Junior Electrical Controls Engineer

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

Work Hours:

40+

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.

• 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 Ether Net/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.

• 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.

• Exposure to Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley, Schneider, Siemens, Wonderware, Ignition, or similar control platforms.
• Experience with Ether Net/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.

• 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…