Sr Automation Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Industrial Controls Engineer to lead the design and development of industrial control panels and related automation systems in a panel design and build environment. This role focuses heavily on electrical design, panel layout, component selection, UL508A compliance, and supporting fabrication and testing activities. The position includes occasional travel to customer sites for field verification, startup, commissioning, and technical support. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with hands‑on collaboration across engineering, production, and customers to deliver high‑quality, compliant control solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Electrical & Controls Design Design industrial control panels in compliance with UL508A, NEC, and NFPA 79 Develop: Electrical schematics Panel layouts Power distribution designs I/O lists and wiring diagrams Bills of Materials (BOMs) Perform load calculations, SCCR analysis, and arc flash considerations Select and specify components including: PLCs and remote I/O HMIs VFDs and motor starters Power supplies and protection devices Standards & Compliance Ensure designs meet applicable codes and customer specifications Support UL inspections and maintain compliance documentation Maintain and improve internal electrical design standards Review and approve designs from junior engineers and designers

Production & Testing Support

Collaborate with panel shop personnel during fabrication Provide technical clarification and redline support Develop and execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) procedures Troubleshoot issues during build and system testing Onsite & Field Support (Occasional Travel) Support onsite installation and system startup Perform I/O checkout and commissioning Troubleshoot field wiring and integration issues Participate in customer design reviews and project meetings Provide post‑installation technical support as needed

Controls Programming (As Applicable)

Develop or modify PLC and HMI programs Validate control sequences and safety functions Support system integration with field equipment

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience) 7+ years of experience in industrial control panel design Strong knowledge of: UL508A NEC NFPA 79 Experience with electrical CAD platforms (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar) Experience performing SCCR calculations Strong understanding of industrial control systems and field integration Willingness to travel occasionally as project needs require

Preferred Qualifications

UL508A MTR (Master of Record) experience Experience with Allen‑Bradley PLC systems Familiarity with safety circuit design (Category 3/4, SIL, PL ratings) Experience in OEM, systems integration, or custom equipment environments

Key Competencies

• Strong knowledge of electrical codes and panel standards
• Detail‑oriented design approach
• Hands‑on troubleshooting capability
• Effective communication with customers and production teams
• Ability to manage multiple active projects simultaneously

Work Environment

Combination of office engineering and panel shop floor Occasional travel to customer sites Fast‑paced, production‑driven environment with project deadlines

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays

Additional Compensation & Benefits

Please keep in mind that this is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. It also does not consider other components that make up the total rewards package for the position. If you are hired at Motion, your overall compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience which may result in total compensation outside of this range. Compensation is from $98,099 to $134,810 annually

Equal Opportunity

GPC conducts its business without regard to sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. GPC's policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, assign, transfer and terminate employees based on their own ability, achievement, experience and conduct and other legitimate business reasons.

Company Background

Since 1928, GPC has set the standards for performance and value for our customers and our stakeholders. Today, we’re proud to say we’re the largest global auto parts network and a leading industrial parts distributor, one that offers rewarding careers that combine small company feel with a global scale. Our strengths are in the relationships we build and the value we deliver by merging local expertise with a global force.