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Freelance Control Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thermo Systems

Control Systems Engineer

Beaver Dam, WI · On-site

$72K - $84K/yr

Control Systems Engineer Location : Onsite in Beaver Dam, WI Employment Status : Full Time | Direct Hire Compensation : $72,000 - $84,000 per year + Annual Bonus Eligibility Travel : Up to 50 ...

Thermo Systems

$72K - $84K/yr

Control Systems Engineer Location : Onsite in Beaver Dam, WI Employment Status : Full Time | Direct Hire Compensation : $72,000 - $84,000 per year + Annual Bonus Eligibility Travel : Up to 50 ...

RFA Engineering

Control Systems Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Control Systems Engineer As a Control Systems Engineer, you will work with a cross-functional engineering team to develop, test, and optimize machine control algorithms that improve machine ...

Apple

Control Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

The team is seeking an exceptional control systems engineer with broad skills to design and develop the next generation of camera technology. Description As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will ...

Apple

Control Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The team is seeking an exceptional control systems engineer with broad skills to design and develop the next generation of camera technology. Description As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will ...

Thermo Systems

Control Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

... control systems integration partner, delivering world-class automation solutions in the District Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets. Our diverse leadership and dedicated engineering ...

Thermo Systems

... control systems integration partner, delivering world-class automation solutions in the District Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets. Our diverse leadership and dedicated engineering ...

Thermo Systems

... control systems integration partner, delivering world-class automation solutions in the District Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets. Our diverse leadership and dedicated engineering ...

Apple

Control Systems Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

The team is seeking an exceptional control systems engineer with broad skills to design and develop the next generation of camera technology. Description As a Camera System Controls Engineer you will ...

Andritz

ANDRITZ has an immediate opportunity for a skilled Instrumentation and Control Systems Engineer to support the design, specification, implementation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of industrial ...

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Freelance Control Systems Engineer information

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$61K

$108.8K

$175.5K

How much do freelance control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance control systems engineer in the United States is $108,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Control Systems Engineer vs Control Systems Technician?

AspectFreelance Control Systems EngineerControl Systems Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like PLC or SCADA are commonTechnical diploma or associate degree; specialized training in control systems
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often remote or on-site at client facilitiesOn-site at industrial plants or manufacturing facilities
Employer & IndustryIndependent contractors serving multiple clients across industriesEmployers in manufacturing, automation, and industrial sectors
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance control system design, integration, or consultingSeeking maintenance, troubleshooting, or installation of control systems

The main difference is that Freelance Control Systems Engineers focus on designing and integrating control systems independently, often working on a project basis, while Control Systems Technicians handle installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting within industrial settings. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Control Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Control Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or automation engineering, proficiency in system design, and experience with PLCs and SCADA systems, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Schneider Electric platforms, and certifications like ISA CAP or TUV Functional Safety are typically valuable. Strong problem-solving, self-management, and communication skills help in managing projects independently and collaborating with diverse clients. These skills are crucial for delivering reliable automation solutions, meeting client expectations, and maintaining a competitive edge in a dynamic freelance market.

How does a Freelance Control Systems Engineer typically collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams during a project?

As a Freelance Control Systems Engineer, you often work closely with clients to define project specifications, provide technical consultation, and ensure deliverables align with their operational needs. Collaboration frequently involves remote meetings, regular progress reports, and integration with other engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, and software teams. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as you may need to adapt to different workflows and project management tools set by various clients. Building strong client relationships and demonstrating reliability can lead to repeat business and referrals.

What is a Freelance Control Systems Engineer?

A Freelance Control Systems Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains systems that control machinery or processes, typically working on a contract or project basis rather than as a permanent employee. These engineers often work with automation systems in industries such as manufacturing, energy, or transportation. Their responsibilities include programming controllers, troubleshooting control systems, and ensuring optimal system performance. As freelancers, they enjoy flexibility in choosing projects and clients, but they also manage their own business operations, such as client communication and billing.
More about Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Control Systems Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Control Systems Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Control Systems Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs are:
Freelance Control Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Control Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,776 per year, or $52.3 per hour.
Control Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

Thermo Systems

Beaver Dam, WI • On-site

$72K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Control Systems Engineer
Location: Onsite in Beaver Dam, WI
Employment Status: Full Time | Direct Hire
Compensation: $72,000 - $84,000 per year + Annual Bonus Eligibility
Travel: Up to 50% depending on project assignments
On Call: May participate in on-call rotation based on location and project requirements
Who We Are
Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering premier class automation solutions across the Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets.
Guided by The Thermo Way, we are unified, dynamic, and committed to delivering excellence. Our culture is grounded in three core principles:
Employee Success - investing in our people and their growth
Customer Success - delivering reliable, high-quality solutions
Financial Strength - operating with discipline and long-term focus
We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive sustainable success.
The Opportunity
The Control Systems Engineer supports the design, development, and delivery of industrial automation and control system projects. This entry-level engineering role provides hands-on exposure to control system integration including hardware and software development, testing, commissioning, and installation support.
Working alongside experienced project engineers and project managers, you will develop foundational skills in PLC programming, SCADA/HMI systems, and industrial networking while contributing to high-impact automation projects across mission-critical infrastructure and industrial environments.
This position is ideal for early-career engineers who want to gain real-world field and project experience while developing strong technical and problem-solving capabilities.
What You'll Do
Core Responsibilities
  • Support control system engineering tasks including design development, testing, and system integration.
  • Assist with installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automation systems.
  • Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and commissioning activities.
  • Read and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and wiring diagrams.
  • Assist with configuration and development of HMI and PLC-based control systems.
  • Support project documentation including testing reports, configuration records, and design updates.
  • Provide status updates on assigned tasks and escalate issues to project leads when necessary.

Collaboration & Communication
  • Coordinate with project engineers, field technicians, and project managers to support project execution.
  • Communicate clearly with internal teams and customers during installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
  • Follow customer-specific standards and procedures when working on project sites.
  • Maintain professional and positive working relationships with coworkers, project teams, and client representatives.

Quality, Safety & Process
  • Follow Thermo Systems Quality Management System (QMS) procedures during engineering and project activities.
  • Maintain strong attention to detail in documentation, testing, and system configuration.
  • Follow all safety procedures and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required.
  • Support continuous improvement of engineering practices and project delivery processes.

What We're Looking For
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
  • Typically 0-2 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or system integration environments.
  • Internship, co-op, or project experience related to automation or industrial systems preferred.

Skills & Qualifications
  • Basic understanding of PLCs, HMI systems, and industrial automation concepts.
  • Familiarity with interpreting electrical schematics and P&IDs.
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and support system integration activities.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and standard engineering documentation practices.
  • Hands-on experience with basic electrical tools and instrumentation equipment such as multimeters preferred.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
  • Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines in dynamic project environments.
  • Commitment to quality, safety, and professional growth.

What You'll Get
  • Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options
  • Paid time off and sick leave
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
  • In-house and external technical training opportunities
  • Exposure to complex, high-impact automation projects
  • A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork

Learn more at www.thermosystems.com
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status.
Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.

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