Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
MA
MCS Automation
Controls Engineer
Career Insights for Electrical Controls Engineer
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on New Jersey data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
An Electrical Controls Engineer designs, develops, and supervises all aspects of electrical control systems, equipment, and machinery. May be responsible for the installation and technical support of PLC based hardware and software.
$104,386 / year median in New Jersey
+5% projected growth
Job Description
Controls EngineerPosition OverviewWe are seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to design, develop, and support industrial control systems that drive safe, efficient, and reliable automated processes. The successful candidate will be responsible for PLC and HMI programming, system integration, panel design support, commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of controls architectures across manufacturing or process environments. This role requires hands-on technical ability, strong problem-solving skills, and effective collaboration with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams.
Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, program, and commission PLC systems to control machinery and process equipment, ensuring performance meets specifications and safety requirements.
Develop, configure, and maintain
Integrate control system components including I/O, drives, sensors, actuators, networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, etc.), and third-party equipment.
Create, update, and maintain control system documentation including functional specifications, logic diagrams, I/O lists, wiring diagrams, and test plans.
Perform FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing), SAT (Site Acceptance Testing), and on-site commissioning and start-up support; troubleshoot and resolve control system issues during testing and production.
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to develop holistic solutions that meet production, quality, and safety goals.
Implement and support PLC/HMI code version control, backup procedures, and structured testing processes to ensure robust deployments.
Analyze system performance and lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase equipment availability, reduce downtime, and optimize control strategies.
Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations staff, and respond to production incidents and root-cause analysis efforts.
Ensure designs and work comply with company safety policies, applicable electrical and automation standards, and industry best practices.
QualificationsBachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Mechatronics, or related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.3+ years of hands-on experience designing, programming, and commissioning industrial control systems.
Proven experience with PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or equivalent) and good understanding of
Strong knowledge of industrial networks and communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, OPC-UA).Experience with motion control, VFDs, PID tuning, instrumentation, and I/O wiring and diagnostics.
Ability to read and create electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control system documentation; familiarity with panel layout and wiring best practices.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach to testing and debugging controls systems.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and coordinate vendor activities.
Willingness to travel to project sites for commissioning and support as needed; valid drivers license.
Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, program, and commission PLC systems to control machinery and process equipment, ensuring performance meets specifications and safety requirements.
Develop, configure, and maintain
HMI/SCADA
applications to provide clear operator interfaces and reliable process visualization and alarms.Integrate control system components including I/O, drives, sensors, actuators, networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, etc.), and third-party equipment.
Create, update, and maintain control system documentation including functional specifications, logic diagrams, I/O lists, wiring diagrams, and test plans.
Perform FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing), SAT (Site Acceptance Testing), and on-site commissioning and start-up support; troubleshoot and resolve control system issues during testing and production.
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and process engineers to develop holistic solutions that meet production, quality, and safety goals.
Implement and support PLC/HMI code version control, backup procedures, and structured testing processes to ensure robust deployments.
Analyze system performance and lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase equipment availability, reduce downtime, and optimize control strategies.
Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations staff, and respond to production incidents and root-cause analysis efforts.
Ensure designs and work comply with company safety policies, applicable electrical and automation standards, and industry best practices.
QualificationsBachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Mechatronics, or related technical discipline, or equivalent experience.3+ years of hands-on experience designing, programming, and commissioning industrial control systems.
Proven experience with PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or equivalent) and good understanding of
IEC 61131-3
languages (Ladder, Structured Text, Function Block).Experience developing and troubleshooting HMIs/SCADA (e.g., FactoryTalk View, Wonderware/InTouch, Ignition) and building operator interfaces and alarm strategies.Strong knowledge of industrial networks and communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, OPC-UA).Experience with motion control, VFDs, PID tuning, instrumentation, and I/O wiring and diagnostics.
Ability to read and create electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control system documentation; familiarity with panel layout and wiring best practices.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach to testing and debugging controls systems.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and coordinate vendor activities.
Willingness to travel to project sites for commissioning and support as needed; valid drivers license.