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Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

Entry Level Controls Engineer information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$50.9K

$89.3K

$121.2K

How much do entry level controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level controls engineer in Columbia, SC is $89,344.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,200.00 and $99,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level controls engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Controls Engineer, you should have a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, basic programming skills (such as PLC or ladder logic), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industrial automation tools like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and SCADA systems is typically expected. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills make candidates stand out in this role. These skills ensure you can efficiently design, troubleshoot, and implement control systems that are safe, reliable, and meet client specifications.

What is an entry level controls engineer?

An Entry Level Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and troubleshooting control systems used in manufacturing and automation. They work with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), and other automation components to optimize system performance. Typical tasks include programming, testing, and debugging control systems, as well as collaborating with senior engineers and technicians. This role requires a background in electrical or mechanical engineering, along with knowledge of automation software and hardware. Entry-level positions often involve hands-on training and mentorship to build technical expertise.

What are the main types of projects or systems an entry level controls engineer typically works on?

As an Entry Level Controls Engineer, you will often be involved in designing, programming, and maintaining automated control systems for manufacturing lines, industrial machinery, or building automation projects. Your typical responsibilities might include configuring PLCs, developing HMI screens, conducting system testing, and assisting with troubleshooting both in the office and on-site. You will collaborate closely with senior engineers, project managers, and technicians to ensure projects are delivered on time and meet quality standards. This hands-on experience gives you valuable exposure to different industries and technologies, laying the groundwork for future specialization or advancement within controls engineering.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Entry Level Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Controls Engineer job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,344 per year, or $43 per hour.

Entry-Level Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer (EI/EIT) (56980)

ATS FAMILY

Columbia, SC • On-site, Remote

$32 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

U.S. Forensic, LLC, an ATS Family of Companies, assists commercial and industrial clients by performing forensic evaluations, reporting, and expert witness testimony. The firm's capabilities include accident reconstruction; structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering; fire origin and cause; and environmental services. U.S. Forensic tailors its consulting engineering services to meet each client's unique needs, and its experienced forensic engineers and investigators support a wide range of industries. As part of the ATS family, the company also offers expanded capabilities in testing, inspection, and calibration when a broader scope of services is required.
Applied Technical Services, LLC (ATS) is a leading provider of critical testing, inspection, certification, and compliance services. ATS serves clients across a diverse set of large and stable end markets, including manufacturing, power generation, aerospace, medical, and defense. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Marietta, GA. Today, ATS employs nearly 2,100 team members across more than 95 locations throughout the United States.
Together, U.S. Forensic and ATS are driven by a shared purpose to create a safe and reliable world, delivering assurance through precise technical and professional services.
Job Title: Entry- Level Forensic Civil/Structural Engineer (EI/EIT)
Position Type: Full-Time
Preferred Location: This role requires candidates to be based in, or willing to relocate to, one of the following locations: Houston or San Antonio, Texas; or Charlotte, North Carolina, or Columbia, South Carolina.
Job Overview: U.S. Forensic is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Engineer to specialize in Forensic engineering. The successful candidate will play a key role in assisting in the investigation of buildings and other structures for failures, construction defects, and other forensic engineering matters. This position requires a strong background in principles of structural engineering and typical construction practices and will require frequent travel to and from site investigations.
This role also offers a clear path to Professional Engineer (PE) licensure through hands-on experience and mentorship.
Responsibilities:
  • Conduct detailed forensic investigations of structural failures and construction defects.
  • Perform site inspections and gather relevant data to support forensic analysis.
  • Utilize engineering principles and practices to analyze and assess structural issues.
  • Prepare clear and concise technical reports outlining findings and conclusions.
  • Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings when required.
  • Stay current with industry trends, codes, and standards related to structural engineering.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • Licensed Engineer Intern (EI or EIT) required.
  • Ability to travel multiple days of each week (local travel as well as regional air travel)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.

Benefits:
ATS offers excellent wages and advancement opportunities. ATS full-time employee benefits include: competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, 401k with matching contribution, quarterly bonus opportunity, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid holidays, and a generous paid time off/vacation package.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Applied Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.
U.S. Persons Only
A requirement of this position is access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). Accordingly, the company will consider only "U.S. Persons" for this position. A "U.S. Person" includes (a) U.S. citizens or nationals; (b) U.S. lawful permanent residents (i.e., "green card" holders); (c) persons granted refugee status; or (d) persons granted asylum in the United States. This information is collected solely for purposes of complying with U.S. export control requirements and will not be used to unlawfully discriminate in the hiring process.
Please note, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Resumes submitted without an active agreement and prior coordination with our Talent team will not be eligible for placement fees.