Lead Power Systems Controls Engineer

Eaton Corporation

Eaton Corporation

North Charleston, SC, USA

USD 97k-143k / year

Posted on May 13, 2026

Eaton’s Electrical Engineering Services & Systems division is seeking a Lead Power Distribution Controls Engineer to join our industry-leading team. In this role, you’ll lead the execution of complex projects involving the design, programming, installation, startup, maintenance, and optimization of automated control and power management systems. You’ll work closely with customers to deliver innovative, reliable, and efficient solutions that power critical infrastructure. This position can be based out of multiple locations listed below:

  • Birmingham, AL
  • Deerfield Beach or Orlando, FL
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Louisville, KY
  • Asheville, Charlotte, or Raleigh, NC
  • Charleston, Columbia, Greenwood, or Spartanburg, SC
  • Nashville or Knoxville, TN

This is a hybrid position with up to 35% travel throughout the Southeast Region. A company vehicle is provided!

The expected annual salary range for this role is $97000 - $143000 a year. This role also offers paid overtime.

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.

What you’ll do:

  • Create, modify, test, and deploy software for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s), Data concentrators, Multi-function Protection Relays, Generator Controllers, and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI’s) for Automatic Power Transfer applications (Main-Tie-Main, Main-Gen, Main-Tie-Main-Gen, Generator Paralleling Switchgear etc.).
  • Follow customers specifications and internal specifications for project implementation.
  • Select components and create bill of materials.
  • Provide sketches, mark-ups, and direction to Electrical Designers to develop project drawings.
  • Prepare customer submittals, Sequence of Operation (SOO), and test procedures.
  • Assist with factory testing and field start-ups as required.
  • Troubleshoot systems both onsite and remotely.
  • Mentor and assist less experienced engineers.
  • Manage project financials, optimize operational efficiency, and maintain project schedules.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution with a minimum 7 years of power distribution controls experience OR Master's degree in Engineering with at least 5 years of power distribution controls experience OR a minimum 10 years of power distribution controls experience.
  • Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Preferred qualifications:

  • PE License.
  • Knowledge of Power Monitoring and Control Systems and associated protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC-61850)

Position Criteria:

  • Successfully complete and maintain compliance with Eaton’s safety program and policy; This includes role-applicable portions of the EESS Qualified Electrical Worker (QEW) program and any required annual re-certifications thereafter.
  • Submit to periodic customer required background and drug screenings.
  • Knowledge and understanding of best engineering practices for design of automation systems, power management systems, human-machine interface software, PLC programming, etc.
  • Knowledge and understanding of protection relays-based monitoring and control systems.
  • Knowledge of troubleshooting, test and repair techniques.
  • Strong computer literacy - Working knowledge of all software packages relevant to successful performance of tasks.
  • Knowledge and practice of safety precautions related to working with automation and power systems.
  • Has demonstrated ability to provide service and represent company interests in developing customer relationships to assure long-term customer satisfaction.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication/presentation skills

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All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates’ privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.

You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.

We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.