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Electrical Project Controls Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC

Controls Engineer

Charleston, SC ยท On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Reporting to the Electrical Engineering Supervisor, the Controls Engineer supports capital projects, leads controls-related system upgrades, develops standardized automation solutions, and provides ...

Controls Engineer

Goose Creek, SC ยท On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

Field Plc Controls Engineer 4P Consulting Inc. is seeking a Field Plc Controls Engineer with ... Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including control panels, sensors, Vfds, and ...

Controls Engineer

Goose Creek, SC ยท On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

Field Plc Controls Engineer 4P Consulting Inc. is seeking a Field Plc Controls Engineer with ... Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including control panels, sensors, Vfds, and ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Charleston, SC ยท On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Develop detailed electrical schematics, I/O lists, and wiring diagrams in collaboration with ... Project Leadership & Mentorship: Lead technical aspects of projects, including scope definition ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Charleston, SC ยท On-site

$92K - $122K/yr

Develop detailed electrical schematics, I/O lists, and wiring diagrams in collaboration with ... Project Leadership & Mentorship: * Lead technical aspects of projects, including scope definition ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Charleston, SC ยท On-site

$92K - $122K/yr

Develop detailed electrical schematics, I/O lists, and wiring diagrams in collaboration with ... Project Leadership & Mentorship: * Lead technical aspects of projects, including scope definition ...

Associate Controls Engineer

Ridgeville, SC ยท On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

This engineer will play a critical role in designing, commissioning, scaling, and supporting all of ... Collaborating with controls, electrical, and process teams to translate requirements into robust ...

Controls Engineer

Goose Creek, SC

$76K - $98K/yr

4P Consulting Inc. is seeking a Field PLC Controls Engineer with expertise in Modicon PLCs to ... Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including control panels, sensors, VFDs, and ...

Associate Controls Engineer

Ridgeville, SC ยท On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

This engineer will play a critical role in designing, commissioning, scaling, and supporting all of ... Collaborating with controls, electrical, and process teams to translate requirements into robust ...

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Electrical Project Controls Engineer information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$42.1K

$100.2K

$140.4K

How much do electrical project controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical project controls engineer in Charleston, SC is $100,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $120,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an electrical project controls engineer?

Electrical Project Controls Engineers are professionals who oversee and manage the planning, scheduling, budgeting, and progress tracking of electrical engineering projects. They ensure that the project's electrical aspects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications. Their responsibilities often include cost estimation, risk analysis, schedule development, and performance reporting. These engineers work closely with project managers, electricians, and other engineering specialists to coordinate tasks and resolve issues as they arise.

What are some common challenges faced by electrical project controls engineers during large-scale projects?

Electrical Project Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules between multiple contractors, managing changes to project scope, and ensuring that budgets remain on track despite unexpected delays or material costs. Navigating tight deadlines while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards requires strong organizational and communication skills. Collaborating closely with project managers, engineers, and field teams is crucial to successfully address these issues and keep projects moving forward efficiently.

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

To thrive as an Electrical Project Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, project management, cost control, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with project management software like Primavera P6 or MS Project, as well as proficiency in cost estimation tools and scheduling systems, is typically required. Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals coordinate teams and manage project timelines. These competencies ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the required technical standards.

What is the difference between Electrical Project Controls Engineer vs Electrical Estimator?

AspectElectrical Project Controls EngineerElectrical Estimator
CredentialsRelevant engineering certifications, project management experienceEstimating certifications, construction or electrical background
Work EnvironmentProject sites, engineering offices, project management teamsPre-construction, bidding, and proposal offices
Industry UsageConstruction, power, industrial projectsElectrical contracting, construction bidding

The Electrical Project Controls Engineer focuses on project scheduling, budgeting, and progress tracking, ensuring projects stay on track. In contrast, the Electrical Estimator primarily prepares cost estimates for electrical projects during the bidding phase. Both roles are essential in electrical construction but serve different stages of project execution and planning.

What are popular job titles related to Electrical Project Controls Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC?

For Electrical Project Controls Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Electrical Project Controls Engineer job openings in Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,225 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Controls Engineer

PIP Global

Charleston, SC โ€ข On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 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. โ€ข 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