Controls Technician Jobs in South Carolina
Controls Technician jobs in South Carolina are concentrated in the Upstate, Charleston, and Columbia metros, where advanced manufacturing, automotive production, and defense contracting drive steady demand for instrumentation, PLC programming, and process control expertise. BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, Bosch, and Michelin are among the established employers with ongoing needs at every level from entry-level maintenance technician to senior automation specialist. Industrial automation and HVAC/BAS controls are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Role Summary
We are looking for a Controls Technician / Engineer to troubleshoot, maintain, modify, and improve industrial control systems and automated manufacturing equipment. The ideal candidate combines a solid understanding of PLCs and industrial automation with strong practical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Candidates of all experience levels are welcome to apply. Experience with Siemens TIA Portal or Allen-Bradley systems is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve PLC, HMI, and industrial control system issues.
- Modify, develop, and maintain PLC programs and HMI applications as required.
- Support commissioning, installation, and integration of automated equipment.
- Diagnose electrical, instrumentation, communication, and network-related issues.
- Work with sensors, actuators, drives, safety systems, and industrial communication networks.
- Interpret electrical schematics, PLC programs, and technical documentation.
- Collaborate with robotics, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve equipment reliability.
- Document program changes, troubleshooting activities, and system improvements.
Qualifications
- Experience with PLC-based automation systems (Siemens TIA Portal or Allen-Bradley preferred).
- Understanding of PLC programming, HMI systems, and industrial controls.
- Solid electrical troubleshooting skills and knowledge of industrial electrical systems.
- Familiarity with industrial networks, sensors, drives, and safety systems.
- Basic understanding of mechanical and pneumatic systems.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex problems systematically and independently.
- Strong analytical thinking, practical problem-solving skills, and common sense.
- Technical degree, vocational training, or equivalent hands-on experience preferred.
- Experience in manufacturing or industrial automation is a plus.
What We Offer
- Small, Family-Owned Company: Be part of a close-knit team where your contributions matter and you're more than just another employee.
- Flat Organizational Structure: No unnecessary layers of management. Enjoy direct communication, easy access to decision-makers, and a straightforward approach to getting things done.
- Hourly Pay: Get paid for every hour you work, rather than receiving a fixed salary.
- Overtime Pay: Earn 1.5× your regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
- Monthly Paychecks: Reliable monthly payroll with straightforward pay structures.
- Freedom of Choice for Benefits: We don't tie you to company-sponsored health insurance or 401(k) plans. This gives you the flexibility to choose the coverage and retirement options that best fit your individual needs, while keeping more of your gross earnings in each paycheck.
Pay: From $38.00 per hour
Expected hours: 36.0 – 48.0 per week
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Experience:
- Industrial Controls: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
- English (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Union, SC 29379 (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 20 Controls Technician Jobs in South Carolina
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Find Controls Technician JobsControls Technician Jobs by City in South Carolina
Where South Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Technician Job Market in South Carolina
A snapshot from current South Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
- Construction & Real Estate
- Manufacturing
What South Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls technician jobs across South Carolina.
- Associate degree or technical diploma in industrial electronics, automation, or a related field
- Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLCs
- Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI configuration, and process instrumentation
- Valid South Carolina Electrical Contractor or Journeyman Electrician license where site work requires it
- Ability to read and interpret P&ID diagrams, ladder logic, and electrical schematics
- Experience with preventive maintenance programs and computerized maintenance management systems
Controls Technician Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls technician in South Carolina?
Most controls technician roles in South Carolina require an associate degree or technical diploma in industrial electronics, mechatronics, or instrumentation from a technical college such as Spartanburg Community College, Trident Technical College, or Midlands Technical College. Employers in the state's automotive and manufacturing sectors also value apprenticeship completions and vendor certifications in Rockwell Automation or Siemens platforms. For roles involving electrical installation, candidates may need a South Carolina Journeyman Electrician license issued through the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board.
Which companies hire controls technicians in South Carolina?
South Carolina controls technician roles are posted by Yanfeng, Thorne Research, and Ergon and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The state's deep concentration of automotive, tire, and aerospace manufacturers keeps a broad mix of industrial employers posting controls roles throughout the year.
Which South Carolina cities have the most controls technician jobs?
Columbia, Summerville, and Fountain Inn have the most controls technician openings in South Carolina right now. The Upstate anchors the list because BMW, Michelin, and dozens of supplier plants are headquartered there, while Charleston's growing aerospace and port logistics presence and Columbia's defense and utility infrastructure support consistent hiring in those metros as well.
Are there remote controls technician jobs in South Carolina?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of controls technician openings tied to South Carolina are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which reflects how hands-on the role is by nature. The portions most likely to allow remote work are controls engineering design, PLC programming review, and SCADA software configuration rather than field installation or on-site commissioning.
How can I get hired as a controls technician in South Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an industrial electronics or mechatronics program at one of South Carolina's technical colleges, which often have direct pipelines into apprenticeships with Upstate automotive manufacturers. BMW's apprenticeship program in Spartanburg and supplier plant maintenance trainee roles are well-known starting points. Candidates coming from adjacent roles such as electrical helper, HVAC service technician, or production maintenance associate have a clear lateral path, and earning a Rockwell Automation certification strengthens any entry-level application.
Where can I find and apply to controls technician jobs in South Carolina?
You can find and apply to controls technician jobs in South Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state's manufacturing, defense, and building systems sectors. Find a role that fits and apply directly from the listing.
See All 20 Controls Technician Jobs in South Carolina
Find roles in South Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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