Controls Engineer

Confidential; Coraopolis (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking an Entry Level Electrical Controls Engineer to support design, development, programming, testing, and commissioning of industrial electrical control systems. You will gain hands-on experience in both office and field environments while assisting teams with control system design and field startup activities.

The role emphasizes PLC/DCS programming, HMI/SCADA configuration, and documentation, with opportunities to collaborate on panel fabrication and field services across

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• Internship, co-op, or academic project experience related to electrical engineering or industrial systems preferred.
• Exposure to PLCs, automation systems, or electrical design through coursework or practical experience preferred.
• Basic proficiency with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office applications required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design and engineering of electrical control systems for industrial applications.
• Support PLC and DCS programming activities across multiple automation platforms.
• Develop and configure HMI and SCADA applications.
• Prepare bills of materials (BOMs), calculations, and project documentation.
• Participate in field commissioning, startup, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Provide remote and onsite technical support for installed systems.

Skills

PLC programming

DCS programming

HMI/SCADA development

Electrical schematics reading

Industrial networking

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Entry Level Electrical Controls Engineer supports the design, development, programming, testing, and commissioning of industrial electrical control systems. This role assists engineering teams with control system design, PLC/DCS programming, and field startup activities while gaining hands‑on experience in both office and field environments. The position plays a key role in delivering reliable automation and control solutions that support operational efficiency, system performance, and customer satisfaction throughout the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, specification, and engineering of electrical control systems for industrial applications.
• Support PLC and DCS programming activities across multiple automation platforms.
• Assist with the development and configuration of HMI and SCADA applications.
• Develop, review, and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Participate in power distribution system design and electrical layout development.
• Support motor control system design, integration, and AC drive implementation.
• Assist with process instrumentation selection, specification, and implementation.
• Contribute to industrial network design, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Participate in field commissioning, startup, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Provide remote and onsite technical support for installed systems.
• Collaborate with panel fabrication teams on control panel design, assembly, and testing.
• Perform electrical panel inspections, testing, and validation activities.
• Assist with laboratory testing, system validation, and performance verification.
• Prepare bills of materials (BOMs), calculations, technical reports, and project documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes, standards, and project requirements.
• Support project teams in meeting quality, schedule, and customer objectives.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• Internship, co‑op, or academic project experience related to electrical engineering, controls, automation, or industrial systems preferred.
• Exposure to PLCs, industrial automation systems, or electrical design through coursework or practical experience preferred.
• Basic proficiency with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office applications required.

Special Requirements

• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required by project needs.
• Ability to work safely in industrial and manufacturing environments.
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain a passport for international travel preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Fundamental understanding of electrical engineering principles and industrial control systems.
• Basic knowledge of PLCs, DCS systems, industrial automation, and instrumentation.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Familiarity with motor controls, AC drives, and industrial networking concepts.
• Understanding of communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, Modbus, ControlNet, and RS-485 preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Eagerness to learn new technologies, systems, and engineering tools.

Additional Desired Characteristics

• Exposure to Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, Honeywell, or similar automation platforms.
• Familiarity with HMI/SCADA development and database integration concepts.
• Experience through internships, laboratories, senior design projects, or co‑op programs.
• Interest in industrial automation, process control, and electrical system design.
• Adaptability and willingness to work in both office and field environments.
• Combination of office‑based engineering work and field‑based commissioning activities.
• Frequent interaction with engineering, manufacturing, and customer personnel.
• Travel throughout the region, with occasional domestic and international travel based on project requirements.
• Work may involve exposure to industrial facilities, manufacturing plants, and construction environments.

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify responsibilities and assign additional duties as business needs require.