PLC Controls Panel Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

About the Opportunity

Express Employment Professionals in Lynchburg is partnering with a well-established local client to hire a PLC-focused electrical engineer who transforms complex requirements into dependable control systems for material‑handling equipment.

You’ll start by opening an AutoCAD project, translating I/O lists and customer specs into crisp panel layouts. Before lunch, you’ll place motors, solenoid valves, photoeyes, and limit switches into field plans and size the controller based on I/O counts and memory needs. In the afternoon, you’ll generate the bill of materials, update production worksheets, and coordinate with vendors and the manufacturing team. When a panel moves to the shop, you’ll support wiring and verify that motor and control circuits align with UL 508A. If an installer calls from the field, you’ll jump on the phone to troubleshoot and keep the site moving—sometimes with a bit of overtime when needed.

• Create control panel and field layouts using AutoCAD or comparable electrical design tools.
• Integrate motors, solenoids, photo eyes, limit switches, and related devices into detailed field drawings.
• Select PLCs based on project I/O, memory, and customer criteria; define I/O and memory requirements.
• Design motor and control circuits that comply with UL 508A.
• Produce bills of materials (panels, consoles, field components) and complete production orders that identify materials and components for manufacturing.
• Prepare and submit layout sketches, schematic sketches, BOMs, and production worksheets.
• Review preliminary drawings and BOMs, making corrections as needed.
• Support panel construction and wiring; coordinate interfaces and technical requirements with vendors.
• Provide telephone support for field installation and troubleshooting; address customer-service needs.

• Hands-on experience designing electrical control panels and PLC-based control systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar electrical CAD software.
• Strong grasp of programmable controllers, I/O sizing, and memory considerations.
• Understanding of motor and control circuitry and UL 508A.
• Ability to read, mark up, and revise electrical drawings and schematics.
• Experience generating bills of materials and manufacturing/production documentation.
• Skilled at troubleshooting and solving problems under time constraints.
• Clear communicator with solid customer-service instincts.
• Comfort collaborating with vendors, manufacturing teams, and field personnel.
• Willingness to work overtime as required.

Pay: $38–$55 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated controls-design expertise.

Shifts: Choose from 4:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. or 5:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

• Electrical schematics and schematic reading
• CAD software
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Industrial electrical experience