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Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Controls Engineer

Holly Springs, NC ยท On-site

$39.42 - $50/hr

Entry-Level Traveling Controls Engineer Overview: Seeking a Controls Engineer with 1+ year of experience in PLC troubleshooting, commissioning, and automation systems. This role supports ...

Controls Engineer

Holly Springs, NC ยท On-site

$39.42 - $50/hr

Entry-Level Traveling Controls Engineer Overview: Seeking a Controls Engineer with 1+ year of experience in PLC troubleshooting, commissioning, and automation systems. This role supports ...

Entry-Level Traveling Controls Engineer Overview: Seeking a Controls Engineer with 1+ year of experience in PLC troubleshooting, commissioning, and automation systems. This role supports ...

This position typically is not an entry-level job, as it requires demonstrable previous experience ... Experience as a Construction Scheduling Engineer or in a Project Controls position is required ...

Project Engineer I

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

Learn and become proficient in functions within the Project Controls department. * Become ... We will train an entry level graduate and/or hire an experienced industrial construction project ...

Project Engineer I

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

Learn and become proficient in functions within the Project Controls department. * Become ... We will train an entry level graduate and/or hire an experienced industrial construction project ...

Project Engineer I

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

Learn and become proficient in functions within the Project Controls department. * Become ... an entry level graduate and/or hire an experienced industrial construction project engineer.

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Entry Level Controls Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$53.5K

$93.9K

$127.3K

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level controls engineer in Raleigh, NC is $93,872.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,200.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Entry Level Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Entry Level Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Controls Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,872 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Actalent

Holly Springs, NC โ€ข On-site

$39.42 - $50/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Entry-Level Traveling Controls Engineer

Overview:

Seeking a Controls Engineer with 1+ year of experience in PLC troubleshooting, commissioning, and automation systems. This role supports manufacturing, pharmaceutical, industrial, and data center projects, with significant travel to client sites for system startup, validation, and troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs (Rockwell preferred)
  • Commission and validate automation/control systems
  • Integrate equipment into new and existing control architectures
  • Support power monitoring, building management, and facility control systems
  • Work with engineers and clients to deliver reliable automation solutions
  • Travel to project sites for startup, testing, and client support

Required Qualifications:

  • 1+ year of PLC troubleshooting experience (Rockwell preferred)
  • 1+ year of commissioning, integration, or controls experience
  • Experience in industrial, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, GMP, or data center environments
  • Strong automation, electrical, and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work independently and travel extensively

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Data center, power monitoring, or building management system experience
  • Exposure to life sciences, utilities, or power projects
  • Strong documentation and organizational skills

Why Apply?

  • Extensive travel and hands-on field experience
  • Exposure to advanced automation and control technologies
  • Strong internal growth and long-term career development opportunities

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Holly Springs, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $39.42 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Holly Springs,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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