Electrical Controls Engineer

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.

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.