Junior Controls Engineer

Piper Companies is seeking a Junior Controls Engineer to join a growing industrial automation team within an advanced equipment manufacturer for a permanent, onsite position based out of Raleigh, NC. The Junior Controls Engineer will support the development of modern control systems for automated machinery, working closely with senior engineers in an R&D-driven, product-focused environment.

Responsibilities of the Junior Controls Engineer include:

· Contribute to PLC software development for automated equipment using ladder logic and structured text.

· Assist with debugging and troubleshooting electrical and controls-related issues on machinery and panels.

· Support integration of sensors, drives, motion components, and vision systems into machine control programs.

· Participate in small project or feature ownership, delivering assigned controls functionality from design through testing.

· Collaborate with senior controls engineers to follow software standards, version control, and deployment processes.

Qualifications for the Junior Controls Engineer include:

· 1–3 years of experience or strong internship/co-op exposure in controls engineering or automation.

· Familiarity with PLC programming concepts beyond basic ladder logic.

· Interest in modern controls practices such as structured text, modular code, and source control.

· Exposure to at least one PLC platform, with willingness to learn additional vendors and tools.

· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

Compensation for the Junior Controls Engineer:

Salary Range: $80,000-$125,000/year (USD) + 5% annual bonus

Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, and additional benefits

This job opens for applications on 5/8/26. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords: junior controls engineer, entry-level controls, PLC programming, industrial automation, machinery controls, structured text, ladder logic, Git, source control, R&D engineering, electrical systems, automation engineering, manufacturing technology

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