Controls Engineer

Eaton · Middlesex, NC

Level: Engineer
Team: Controls
Base pay: $71k–$105k
Travel: 10%
Degree: Required
Experience asked: 1+ years
Industry: Industrial
Posted: 3 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at Eaton (industrial) in Middlesex, NC. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

They ask for: 1+ years · degree required
Tools it names: Lean, Six Sigma, Value stream mapping, SPC, FMEA, AS9100
Base pay: $71k–$105k
Day to day: about 10% travel · relocation help

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in North Carolina: typical posted base $108k–$154k. This one lists $71k–$105k.

Median of the low and high ends of 7 live postings that list pay, out of 35 controls engineer openings in North Carolina, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

North Carolina plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 34 other live controls postings in North Carolina.

Base pay: About 36% below similar roles
Experience asked: Less than usual (1+ vs 5+)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ Automation 83%
✓ PLC 69%
Robotics 40%
Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 34%
AutoCAD 23%
MES 23%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Value stream mapping, FMEA, AS9100, EHS / safety, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 1+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Relocation help

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Eaton
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting says about 10% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Eaton in Middlesex

2 other open roles at this site.

Manufacturing Engineer · Manufacturing
Senior Quality Engineer · Quality · Senior

Full description from EatonAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

◆Standardization of electrical systems throughout Middlesex plant
◆Infrastructure (plant grid planning / costs savings / carbon footprint reduction)
◆Equipment needs (PLC logic / component / electrical design
◆Define Safety (Mesh 8.0 “Machine & equipment safeguarding”) roll out plan
◆Implement electrical safety systems to support Mesh 8.0
◆Standardization and Verification of safety related electrical design.
◆Provide engineering support for EHS projects as necessary.
◆Provide support for Electrical safety program for Middlesex plant.
◆Industry 4.0 - Roll out
◆Define equipment needs to support I4.0 Tools (data collection / real time dashboards)
◆Develop architecture for interconnection between machine and human
◆Implement predictive maintenance systems and alerts on key equipment features “fault codes”
◆Develop PLC logic to support the collection and analysis of manufacturing data to implement process improvements
◆Automation projects within value streams
◆Support ME’s with automation projects / Capex Projects
◆PLC programming standards / error proofing strategy / industry 4.0
◆Design processes to ensure that components and assemblies meet all internal and external customer quality specifications (Eaton Quality System, AS9100, and NADCAP).
◆Ensures processes are efficient in terms of capital intensity by implementing Eaton Lean Six Sigma tools
◆Work with electrical suppliers and purchasing to procure equipment, tooling, and supplies as required.
◆Work with maintenance to improve our predictive maintenance programs on key processes.
◆Mentor others in Manufacturing Engineering competencies, processes, and lean concepts.
◆Work directly with manufacturing operators to troubleshoot and improve processes, including fabrication, assembly, measuring, and testing of products produced.
◆Collect and analyze manufacturing data and metrics to aid in design and improvement of processes.
◆Assist ME’s during equipment and process sign off and approvals. Specify electrical run off criteria, equipment support documentation.
◆Proficient at AIAG or equivalent tools for Measurement System Analysis, Capability Analysis, SPC and FMEA
◆Provide support to launch capex projects through ProLaunch as required to achieve a flawless launch.
◆Perform electronic development tasks like system architecture and circuit design to ensure compliance of all functional, performance, and environmental requirements.
◆Research, recommend, innovate, architect, and evaluate new electronic technology and designs.
◆Define expectations for 3rd party safety reviews

When we embrace the different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds that make each of us unique, we — as individuals and as a company — are stronger

Qualifications

✓Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related Technology degree from an accredited institution.
✓Minimum two (2) years of automation engineering experience in a manufacturing environment or 1 year plus internship experience in a manufacturing Environment.
✓1+ years experience programming PLC ‘s .
✓Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.”
✓This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
✓Candidate will not need sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

✓Experience with Electrical schematics / Auto-Cad design.
✓2+ years programming PLC equipment in a manufacturing environment.
✓Previous experience with machine guarding and controls, tooling, fixtures, gauges,
✓Experience with EHS electrical design and standardization
✓Experience in electronic system fault diagnostics and reporting
✓Experience with electrical design and execution of automation projects
✓Knowledge of Industry 4.0 (Predictive maintenance / Human machine interface)
✓Strong project and time management, organizational, and analytical skills.
✓Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, from production associates to the leadership team.

Show full description ↓

Eaton’s IS AER FED Aerospace division is currently seeking a Controls Engineer.

Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

•Relocation assistance is available for a qualified candidate currently resding in the USA. This role requires working on-site M-F at our Middlesex, NC facility.

What you’ll do

Eaton’s Aerospace division is seeking a Controls Engineer at the Middlesex, NC location.

Position Overview

Responsible for the design, specification and implementation of Eaton electrical systems to support production equipment and manufacturing processes. This includes machine guarding and controls, tooling, fixtures, gauges, material handling, and processing documentation. Support and provide production associates with the tools required to perform the job in a manner to meet all requirements.

Making what matters work at Eaton takes the passion of every employee around the world. We create an environment where creativity, invention, and discovery become reality, each and every day. It’s where bold, bright professionals like you can reach your full potential—and where you can help us reach ours.

Essential

Additional Information

•Limited travel may be required (<10%)

All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part