Job Title: Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Electrical Controls Engineer designs, implements, and improves electrical and control systems for manufacturing equipment within the plant. This role plans and executes projects that enhance manufacturing processes and equipment performance while meeting cost, quality, and safety requirements. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable automation solutions that support ongoing production and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design automation systems using engineering principles, including programmable logic control (PLC) systems, instrumentation, interlock logic circuits, variable-frequency drives (VFDs), transformers, vision systems, robotic automation systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and Machine Data Collection (MDC) solutions.
• Support the design, specification, installation, startup, and validation of process control systems, electrical systems, and instrumentation for new equipment and upgrade projects.
• Ensure all designs meet site specifications and follow good controls engineering practices, adhering to relevant codes, regulations, and internal standards.
• Coordinate with other engineers, project managers, and suppliers to deliver complete, accurate, and timely designs and implementations for assigned projects.
• Recommend new equipment, concepts, and techniques to improve performance, simplify design, reduce costs, correct design flaws, or comply with changes in customer requirements, codes, or regulations.
• Develop cost estimates and supporting data for new automation projects and improvements to existing automation systems.
• Create, review, and interpret wiring diagrams, single-line drawings, control architecture drawings and specifications, electrical and instrumentation specifications, data sheets, and control philosophy documents.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC code, including understanding and rewriting pre-existing code to enhance system performance and reliability.
• Develop and maintain HMI interfaces to support operator usability and effective monitoring of automated systems.
• Use AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical to produce and update schematics, layouts, and other technical documentation for control systems.
• Troubleshoot control system issues on manufacturing equipment and processes, supporting production by resolving equipment and automation problems.
• Handle a high volume of work orders annually to improve, repair, or troubleshoot equipment and manufacturing processes, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal operation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and maintenance teams to implement control system changes that support continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 3+ years of controls engineering experience within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Hands-on PLC programming experience, preferably with Omron platforms, including the ability to understand, modify, and rewrite existing code.
• At least 3+ years of experience working with Ladder Logic.
• Experience with HMI development for industrial automation systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical for creating and updating electrical schematics and control drawings.
• Strong skills in reading and generating wiring diagrams, single-line drawings, and control architecture documents.
• Experience with control system troubleshooting, including PLC troubleshooting and diagnosis of automation issues.
• Familiarity with instrumentation and interlock logic circuits.
• Experience working with variable-frequency drives (VFDs), transformers, and related electrical components.
• Ability to support the design, specification, installation, startup, and validation of process control and electrical systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with engineers, project managers, suppliers, and operations teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Automotive manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Experience with vision systems and robotic automation systems is beneficial.
• Exposure to automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and Machine Data Collection (MDC) systems is advantageous.
• Experience developing cost estimates and supporting data for automation projects.
• Ability to recommend and implement new equipment, concepts, and techniques to improve performance and reduce costs.
• Comfort working in a high-activity environment with numerous work orders and continuous improvement projects.

Work Environme