Electrical and Controls Engineer

People Architects is recruiting an Electrical and Controls Engineer on behalf of our client, a specialty materials manufacturer based in Cleveland, Ohio. The company specializes in chemical manufacturing, piloting, and research and development of customer formulations across diverse markets. Its capabilities include wet precipitation and solid-state chemical processing, ranging from laboratory-scale development and scale-up to specialty and bulk production.

Position Overview

The Electrical and Controls Engineer will support the design, operation, troubleshooting, and reliability of industrial control systems, automation equipment, and electrical infrastructure at a specialty materials and chemical manufacturing facility.

This hands-on engineering role focuses on improving plant performance, minimizing production downtime, and supporting safe and efficient manufacturing operations. The position combines industrial automation, electrical systems support, project engineering, and collaboration with maintenance personnel and outside contractors.

The ideal candidate is an early-career engineer with an interest in manufacturing automation, industrial controls, and solving technical challenges in an operating plant environment.

Responsibilities

• Industrial Controls & Automation: Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and support programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and industrial communication networks used in manufacturing operations.
• Electrical Systems Support: Support the design, modification, and reliability of low- and medium-voltage electrical power distribution systems, motor control centers, transformers, switchgear, and associated protection systems.
• Manufacturing Troubleshooting: Work closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify and resolve electrical and controls issues, minimize equipment downtime, and improve plant reliability.
• Electrical Documentation: Develop and maintain electrical drawings, single-line diagrams, panel layouts, schematics, equipment specifications, and technical documentation to reflect plant conditions and system modifications.
• Contractor Oversight: Coordinate and oversee outside electrical contractors performing installations, wiring, equipment maintenance, inspections, and electrical system upgrades. Work alongside plant electricians and maintenance personnel to ensure work is completed safely and correctly.
• Capital Projects & Equipment Upgrades: Support projects involving new equipment installations, automation improvements, electrical system upgrades, and integration of new manufacturing processes, including equipment specifications, project coordination, and commissioning.
• Preventive & Predictive Maintenance: Assist in developing and improving preventive and predictive maintenance programs for electrical and controls equipment, including testing, inspections, and condition monitoring.
• Electrical Safety & Compliance: Support compliance with applicable electrical codes, regulations, and safety standards, including NEC, NFPA 70E, OSHA, and relevant IEEE standards. Identify electrical hazards, support safe work practices, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with process engineering, EHS, operations, maintenance, and R&D to support manufacturing improvements, process scale-up, and equipment reliability.
• Process Data & System Improvements: Support the collection, analysis, and utilization of manufacturing equipment and process data to improve production quality, troubleshoot issues, and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
• Technical Documentation & Change Management: Maintain accurate equipment records, technical specifications, and change-management documentation within established plant systems.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline required.
• 0–3 years of relevant engineering experience. Open to recent graduates, including those with manufacturing internships or co-op assignments. Experience in industrial manufacturing, automation, electrical systems, or process controls is strongly preferred.
• Foundational knowledge of industrial electrical systems, motor controls, power distribution, and electrical protection systems.
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and industrial communication networks such as Ethernet/IP or Modbus through professional experience, internships, co-op assignments, or academic projects.
• Understanding of industrial automation, instrumentation, and troubleshooting principles.
• Familiarity with applicable electrical and safety codes, including NEC, NFPA 70E, and OSHA standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills, with an interest in improving equipment reliability and manufacturing performance.
• Ability to coordinate with contractors, electricians, maintenance personnel, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and willingness to work 100% onsite in an operating chemical manufacturing environment.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in chemical manufacturing, specialty materials, or other industrial process manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on exposure to PLC programming, HMI development, VFD configuration, and industrial automation systems.
• Familiarity with industrial electrical distribution, motor control centers, transformers, switchgear, and electrical instrumentation.
• Experience supporting equipment installations, troubleshooting, commissioning, or plant improvement projects.
• Background in hazardous area classification and design (Class I/II, Divisions/Zones), including selection of appropriate electrical equipment.
• Exposure to power quality analysis, arc flash studies, and electrical coordination studies.
• Familiarity with reliability tools and methodologies (RCM, FMEA) and CMMS/EAM systems for maintenance planning.

Work Environment

• 100% onsite position within a specialty materials and chemical manufacturing facility in Cleveland, Ohio.
• Regular time spent in operating production units, manufacturing areas, and utility facilities.
• Collaboration with plant electricians, maintenance personnel, engineering teams, and outside contractors.
• Ability to navigate stairs, platforms, and confined plant areas.
• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow established electrical, chemical, and manufacturing safety procedures.

Benefits

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being, professional growth, and financial security.

• Permissive Time Off (PTO) policy for full-time exempt employees.
• Paid company holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with an immediate, fully vested company match.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. They value the unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions of employees and provide equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.

No external agencies/3rd parties.