ELECTRICAL CONTROLS ENGINEER

Employer description

JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for the design, development, programming, installation, commissioning, and technical support of electrical control systems, equipment, and machinery. The role provides hands-on and technical expertise in PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, instrumentation, VFDs, electrical schematics, control-panel design, and system integration to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of manufacturing processes. The engineer supports automation initiatives, continuous improvement, equipment integration, troubleshooting, documentation, and project execution from concept through startup and operator training.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, program, and support control systems to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of manufacturing processes.

Design and program PLC logic, HMI screens, SCADA interfaces, and industrial communication networks using applicable programming languages, including ladder logic, structured text, and function block.

Create, redline, modify, and correct electrical schematics and control-system drawings using CAD software such as SolidWorks Electrical, AutoCAD, or SkyCAD.

Develop I/O lists, control narratives, functional specifications, network layouts, panel drawings, bills of materials, and other automation-project documentation.

Design, build, modify, and support electrical control panels in accordance with NFPA 79 and UL 508A requirements.

Ensure control systems incorporate appropriate safety features and comply with applicable standards, including NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, IEC 61131, ISO standards, and UL 508A.

Specify and procure electrical components, sensors, instrumentation, motor-control devices, VFDs, network hardware, and other equipment required for control-system solutions.

Support the integration of new equipment, robotics, instrumentation, sensors, and VFDs into plant control and manufacturing systems.

Lead commissioning and startup activities, including installation support, I/O checkout, testing, debugging, software tuning, functional validation, and operator or technician training.

Provide advanced troubleshooting support for PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, instrumentation, electrical systems, motor controls, and related mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.

Partner with maintenance personnel, technicians, process engineers, and production teams to resolve control-system and equipment problems quickly and sustainably.

Coordinate with management, vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders on design, costing, quotations, scheduling, installation, commissioning, and execution of electrical, controls, and automation upgrades.

Provide engineering support for projects designed and built internally or externally, including design reviews and field verification.

Optimize system performance through software modifications, process tuning, standardization, and scalable automation improvements.

Maintain accurate control-program backups, revision histories, network documentation, electrical schematics, and equipment records.

Support change management, software version tracking, programming standards, reusable templates, and revision-control practices for automation systems.

Provide training and mentoring for technicians and junior engineers on control systems, troubleshooting, documentation, and safe work practices.

ROLE EXPECTATIONS

Systems thinking: Understands manufacturing operations holistically, evaluates interactions and downstream effects, and considers scalable solutions before making decisions.

Optimization: Challenges processes to work smarter and ensures teams have the systems, information, and support needed to succeed.

Anticipation: Identifies potential issues early, plans for future requirements, and prepares stakeholders for upcoming changes.

Operational acceleration: Drives continuous improvement and advocates for safe, ergonomic, reliable, and scalable automation solutions.

Organization and structure: Works effectively within established systems while improving standards, documentation, and accountability.

Influence and collaboration: Uses technical knowledge, data, and relationships to educate stakeholders, build alignment, and gain adoption of solutions.

Data-informed decisions: Uses quantitative feedback and clearly communicates the business and technical reasons behind recommended actions.

Prioritized response: Responds effectively to unplanned issues while maintaining focus on the highest-value business and operational objectives.

Shop-floor relationships: Builds rapport across shifts and functions, serves as a liaison between the shop floor and engineering, and promotes a win-together culture.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

PLC and HMI programming, including Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500, Studio 5000 / Logix 5000, ladder logic, structured text, and function block programming.

Electrical controls, control-panel design, panel building, wiring, power distribution, motor control, sensors, instrumentation, VFDs, and automation.

Industrial networks, system integration, SCADA, I/O systems, network troubleshooting, and control-system architecture.

Electrical schematic creation, interpretation, revision, and document control.

Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical schematics and drawings.

Commissioning, fault finding, system debugging, process tuning, and structured problem solving.

Project management, engineering design processes, vendor and contractor coordination, costing, quotations, and execution.

Working knowledge of NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, NFPA 79, IEC 61131, applicable ISO standards, and UL 508A.

Strong written and verbal communication, documentation, collaboration, leadership, organization, and prioritization skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or equivalent.

Three or more years of experience with electronics, electrical controls, equipment wiring, PLC programming, HMI development, or related industrial automation work.

Hands-on experience with electrical control-panel design, building, wiring, installation, or troubleshooting.

Associate’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalate

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Demonstrated hands-on capability in electrical fault finding, mechanical-system troubleshooting, and effective problem resolution.

Experience developing and implementing automation upgrades in a manufacturing environment.

Experience supporting commissioning, startup, and training activities for newly installed or modified equipment.

Highly motivated and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Strong interpersonal, creative problem-solving, documentation, and organizational skills.

Detail-oriented with a strong sense of urgency and an ability to manage multiple priorities.