Controls Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Controls engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are consistently active, with demand concentrated in the state's deep manufacturing, energy, and defense sectors at every level from entry-level technician to senior systems architect. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown are the largest hiring metros, anchored by employers like Siemens, Merck, and Lockheed Martin that maintain long-term engineering operations across the state. The most sought-after specialties include PLC programming, industrial automation, and process control for pharmaceutical and chemical production. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
At Jacobs, we don’t settle – always looking beyond to raise the bar and deliver with excellence. We apply our expertise and knowledge as we look into the future with great optimism and focus. We don’t settle until we give our best and know that we’re making a difference.
We're looking for a Instrumentation and Controls Engineer in either Conshohocken, PA, Cincinnati, OH, Cary, NC or Indianapolis, IN office locations who is excited about working on projects that enable the heart of our clients’ business. Join us and you’ll have the chance to work on projects including state-of-the-art industrial and commercial facilities. You’ll be accountable for schedule and technical quality of challenging engineering tasks, as you gain familiarity with the client’s expectations, scope, budget, and schedule. You’ll also provide on-site assistance during startup, coordinate work activities with other staff members and the discipline lead. Your multi-discipline, highly interactive team will produce designs for electrical circuits and panels utilizing control applications, designs for control systems for a variety of processes, and develop options and optimizations for all aspects of the process control, instrumentation, and automation. You’ll also have the chance to utilize your technical expertise to mentor other professionals, helping your team discover what drives them, nurturing their purpose and guiding them forward.
Bring your curiosity, talent for multi-tasking and collaboration, and extreme organizational skills and we’ll help you grow, pursue and fulfill what drives you – so we can make big impacts on the world, together.
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or chemical engineering from an accredited university or college.
- 7+ years of experience as an instrumentation and control design engineer for industrial private-sector clients such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, food products, or petrochemical industries preferred. Strong preference will be given to pharmaceutical experience.
- Experience in design, testing and startup of industrial process automation systems.
- Experience with industrial process control networking including Fieldbus technologies.
- Control panel design. Knowledge of UL508A requirements for industrial control panels.
- Strong analytical, conceptual, problem solving and organizational skills.
- Ability to effectively interface with all levels of personnel and management.
- Ability to work and thrive in a team environment.
- Ability to self-motivate and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Knowledge of Piping & Instrument Diagram Development (P&ID) including ANSI/ISA S5.1 symbology.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Ideally, you’ll also have:
- Working knowledge of PLC, DCS, and other controls applications preferred
- Professional Engineer Registration (PE) preferred
- Strong communication skills both verbal and written.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Forward thinking, eager to learn best practices, and contribute with innovative ideas.
- Displayed ability to learn quickly and driven to broaden knowledge base
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a variety of teams, including multi-disciplinary teams.
- Knowledge of instruments and control valves including valve sizing.
- Can independently lead plant design activities as an area/system leader and coordinate with multi-discipline designers.
#LifeSciences, #Bio/Pharma, #EPCMV, #globallifescience, #Construction, #Engineering
#LI-SH1
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.
The base salary range for this position is $110,600.00 to $185,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on August 11, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.
See All 94 Controls Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services14
- Manufacturing7
- Electronics & Hardware6
- Energy5
- Automotive3
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or controls engineering from an accredited institution
- Proficiency with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi programming environments
- Hands-on experience designing or commissioning industrial automation and process control systems
- Familiarity with HMI development, SCADA systems, and industrial communication protocols like EtherNet/IP
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and instrumentation diagrams
- Professional Engineer licensure or active pursuit of PE registration through the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers
Controls Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in Pennsylvania?
Most Pennsylvania employers require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering as the foundation. While no state license is mandatory to work as a controls engineer, obtaining a Professional Engineer license through the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers strengthens career prospects, particularly for roles in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and energy. Gaining hands-on PLC and automation experience through internships or co-op programs is the most direct path into Pennsylvania's industrial hiring pipeline.
How much do controls engineers make in Pennsylvania?
Controls engineers in Pennsylvania earn a median of about $99,560 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,700 for the lowest 10% to over $143,210 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring controls engineers in Pennsylvania right now include Sargent & Lundy, Emerson, and Eaton, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers, defense contractors, and industrial automation integrators means demand is consistent across both large enterprise employers and regional engineering firms throughout the state.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Allentown have the most controls engineer openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia's concentration of pharmaceutical and life sciences manufacturers drives high volume in the southeast, while Pittsburgh's legacy in steel and energy has evolved into advanced manufacturing and robotics, and Allentown's industrial corridor supports a strong base of automation and process control roles across the Lehigh Valley.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline requiring on-site commissioning, equipment troubleshooting, and direct interaction with plant systems. About 38% of controls engineer openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those opportunities are almost exclusively limited to design, programming review, or project management functions rather than field or commissioning work.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a co-op or internship through Pennsylvania's engineering programs, since employers like Siemens and regional automation integrators in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas regularly convert student placements into full-time hires. Entry roles titled junior automation engineer, controls technician, or field service engineer are common starting points. Building hands-on PLC programming skills and pursuing certification from a recognized vendor platform gives candidates a measurable edge with Pennsylvania industrial employers.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings across manufacturing, energy, defense, and pharmaceutical sectors. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your experience and location, and apply directly to each position without creating an account or signing up.
See All 94 Controls Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
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