Controls Engineer (PLC/Estimator Position)

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Controls Engineer (PLC/Estimator Position) based in the United States.

The Controls Engineer (PLC/Estimator Position) will evaluate, design, and estimate industrial electrical and automation projects, with a strong focus on systems integration. This role requires the ability to transform limited customer information into complete control system concepts, including PLC platforms, HMI hardware, software, and supporting infrastructure. You will develop accurate cost estimates for turnkey solutions spanning engineering, control panel fabrication, programming, installation, and commissioning. Working closely with industrial clients, contractors, vendors, and internal teams, you will help deliver technically sound proposals that meet operational requirements and project budgets. You will also identify opportunities to modernize legacy control systems, improve reliability, and minimize customer downtime. This remote opportunity is ideal for a technically minded professional who combines electrical industry knowledge, estimating expertise, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Consult with industrial customers to understand operational requirements and develop appropriate control system architectures from limited initial information.
• Prepare comprehensive estimates for turnkey systems integration projects, including engineering, control panel fabrication, desktop HMI configuration, PLC programming, field installation, and commissioning.
• Review proposal specifications, construction drawings, and technical documentation to estimate industrial electrical and automation projects.
• Estimate costs for both new construction projects and retrofit upgrades.
• Identify opportunities to modernize aging industrial infrastructure, including migrating legacy Allen-Bradley PLC-5 systems, to improve reliability and reduce operational downtime.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct job site visits when necessary to verify project requirements and complete accurate material and labor takeoffs.
• Prepare project takeoffs, submittals, proposals, and other required documentation within established deadlines.
• Request and evaluate vendor quotations for equipment and materials, with particular attention to selecting and sizing appropriate PLC and HMI hardware and software.
• Define estimate scope inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, and clarifications to ensure accurate and transparent proposals.
• Maintain organized supporting documentation for estimates, including supplier pricing, quotations, product literature, price lists, and software-related records.
• Identify customer needs and expectations while maintaining professional relationships with clients, contractors, owners, vendors, equipment suppliers, and colleagues.
• Interpret and resolve discrepancies in specifications, drawing inaccuracies, and other technical questions, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Support other department personnel as needed, including assisting with estimates in other disciplines.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements:

• At least 5 years of experience in the industrial electrical industry.
• At least 2 years of construction estimating experience.
• Journeyman Electrician license preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical systems, applicable codes, and industry standards.
• Strong functional understanding of different PLC platforms and their integration within broader industrial networks.
• Proven ability to conceptualize and specify complete PLC and HMI hardware and software solutions based on limited customer requirements.
• Experience in industrial automation and controls, including PLCs, instrumentation, valves, mechanical control panels, and electrical control panels, is an advantage.
• Familiarity with NECA labor rates, pricing structures, and their limitations.
• Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and NFPA 70E standards.
• Understanding of material quotation processes, requests for quotation (RFQs), vendor communications, and equipment sourcing.
• Ability to interpret and work with electrical and automation construction drawings, wiring diagrams, installation details, P&IDs, layout drawings, panel drawings, and bills of materials.
• Ability to interpret complex construction specifications related to electrical systems, automation, and control-related mechanical installation methods.
• Familiarity with estimating and installing electrical raceways, including cable tray, EMT, rigid conduit, IMC, Plastibond, and associated fittings and accessories.
• Advanced or expert-level experience with Accubid, including database configuration, project setup, custom assemblies, labor rates, difficulty modifiers, and LiveCount.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, as well as Microsoft Teams.
• Experience using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT and Adobe Acrobat or Bluebeam.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, contractors, owners, and specialty equipment suppliers to determine project scope and required materials and equipment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize competing demands, and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Self-motivation, initiative, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively and independently in a remote environment.
• A commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.

Benefits:

• Annual salary range of $100,000–$155,000 USD.
• Remote work opportunity within the United States.
• Opportunity to work on industrial electrical, automation, and systems integration projects.
• Exposure to control system modernization, PLC and HMI technologies, and turnkey engineering solutions.

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

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