Junior Electrical Controls Engineer

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; Darlington (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. is seeking a Junior Controls Engineer in Darlington, SC. You will assist in designing PLC-based control systems, and support PLC/HMI/SCADA programming under senior engineers.

In this entry-level role, you will collaborate with engineering, project management, production, service, and customers to deliver reliable automation solutions while gaining hands-on experience with electrical control systems and industrial networks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum three months of engineering, controls, automation, electrical, or related industrial experience.
• Academic, internship, co-op, or hands-on experience with PLC-based control systems preferred.
• Basic understanding of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial automation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with design and development of PLC-based control systems.
• Support PLC, HMI, and SCADA programming and configuration under senior engineers.
• Assist with development and modification of control logic, graphics, alarms, and operator interfaces.
• Support electrical control panel and system design, including I/O documentation and schematics.
• Assist with industrial networks and protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, PROFINET).
• Participate in system testing, troubleshooting, commissioning, and startup activities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Written and verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley basics

SCADA/HMI basics

Job description

Location: Darlington, SC
Department: Engineering / Controls
Travel: As Needed (Typically Up to 30-50%)
Expected Work Hours: 40+

Position Summary

The Junior Controls Engineer will support the design, development, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of industrial control systems. This position is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer to gain hands‑on experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and electrical control systems while working alongside experienced Controls Engineers and field personnel.

The engineer will assist with projects from initial design through installation, testing, commissioning, and startup. The role will involve working with engineering, project management, production, service, and customers to help deliver reliable automation solutions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist with the design and development of PLC-based control systems.
• Support PLC, HMI, and SCADA programming and configuration under the direction of senior engineers.
• Assist with development and modification of control logic, graphics, alarms, and operator interfaces.
• Support electrical control panel and system design, including I/O documentation, wiring diagrams, and control schematics.
• Assist with industrial communication networks and protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, and PROFINET.
• Participate in system testing, troubleshooting, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Assist with troubleshooting controls, instrumentation, electrical, and communication issues in the field.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and project documentation.
• Assist with factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Support field engineers and technicians during installation and commissioning.
• Work with project teams to identify and resolve technical issues.
• Assist with maintaining project documentation, drawings, software backups, and system records.
• Learn and apply applicable electrical, controls, and safety standards.
• Communicate project status, technical issues, and field findings to senior engineering personnel.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and development of standardized controls solutions.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge / Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum three months of engineering, controls, automation, electrical, or related industrial experience.
• Academic, internship, co‑op, or hands‑on experience with PLC‑based control systems preferred.
• Basic understanding of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial automation.
• Basic understanding of electrical schematics, control panels, sensors, motors, and industrial equipment.
• Familiarity with industrial communication networks is preferred.
• Ability and willingness to learn PLC/HMI programming and industrial control platforms.
• Basic understanding of electrical safety and applicable codes and standards.

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley, Schneider, Siemens, Wonderware, Ignition, or similar control platforms.
• Experience with EtherNet/IP, Modbus, PROFINET, or other industrial communication protocols.
• Internship or co‑op experience in manufacturing, industrial automation, electrical engineering, or controls.
• Experience with AutoCAD or electrical design software.
• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting electrical or automated equipment.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and engineering drawings.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to learn new technologies and software quickly.
• Basic project organization and time‑management skills.
• Comfortable working in both office and industrial environments.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to engineers, technicians, and other team members.

Required Abilities

• Ability to troubleshoot problems methodically and identify potential solutions.
• Ability to follow established engineering and safety procedures.
• Willingness to work hands‑on with industrial equipment and control systems.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while knowing when to seek guidance.
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements.
• Willingness to travel to customer and project sites as needed.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong interest in developing a career in industrial controls and automation.

Attributes

• Safety Focus: Prioritize safety in all activities and follow established safety procedures.
• Have Humanity: Respect the ideas and contributions of coworkers, customers, and partners.
• Be Transparent: Communicate openly and honestly regarding project status and technical issues.
• Drive Innovation: Look for opportunities to improve systems, processes, and technical solutions.
• Be Resilient: Adapt to changing project requirements and learn from challenges.
• Always Reliable: Meet commitments, communicate proactively, and complete assigned work.
• Grit: Take initiative to learn new technologies and develop technical skills.
• Ownership Mindset: Take responsibility for assigned work and follow issues through to resolution.

Performance Metrics

• Completion of assigned engineering tasks and project deliverables.
• Quality and accuracy of engineering documentation.
• Progress toward controls, PLC, HMI, and automation competency.
• Responsiveness to project and field support needs.
• Effective teamwork and communication.
• Participation in safety and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to identify and resolve technical issues with appropriate support.

Supervisory Requirements

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

The Junior Controls Engineer will work under the direction of experienced Controls Engineers and engineering management and will receive ongoing technical development and mentoring.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Primarily an office and engineering environment with regular visits to manufacturing and industrial work areas.
• May require occasional travel to customer and project sites.
• Ability to walk, stand, and move throughout industrial facilities.
• Ability to climb stairs and access equipment areas when required.
• Occasional use of hands to handle tools, controls, instruments, and equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry items up to 25 pounds when required.
• Must be able to see and hear well enough to work safely around industrial equipment and communicate effectively.
• Project requirements may occasionally require work outside normal business hours, including evenings or weekends during commissioning and startup activities.