Controls Project Engineer

thyssenkrupp; South Carolina; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An international industrial group is seeking a Project Engineer - Controls in Blythewood, South Carolina. This role focuses on leading electrical controls engineering in automation projects, involving PLC and robotic programming. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 3-5 years of relevant experience. There will be a requirement for project-based travel. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a dynamic global program execution team.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of automation and controls engineering experience.
• Experience with PLC and/or robot programming.
• Project management experience on medium to large projects is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all electrical controls engineering activities for assigned projects.
• Develop and support PLC and robotic programming.
• Support onsite installation, debugging, commissioning, and startup.

Skills

Automation and controls engineering

PLC programming

Robotic programming

Electrical engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

thyssenkrupp is an international industrial and technology group with more than 93,000 employees. In the fiscal year 2024/2025, the company generated sales of around €33 billion in 48 countries. Its business activities are bundled in five segments: Automotive Technology, Decarbon Technologies, Materials Services, Steel Europe and Marine Systems. With extensive technological know-how, outstanding engineering competence and a high level of innovative strength, the group develops solutions for the challenges of the future, especially in the fields of climate protection and energy transition, digital transformation in industry and mobility of the future.

Our Automotive Body Solution business is a dedicated local line builder specializing in small-scale projects with a focus on precision and quality. Our expertise encompasses Brownfield Body-in-White (BIW) Automation Lines, offering comprehensive services from design and simulation to manufacturing, installation, and programming. Our capabilities extend to robot and PLC programming, virtual commissioning, and quality improvement, all managed through meticulous project oversight. In addition, we provide specialized labor, including hemming expertise in roller and table top hemming, as well as prototype equipment for BIW and forming dies. With a strong foundation in consulting, we assist with BIW process optimization and forming die expertise. Our Greenfield BIW services further highlight our versatility and commitment to delivering top-tier solutions in the automotive industry.

Your responsibilities

This role will work out of Blythewood, South Carolina on a weekly basis.

We are seeking a Project Engineer - Controls (PEC) with a strong background in automation and control systems to support complex, medium-to-large-scale automation projects as part of a Global Program Execution Team. This role is responsible for leading all aspects of electrical controls engineering, from design through commissioning, in support of automated manufacturing systems.

Role within the Project Team

The Project Engineer - Controls (PEC) is one of three primary leadership roles responsible for project execution:

• Project Manager (PM) - Overall project leadership, schedule, budget, and customer interface
• Project Engineer - Mechanical (PEM) - Mechanical design, build, and installation leadership
• Project Engineer - Controls (PEC) - Electrical and automation controls leadership

Key Responsibilities

Controls Engineering Leadership

• Lead and coordinate all electrical controls engineering activities for assigned projects
• Serve as the technical owner for PLC, robot, and automation control systems
• Define controls architecture, standards, and implementation strategies

Programming & Automation

• Develop, review, and support PLC and/or robotic programming
• Support integration of automation equipment, safety systems, and networked controls

Project Execution & Coordination

• Partner with PM and PEM to align scope, timing, and deliverables
• Participate in design reviews and readiness assessments
• Support onsite installation, debugging, commissioning, and startup
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues

Documentation & Standards

• Review electrical schematics and software documentation
• Ensure compliance with safety and customer standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 3-5 years of automation and controls engineering experience
• PLC and/or robot programming experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Project management experience on medium to large projects
• Automotive or high-volume manufacturing experience

Working Conditions

• Project-based travel required

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.