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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

LAPORTE L.C.C.

Senior Controls Engineer

Raleigh, NC

$94K - $124K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer We're seeking a full-time controls engineer to join our expanding team and contribute to the design, programming, and management of automation projects in the pharmaceutical ...

LAPORTE L.C.C.

Senior Controls Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer We're seeking a full-time controls engineer to join our expanding team and contribute to the design, programming, and management of automation projects in the pharmaceutical ...

Vulcan Elements

Sr. Controls Engineer

Durham, NC

$93K - $123K/yr

As the Sr. Controls Engineer (FAT/CSV) you will lead automation acceptance and commissioning for a massive 1 million square foot manufacturing facility expansion. You will own the automation ...

Daniels Health

Senior Controls Engineer

Durham, NC · Remote

$125K - $141K/yr

Daniels Health is seeking an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to join our growing US engineering team and help design, build, and optimize the next generation of automated medical waste ...

Daniels Health

Senior Controls Engineer

Durham, NC · Hybrid

$125K - $141K/yr

Daniels Health is seeking an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to join our growing US engineering team and help design, build, and optimize the next generation of automated medical waste ...

HARP Talent Solutions LLC

Senior Controls Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Senior DeltaV Automation Engineer to lead the ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Chemical, or related field) * 8+ years of ...

ENTEK

Senior Control Systems Engineer

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

$105K - $140K/yr

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you'll play a key role in designing, developing, and commissioning industrial automation systems that power ENTEK's manufacturing operations and customer equipment. You ...

Eaton

Senior Microgrid Controls Engineer

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$86K - $126K/yr

Eaton's Electrical Engineering Services & Systems division is hiring a Senior Microgrid Controls Engineer. In this role, you'll develop microgrid control solutions for customers across the U.S to ...

Eaton

Senior Power Systems Controls Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$86K - $126K/yr

Eaton's Electrical Engineering Services & Systems division is seeking a Senior Power Systems Controls Engineer to join our industry-leading team. In this role, you'll lead the execution of complex ...

JDC Power Systems LLC

Controls Engineer L2

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Engineering Reports To: Sr. Director, Engineering Job Overview: JDC Power Systems is seeking a highly qualified Controls Engineer - Critical Power for our Hackettstown, NJ office. This role is ...

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All JobsControls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Durham, NC salary details

$69.6K

$110.9K

$148.8K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Durham, NC is $110,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,700.00 and $123,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior controls engineer?

Senior Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems for manufacturing processes, machinery, or automation equipment. They are responsible for programming controllers (such as PLCs), troubleshooting control system issues, and ensuring optimal system performance and safety. Senior Controls Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other departments to integrate new technologies. Their expertise is crucial for streamlining production, reducing downtime, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What are the typical responsibilities of a senior controls engineer in a manufacturing environment?

As a Senior Controls Engineer in a manufacturing setting, you can expect to lead the design, programming, and troubleshooting of automation systems such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA. Your responsibilities often include overseeing control system upgrades, optimizing equipment for efficiency, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. You will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams—including maintenance, production, and IT—to implement solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives. Managing complex projects and mentoring junior engineers are also common aspects of the role.

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

To thrive as a Senior Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and several years of experience in industrial automation. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and knowledge of industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and excellent communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the effective design, implementation, and troubleshooting of complex control systems, which are critical for operational safety, efficiency, and project success.

What is the difference between Senior Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectSenior Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience, possibly certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, troubleshooting, project leadership in industrial or manufacturing settingsImplementing control systems, programming, testing, and maintenance in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control companiesSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles within the same sectors

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Controls Engineers typically lead projects, design complex systems, and mentor junior staff, while Controls Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the senior role involves more leadership and advanced technical skills.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Durham, NC?

For Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Durham, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Senior Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,948 per year, or $50 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

LAPORTE L.C.C.

Raleigh, NC

$94K - $124K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Senior Controls Engineer

We're seeking a full-time controls engineer to join our expanding team and contribute to the design, programming, and management of automation projects in the pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries. LAPORTE is a consulting engineering firm which has been in business for 25 years. Today, the company has 25 offices across North America and Europe, and over 480 employees with a passion for engineering.

Join us for a competitive salary, compensatory PTO, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment that emphasizes professional growth. We believe in a flexible working environment that values work-life balance while encouraging efficiency and creativity on a daily basis.

The Controls Engineer will:

  • Lead and support the design of automation projects, developing specifications for control panels, networks, and software (primarily Allen-Bradley PLC/PACs and Factorytalk View ME/SE HMI and SCADA).
  • Translate process or packaging applications into detailed construction packages for control panel designs and electrical installation scopes. Construction packages typical include equipment arrangement drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, control panel drawings, etc.
  • Mentor and supervise project team members, enhancing team collaboration and project execution.
  • Provide comprehensive lifecycle support for projects, including system design, troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning.
  • Perform site surveys and offer hands-on support during installation, focusing on control system deployment.
  • Adhere to and ensure compliance with relevant codes (UL508A, NEC) and standards.
  • Engage in diverse projects, enhancing your engineering and project management skills.
  • Travel expectations are dependent on specific project requirements by typically require 1-3 days for an initial site visit and then a return trip to lead commissioning efforts which may take 1-4 weeks. Overall travel is anticipated to be 20-40%.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering Technology.
  • 6+ years of experience in control systems, manufacturing, or consulting-design environments including experience commissioning systems, preferably as a lead.
  • Proficient in automation project tasks including design, client coordination, and bid package preparation.
  • Skilled in control panel and network design, instrument selection, and control system programming.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD for control panel design and electrical construction packages.
  • Familiarity / Experience with electrical engineering construction packages - single line diagrams, panel schedules, power plans, etc.
  • Hands-on experience surveying existing control installations and preparing as-built conditions of systems.
  • Experience surveying and planning control systems projects without support of a manager.
  • Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation software-Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000 for PLC programming and FactoryTalk View ME / SE for HMI and SCADA development.

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