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Controls Hardware Design Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Electrical Design & Controls Engineer

Exton, PA · On-site

$77K - $103K/yr

This position is responsible for electrical system design, controls programming, hardware selection, documentation development, and startup support throughout the project lifecycle. The ideal ...

Controls Engineer

Exton, PA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Design, develop, and troubleshoot PLC-based automation systems for industrial applications ... Work with sensors, actuators, and industrial control hardware to integrate and optimize system ...

Controls Engineer

New Britain, PA · On-site

$81K - $104K/yr

Research and design electrical system upgrades (software/hardware/mechanical) for converting ... Implement process controls and data monitoring methodologies to increase equipment reliability and ...

Controls Engineer

Radnor, PA · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

You will provide directions for design and implementation of new equipment installations as well as ... Experience with HMI hardware and related software/programming - Allen Bradely Panel View, Maple ...

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Showing results 1-20

Controls Hardware Design information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$60.5K

$92.9K

$119.1K

How much do controls hardware design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls hardware design in Philadelphia, PA is $92,928.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,200.00 and $105,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Controls Hardware Design vs Controls Systems Engineer?

AspectControls Hardware DesignControls Systems Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing control hardware componentsDesigning and integrating control systems and software
CredentialsElectrical engineering degree, hardware certificationsElectrical/software engineering degree, control system certifications
Work EnvironmentHardware labs, manufacturing facilitiesControl room, software development labs
Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, roboticsIndustrial automation, process control, systems integration

Controls Hardware Design focuses on creating the physical control components, while Controls Systems Engineer works on the overall control system integration, including software. Both roles often collaborate but differ mainly in their scope and technical focus.

What are popular job titles related to Controls Hardware Design jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

For Controls Hardware Design jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Controls Hardware Design jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Controls Hardware Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Hardware Design job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,928 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Electrical Design & Controls Engineer

SunSource

Exton, PA • On-site

$77K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


SunSource rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

Applied Controls, a SunSource company, is a high-tech automation distributor and solutions provider. We educate and support local manufacturers in implementing emerging technologies to reduce costs, increase productivity and improve safety. Our offerings range from industrial computers and software, Robotics, Machine Vision, and Motion Control. Our goal is to increase productivity to keep manufacturing in America successful and prosperous.  www.appliedc.com  

Applied Controls is seeking an Electrical Design & Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, integration, and commissioning of custom automation, robotics, vision, and industrial control systems. This position is responsible for electrical system design, controls programming, hardware selection, documentation development, and startup support throughout the project lifecycle.
The ideal candidate combines strong electrical design skills with hands-on controls engineering experience and is capable of taking ownership of both electrical and controls deliverables for automation projects.

Primary Responsibilities
Electrical Design & Documentation
  • Develop electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and documentation packages using EPLAN.
  • Design industrial control systems including PLCs, HMIs, motion control systems, robotic systems, machine safety systems, and industrial networking.
  • Create electrical bills of materials (BOMs) and support component procurement activities.
  • Select and specify electrical components.
  • Generate manufacturing documentation packages for panel fabrication, machine assembly, installation, and customer deliverables.
  • Maintain and improve company electrical design standards and best practices.
Controls Engineering
  • Develop PLC, HMI, and motion control software for custom automation systems.
  • Configure industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, and other industrial protocols.
  • Support robotic integration and communication with control systems.
  • Troubleshoot software, communication, and hardware-related issues during system development and deployment.
  • Develop reusable software standards and programming methodologies.
Project Execution
  • Participate in project kickoff meetings and technical design reviews.
  • Collaborate with mechanical engineers, project managers, programmers, technicians, and customers throughout project execution.
  • Review customer specifications and ensure compliance with project requirements.
  • Support technical evaluations during quoting and proposal development.
Manufacturing, Testing & Commissioning
  • Support panel fabrication and machine assembly teams during system build.
  • Perform electrical checkout and system verification.
  • Lead or support FAT, SAT, startup, and commissioning activities.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues during installation and startup.
Safety & Compliance
  • Design machine safety systems in accordance with applicable standards and customer requirements.
  • Support risk assessments and machine safety reviews.
  • Ensure compliance with NFPA 79, ANSI/RIA standards, OSHA requirements, and customer-specific standards.
Required Qualifications
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field.
  • 3+ years of experience designing and programming industrial automation systems.
  • Experience creating electrical schematics and documentation using EPLAN.
  • Experience programming PLC and HMI systems.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Siemens TIA Portal, S7 PLCs, WinCC HMIs, Profinet Networks, and Siemens Motion Control.
  • Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FactoryTalk View, and Ethernet/IP Networks.
  • Experience integrating robotic systems.
  • Experience with machine vision systems.
  • Experience with machine safety design and implementation.
  • Familiarity with Beckhoff, Omron, Mitsubishi, or other automation platforms.
  • Experience supporting customer startups and commissioning activities.
Desired Characteristics
  • Takes ownership of projects from concept through commissioning.
  • Comfortable working independently while collaborating across disciplines.
  • Strong attention to detail and documentation quality.
  • Customer-focused with a commitment to delivering reliable automation solutions.
  • Hands-on mindset with willingness to assist in troubleshooting and startup activities.
  • Continuously seeks opportunities to improve processes, standards, and technical capabilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.  If you are an individual with a disability and require an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact [email protected] to request reasonable accommodation. Only requests for accommodation in the application process will be returned from this email address.  This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aqui).   
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