Controls Engineer Jobs in South Carolina
Controls engineer jobs in South Carolina are actively in demand, concentrated in the automotive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and chemical processing sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level automation technician to senior systems engineer. The heaviest hiring is in Greenville, Charleston, and Columbia, where employers like BMW Manufacturing, Bosch, and Michelin North America maintain significant operations. The most sought-after specialties are PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial robotics integration. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Responsible for the troubleshooting and repair of complex PLC controlled production machinery and equipment including equipment failures and process related issues. Includes diagnosis, troubleshooting, breakdown, preventative and predictive measures, as well as the implementation of long term corrective measures. Work is of the technical nature where independent judgment is used and decisions are made within the limits of general practice policies. Works with minimal supervision and communicates progress effectively.
Essential Functions:
- Diagnose and correct problems with high volume automated production and CNC machining equipment (primarily Siemens PLC, Siemens 840D controllers, drives, vision systems, servo systems)
- Perform complete projects related to improvement and upgrades of above equipment, including documentation via maintenance management databases (i.e. Work Orders).
- Provide assistance to engineering personnel as needed
- Update documentation for equipment
- Complete miscellaneous assignments as required
- Work in coordination with representatives from various machine builders and colleagues from Germany
- Interpret, understand and modify electrical drawing and schematics
- Be involved in machine installation and moves from a controls technician perspective
- Participates in teams and cross-functional groups
- Provides technical assistance and support to manufacturing operations
- Ability to complete projects from beginning to end with little supervision
- Other duties as assigned.
Education:
- Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering; or Associates of Science in in engineering field with equivalent experience
Experience:
- Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in a similar field within a manufacturing environment
- Minimum 2 to 4 years previous experience in machine building or automation troubleshooting
Specific Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of PLC logic and related controls. Understanding of manufacturing processes
- Knowledge of materials and methods of manufacturing
- Basic knowledge in spatial geometry and trigonometry
- Ability to interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and drawings, understand GD&T
- High level of analytical ability where problems are complex
- Aptitude for learning new software and hardware systems
- Ability to read and understand ladder logic and electrical one line diagrams
- Proficiency in electrical trouble shooting
- Experience in machine building and automation troubleshooting
- Understanding of manufacturing processes
- PLC programming – esp (Siemens S7, 840D controller) or equivalent, HMI software
- Industrial networking (Profibus, Ethernet)
- Mechatronics
- Robot programming and troubleshooting
- Vision systems, 2D laser profiles, Servo controls (Promess preferred), load cells, dispensing systems
- Pneumatics and Hydraulics
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (ie Excel, Outlook) computer software applications.
- Ability to communicate effectively both written and oral with all levels within the organization
- Understand the relevance and importance of their activities and how they contribute to achieving quality objectives (UNIVERSAL per IATF 16949).
- Understanding of ISO 14001.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to walk/move about a 250,000 sq ft manufacturing facility: 80% of the time
- Must be able to stand/walk/move about specific work area: 75% of the time
- Must be able to bend/reach/twist/stoop: 40% of the time
- Must be able to lift up to 30lbs on a frequent basis: 30% of the time
- Must be able to lift over 30lbs on an infrequent basis: 10% of the time
- Must be able to push/pull materials using motorized and non-motorized material handling equipment on an infrequent basis: 20% of the time
- Must be able to sit at a work station: 80% of the time
- Must be able to work and operate a computer terminal: 80% of the time
- Vision is required to analyze and process work; and to work on computer terminal/machine centers, etc.
- Hearing is essential for safety reasons; and to communicate with employees, supervisors, managers, vendors, suppliers and customers via conversation, group meetings, and/or phone conferences
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
Responsible for the troubleshooting and repair of complex PLC controlled production machinery and equipment including equipment failures and process related issues. Includes diagnosis, troubleshooting, breakdown, preventative and predictive measures, as well as the implementation of long term corrective measures. Work is of the technical nature where independent judgment is used and decisions are made within the limits of general practice policies. Works with minimal supervision and communicates progress effectively.
Essential Functions:
- Diagnose and correct problems with high volume automated production and CNC machining equipment (primarily Siemens PLC, Siemens 840D controllers, drives, vision systems, servo systems)
- Perform complete projects related to improvement and upgrades of above equipment, including documentation via maintenance management databases (i.e. Work Orders).
- Provide assistance to engineering personnel as needed
- Update documentation for equipment
- Complete miscellaneous assignments as required
- Work in coordination with representatives from various machine builders and colleagues from Germany
- Interpret, understand and modify electrical drawing and schematics
- Be involved in machine installation and moves from a controls technician perspective
- Participates in teams and cross-functional groups
- Provides technical assistance and support to manufacturing operations
- Ability to complete projects from beginning to end with little supervision
- Other duties as assigned.
