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Senior Control Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Senior Control Systems Engineer

Philadelphia, PA ยท On-site

$159K - $165K/yr

Senior Control Systems Engineer Location: Philadelphia, PA Required Clearance : Secret Salary: Commensurate with experience Position Summary: Seeking a Senior Control Systems Engineer to support Navy ...

Senior Control Systems Engineer

Philadelphia, PA ยท On-site

$159K - $165K/yr

Senior Control Systems Engineer Location: Philadelphia, PA Required Clearance : Secret Salary: Commensurate with experience Position Summary: Seeking a Senior Control Systems Engineer to support Navy ...

$120K - $170K/yr

The Opportunity The Senior Control Systems Engineer works on a variety of energy-focused control system projects, particularly within thermal and electrical energy plants. This role requires deep ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Control Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$98.2K

$173.4K

How much do senior control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior control engineer in Pennsylvania is $166,619.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $167,400.00 and $173,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior control engineer?

Senior Control Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems that automate processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. They apply advanced engineering principles to ensure systems operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. Senior Control Engineers often lead teams, oversee project implementation, troubleshoot complex problems, and collaborate with other engineering disciplines. Their expertise is critical in optimizing system performance and integrating new technologies into existing operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior control engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Control Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of control systems engineering, automation, process optimization, and a relevant engineering degree, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Expertise in PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and simulation software such as MATLAB/Simulink is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, leadership, and effective communication skills help manage complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for designing efficient, safe, and reliable control solutions that meet organizational and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by senior control engineers when leading automation projects, and how can they overcome them?

Senior Control Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new control systems with legacy equipment, managing cross-disciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. Overcoming these obstacles typically involves strong project management skills, clear communication with stakeholders, and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and regulations. Proactively working with both internal teams and external vendors is essential to anticipate and resolve integration or technical issues early in the project lifecycle.

What is the difference between Senior Control Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Control EngineerControl Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; often with experience certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee control systems in industrial, manufacturing, or automation settingsDesign and implement control systems, often focusing on system integration and testing
Employer & IndustryManufacturing, automation, energy, and process industriesAutomation, manufacturing, robotics, and process control sectors

The main difference is that a Senior Control Engineer typically has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and oversees complex projects, while a Control Systems Engineer focuses on designing and implementing control systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but the Senior Control Engineer often leads teams and manages project execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Control Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Control Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

Infographic showing various Senior Control Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,619 per year, or $80.1 per hour.

Senior Control Systems Engineer

WILLCOR, Inc.

Philadelphia, PA โ€ข On-site

$159K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Senior Control Systems Engineer
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Required Clearance: Secret
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Position Summary:
Seeking a Senior Control Systems Engineer to support Navy machinery control systems at NSWCPD. The engineer will develop, modify, test, install, and troubleshoot PLC-based control system software and associated shipboard machinery control systems. The position involves hands-on PLC development, control-system troubleshooting, HMI development, software configuration management, technical documentation, and shipboard/land-based engineering support.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in an Engineering discipline from an accredited college or university.
  • At least 10 years of professional experience as a control systems engineer.
  • 7 years developing, testing, and installing PLC software using: Rockwell/Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Studio 5000, and Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 or TIA Portal.
  • 7 years troubleshooting PLC-based machinery control systems.
  • 5 years of technical lead engineering experience.
  • 3 years creating Ship Change Documents (SCDs) or equivalent formal engineering/change documentation.
  • Secret clearance or eligibility to obtain/maintain one.
  • Ability to work on site in Philadelphia.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and modify PLC code using ladder logic and structured text for Rockwell and Siemens controllers.
  • Integrate PLC systems with human-machine interface software aboard Navy and Coast Guard ships.
  • Develop and modify machinery control system software using C++, C, Java, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, and Visual Basic.
  • Develop operator interfaces using Altia, Wonderware InTouch, Rockwell PanelView, and .NET.
  • Support industrial and network protocols including TCP/IP, UDP, SNMP, Modbus, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, ControlNet, and DeviceNet.
  • Lead software change packages through technical peer review.
  • Maintain software and configuration control using tools such as Git, DOORS, Subversion, and SharePoint.
  • Develop Ship Change Documents and Engineering Change Proposals for control-system deliveries.
  • Troubleshoot machinery control systems at the Land Based Engineering Site (LBES) in Philadelphia and aboard ships.
  • Support Risk Management Framework (RMF) accreditation activities and implementation of DISA security requirements within control-system environments.
Preferred Background:
Experience with Navy, Coast Guard, maritime, or shipboard machinery control systems is strongly preferred. Candidates with substantial industrial control-system experience may also be considered.
Certification:
DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification is required within six months of award. Qualifying certifications include Security+ CE, CySA+, CCNA Security, GICSP, GSEC, or SSCP.

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About WILLCOR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

College Park, MD, US

Year founded

2002