Controls Engineer Jobs in North Carolina
Controls engineer jobs in North Carolina are consistently active, with strong demand across the state's manufacturing, life sciences, and industrial automation sectors at every level from entry-level technician to senior systems engineer. Charlotte, Raleigh, and the Triad region around Greensboro and Winston-Salem are the primary hiring centers, home to established employers like Honeywell, ABB, and Siemens Energy that maintain large engineering operations in the state. The most sought-after specialties include PLC programming, SCADA systems, and process control for pharmaceutical and food and beverage production. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Position Summary:
The Senior Controls Engineer will be responsible for installing, modifying, and servicing process control systems throughout the facility as well as providing electrical engineering support that consists of electrical designs and drawings. The individual will work in a high performance, team-centered work environment to support operations, engineering, and maintenance by driving continuous improvement in the automation and control of the manufacturing processes as well as providing electrical engineering. The Sr. Controls Engineer will utilize data management skills, PLC (Programmable Logic Control) skills, electrical engineering, and general troubleshooting skills to solve complex manufacturing processes, create enhancements to the process control systems, and provide electrical design solutions. The individual will assist with programming and installing of new equipment during start-up of manufacturing activities.
Job Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods, controls, devices, and systems to enhance overall productivity and reduce downtime
- Troubleshoot and work with Allen-Bradley PLCs (500, RS Logix, Micro Logix, Compact Logix, Control Logix) and Siemens PLC programming to ensure optimal system performance
- Identify, research, and resolve issues related to scrap, downtime, and equipment deficiencies to improve process reliability
- Lead the implementation of process changes, new automation projects, and installation of new equipment at various locations, including internationally
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and operations, to address equipment performance issues and optimize plant processes
- Develop and maintain electrical and control schematics while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards
- Provide technical support for system commissioning, start-ups, and ongoing maintenance both locally at multiple facilities
- Mentor junior controls engineers to teach correct engineering practices
- Periodically review technology advancements to provide a competitive advantage through continued education, seminars, and trade shows to provide a competitive advantage
- Work independently on assignments of medium to high complexity projects / engineering tasks applying engineering knowledge of assignments
- Responsible for managing and implementing capital projects
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Skills:
- Programming experience (Allen Bradley, B&R, Siemens)
- HMI'SCADA design experience using Wonderware, Ignition and Allen Bradley ME- SE
- Knowledge of common industrial networks (Ethernet IP, Ethercat, Bacnet and modbus)
- Knowledge of Allen Bradley VFDs and servos systems
- Knowledge of Cognex and Keyence Vision systems
- Comfortable walking down control system diagrams and red lining them to reflect as built conditions.
- Ability to read Process & Instrumentation Drawings is a plus
- Detail Oriented
- Highly Organized
- Team player who can adapt well to engineering standards
- Understanding and feedback of Input / Output control sequence
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Familiarity with current industry practices and guidelines including those required / outlined by the FDA, ISO, EU and ICH.
Understand 21 CFR Part 11, cGAMP, and other regulatory guidance associated with computer / automation based systems - Ability to read electrical schematics
- Low-voltage electrical design and layout.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills
- Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills
- Knowledge of Fanuc, ABB and Staubli robots a plus
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science or related discipline, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
See All 102+ Controls Engineer Jobs in North Carolina
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Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in North Carolina
A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Electronics & Hardware
- Construction & Real Estate
What North Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across North Carolina.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi platforms
- Proficiency with SCADA and HMI systems such as FactoryTalk, Ignition, or WinCC
- Familiarity with industrial networking protocols including EtherNet/IP, Profibus, and Modbus
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, loop drawings, and P&ID diagrams
- Experience working within regulated manufacturing environments such as pharma, biotech, or food production
Controls Engineer Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in North Carolina?
Most controls engineers in North Carolina enter the field with a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering from a North Carolina institution such as NC State, UNC Charlotte, or NC A&T. While no state-specific license is required to work as a controls engineer, candidates who pursue a Professional Engineer (PE) license through the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors gain a clear advantage in senior or consulting roles. Employers also value hands-on PLC and SCADA certifications from vendors like Rockwell or Siemens.
How much do controls engineers make in North Carolina?
Controls engineers in North Carolina earn a median of about $99,310 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $68,930 for the lowest 10% to over $139,110 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in North Carolina?
Employers hiring controls engineers in North Carolina right now include FCX, Eaton, and Applied Industrial Technologies, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. North Carolina's concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers, industrial automation integrators, and large energy companies makes it one of the more consistent states for controls engineering demand year-round.
Which North Carolina cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Charlotte, Raleigh, and Arden account for the highest concentration of controls engineer openings in North Carolina. Charlotte drives volume through its manufacturing and energy infrastructure, Raleigh benefits from the Research Triangle's life sciences and advanced manufacturing corridor, and the Greensboro and Winston-Salem area draws openings from legacy industrial and food production employers that have anchored the Piedmont Triad for decades.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in North Carolina?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is fundamentally a hands-on, site-based discipline, so most roles require regular presence on a production floor or at a client facility. About 39% of controls engineer openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be project management, systems architecture, or pre-sales engineering positions rather than day-to-day commissioning or maintenance roles.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in North Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an automation or electrical engineering technician role at one of North Carolina's large manufacturing employers, where you gain PLC and instrumentation exposure before stepping into a full controls engineer title. Companies like Honeywell and ABB in the Charlotte area run co-op and new-grad programs through NC State and NC A&T pipelines. A Rockwell Automation or Siemens PLC certification, combined with a senior capstone project involving industrial controls, gives candidates without work experience a concrete credential to show hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in North Carolina?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly from the listing.
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