Education:
- Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering; or Associates of Science in in engineering field with equivalent experience
Experience:
- Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in a similar field within a manufacturing environment
- Minimum 2 to 4 years previous experience in machine building or automation troubleshooting
Specific Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of PLC logic and related controls. Understanding of manufacturing processes
- Knowledge of materials and methods of manufacturing
- Basic knowledge in spatial geometry and trigonometry
- Ability to interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and drawings, understand GD&T
- High level of analytical ability where problems are complex
- Aptitude for learning new software and hardware systems
- Ability to read and understand ladder logic and electrical one line diagrams
- Proficiency in electrical trouble shooting
- Experience in machine building and automation troubleshooting
- Understanding of manufacturing processes
- PLC programming – esp (Siemens S7, 840D controller) or equivalent, HMI software
- Industrial networking (Profibus, Ethernet)
- Mechatronics
- Robot programming and troubleshooting
- Vision systems, 2D laser profiles, Servo controls (Promess preferred), load cells, dispensing systems
- Pneumatics and Hydraulics
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (ie Excel, Outlook) computer software applications.
- Ability to communicate effectively both written and oral with all levels within the organization
- Understand the relevance and importance of their activities and how they contribute to achieving quality objectives (UNIVERSAL per IATF 16949).
- Understanding of ISO 14001.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to walk/move about a 250,000 sq ft manufacturing facility: 80% of the time
- Must be able to stand/walk/move about specific work area: 75% of the time
- Must be able to bend/reach/twist/stoop: 40% of the time
- Must be able to lift up to 30lbs on a frequent basis: 30% of the time
- Must be able to lift over 30lbs on an infrequent basis: 10% of the time
- Must be able to push/pull materials using motorized and non-motorized material handling equipment on an infrequent basis: 20% of the time
- Must be able to sit at a work station: 80% of the time
- Must be able to work and operate a computer terminal: 80% of the time
- Vision is required to analyze and process work; and to work on computer terminal/machine centers, etc.
- Hearing is essential for safety reasons; and to communicate with employees, supervisors, managers, vendors, suppliers and customers via conversation, group meetings, and/or phone conferences
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
See All 54 Controls Engineer Jobs in South Carolina
Find roles in South Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in South Carolina
Where South Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in South Carolina
A snapshot from current South Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Electronics & Hardware
- Human Resources
- Fashion & Apparel
What South Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across South Carolina.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- Proficiency in PLC programming using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider Electric platforms
- Experience designing or maintaining SCADA and HMI systems in a manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, or Profibus
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and P&ID diagrams
- Experience with automotive or chemical process control systems preferred for South Carolina plants
Controls Engineer Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in South Carolina?
Most controls engineer roles in South Carolina require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering from an accredited program. While South Carolina does not require a state-specific license for controls engineers working in private industry, engineers who provide services to the public may need licensure through the South Carolina Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. Employers in automotive and advanced manufacturing typically prioritize hands-on PLC and SCADA experience alongside the degree.
How much do controls engineers make in South Carolina?
Controls engineers in South Carolina earn a median of about $101,060 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $75,000 for the lowest 10% to over $136,720 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in South Carolina?
Employers hiring controls engineers in South Carolina right now include GE Vernova, Eaton, and Quest Global, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. South Carolina's strong base of automotive assembly plants, chemical facilities, and advanced manufacturing operations makes it one of the more consistent states for controls engineering openings year-round.
Which South Carolina cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Greenville, Spartanburg, and Trenton have the most controls engineer openings in South Carolina. Greenville leads because of the dense concentration of automotive and advanced manufacturing facilities in the Upstate region, including major anchor plants that draw a wide network of suppliers and system integrators, while Charleston and Columbia add volume through chemical processing, defense-related manufacturing, and broader industrial operations.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in South Carolina?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is fundamentally hands-on work tied to physical equipment on plant floors, so most positions require on-site presence. About 20% of controls engineer openings tied to South Carolina are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be project management, systems architecture, or off-site programming roles rather than floor-level commissioning and maintenance positions.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in South Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a co-op or internship program at one of South Carolina's large automotive or manufacturing employers, such as those in the Greenville-Spartanburg Upstate corridor, which regularly bring on engineering students from Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. Entry-level roles like automation technician, electrical technician, or maintenance engineer can bridge into controls work, and earning a foundational PLC certification from a platform like Allen-Bradley strengthens a candidate's profile significantly before applying.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in South Carolina?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in South Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that match your experience.
See All 54 Controls Engineer Jobs in South Carolina
Find roles in South Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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