

Controls Engineer

Charleston, SC · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: N. Charleston, South Carolina The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of industrial ...

4P Consulting Inc.

Controls Engineer

Goose Creek, SC

$76K - $98K/yr

4P Consulting Inc. is seeking a Field PLC Controls Engineer with expertise in Modicon PLCs to support a client in Goose Creek, SC . This role is hands-on and requires working directly in industrial ...

Redwood Materials

Associate Controls Engineer

Ridgeville, SC · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking an Associate Controls Engineer who is passionate about pushing beyond the cutting edge of the industry to design, build, and debug best-in-class controls systems for ...

Boeing

Senior Facilities Controls Engineer

Charleston, SC · On-site

$90K - $119K/yr

Senior Facilities Controls Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing is seeking a Senior Facilities Controls Engineer to join our team in one of our wonderful locations in either North Charleston ...

Boeing

Senior Facilities Controls Engineer

Charleston, SC · On-site

$90K - $119K/yr

Senior Facilities Controls Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing is seeking a Senior Facilities Controls Engineer to join our team in one of our wonderful locations in either North Charleston ...

Redwood Materials

Associate Controls Engineer

Ridgeville, SC · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking an Associate Controls Engineer who is passionate about pushing beyond the cutting edge of the industry to design, build, and debug best-in-class controls systems for ...

Bosch Group

Senior Controls Engineer

Charleston, SC · On-site

$92K - $122K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Controls Engineer with a strong background in industrial automation and a deep expertise in CoDeSys for PLC programming. The successful ...

Bosch Group

Senior Controls Engineer

Charleston, SC · On-site

$92K - $122K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Controls Engineer with a strong background in industrial automation and a deep expertise in CoDeSys for PLC programming. The successful ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsControls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs in North Charleston, SC

Controls Engineer information

See North Charleston, SC salary details

$52.5K

$92.1K

$125K

How much do controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer in North Charleston, SC is $92,131.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,700.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

More about Controls Engineer jobs

What cities near North Charleston, SC are hiring for Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near North Charleston, SC with the most Controls Engineer job openings:

Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer job openings in North Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,131 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Charleston, SC • On-site

PIP Global
See more jobs at PIP Globalexternal

$79K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Controls Engineer
Location: N. Charleston, South Carolina
The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of industrial automation and electrical control systems supporting a high-volume manufacturing operation. This role serves as the plant's primary technical resource for PLC-based automation, HMI development, instrumentation, industrial networking, and electrical controls while partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to improve equipment reliability, safety, quality, and productivity. Reporting to the Electrical Engineering Supervisor, the Controls Engineer supports capital projects, leads controls-related system upgrades, develops standardized automation solutions, and provides technical expertise during equipment failures and commissioning activities.
Job Responsibilities:
Controls & Automation
  • Design, program, test, and commission PLC- and HMI-based control systems for new and existing manufacturing equipment.
  • Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC logic, HMI applications, instrumentation, and industrial control systems.
  • Configure and support variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo systems, industrial sensors, safety devices, and process instrumentation.
  • Support industrial communication networks including EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, or similar industrial protocols. • Optimize automation systems to improve equipment uptime, process consistency, throughput, and product quality.
  • Develop and maintain plant standards for PLC programming, HMI development, controls documentation, and electrical design.

Electrical Engineering
  • Design and revise electrical schematics, control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and bills of material using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar software.
  • Specify electrical components and controls hardware for capital projects and equipment upgrades.
  • Support electrical power distribution, motor control circuits, and machine control systems.

Manufacturing Support
  • Serve as the primary engineering resource for troubleshooting complex electrical and automation issues affecting production equipment.
  • Lead root cause analysis of recurring electrical and controls failures and implement permanent corrective actions.
  • Work closely with Maintenance and Operations to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.
  • Provide technical support during equipment startups, shutdowns, commissioning, and emergency production situations.

Capital Projects
  • Support capital projects from concept through commissioning, including equipment specification, controls design, programming, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), startup, and validation.
  • Coordinate with OEMs, contractors, and system integrators during equipment installations and controls upgrades.
  • Develop project schedules, technical specifications, procurement documentation, and project budgets as assigned.

Safety & Compliance
  • Participate in Process Safety Management (PSM) activities, including Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs).
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, NEC, NFPA 70E, and internal electrical safety standards.
  • Support lockout/tagout, machine safety, arc-flash mitigation, and safe electrical work practices.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement
  • Maintain accurate PLC backups, electrical drawings, control narratives, and technical documentation.
  • Identify opportunities to improve automation, reduce downtime, standardize controls hardware, and enhance manufacturing performance.
  • Support Lean Manufacturing, reliability initiatives, and continuous improvement projects.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Controls Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • 3-5 years of experience in industrial controls, automation, or electrical engineering within a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs and HMIs (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix with Studio 5000 preferred).
  • Experience with industrial automation systems, instrumentation, VFDs, motor controls, and industrial networking.
  • Ability to read, create, and modify electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and controls documentation.
  • Experience troubleshooting complex automated manufacturing equipment in a production environment.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
  • Experience in a Process Safety Management (PSM) environment is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Siemens PLC platforms.
  • Experience with machine vision systems, servo motion control, robotics, and safety PLCs.
  • Experience commissioning automated manufacturing equipment.
  • Familiarity with SCADA systems and industrial data collection.
  • Experience supporting capital projects in excess of $100,000.
  • Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or Reliability Engineering experience.

Protective Industrial Products (PIP) is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
At PIP Global Safety, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected and valued. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind, and we strive to ensure that employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Employment practices and policies may be subject to variation based on applicable laws and regulations in different countries and jurisdictions.
This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, training, and development opportunities. We believe that a diverse team strengthens our global success and enriches our culture

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