Electrical Controls Designer

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking an Electrical Controls Designer / Engineer to develop electrical control system designs and detailed schematics for industrial automation projects. This role is responsible for designing UL508A control panels, creating electrical drawings using AutoCAD Electrical, specifying control system components, and supporting projects from design through manufacturing and commissioning.

The ideal candidate has experience designing industrial control panels, PLC/HMI control systems, power distribution systems, and electrical schematics for manufacturing and process automation applications.

Key Responsibilities

Electrical Controls Design

• Design industrial control panels in accordance with UL508A and UL698 standards.
• Create electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials using AutoCAD Electrical and Autodesk Vault.
• Design three-phase (less than 600V), single-phase, and low-voltage power distribution systems.
• Develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA control system hardware designs.
• Design industrial communication and networking systems.
• Perform Short Circuit Current Rating (SCCR) calculations.
• Design electrical control panels for hazardous locations.
• Select and specify electrical and control system components.

Engineering & Technical Support

• Ensure designs comply with applicable electrical codes and standards, including:
  • UL508A and UL698
  • National Electrical Code (NEC/NFPA 70)
  • NFPA 79 – Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery
  • NFPA 70E – Electrical Safe Work Practices
  • CE Compliance and IEC 60204
• Support manufacturing during control panel assembly, testing, and production.
• Collaborate with controls engineers, project managers, and production personnel to ensure successful project execution.
• Interface directly with customers to review requirements and provide technical support.
• Work with suppliers and vendors on component selection and technical evaluations.

Project Management & Production Support

• Manage electrical controls design projects from concept through completion.
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and according to customer specifications.
• Prepare project estimates and assist with proposal development.
• Support business development efforts through customer meetings and technical discussions.
• Coordinate control panel builds with the production team.
• Verify Bills of Materials (BOMs) and validate components within manufacturing software.
• Assist with procurement activities as needed.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), powered I/O checkout, startup, and commissioning activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline, or an Associate degree with a minimum of 3 years of relevant industrial controls experience .
• Experience designing industrial electrical control systems and control panels.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical (Autodesk Vault experience preferred).
• Strong understanding of PLC hardware, HMI systems, SCADA, industrial power distribution, and control panel design.
• Knowledge of industrial networking and communication systems.
• Familiarity with NEC, NFPA, UL508A, and industrial electrical design standards.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing UL508A and UL698 listed control panels.
• Experience performing SCCR calculations.
• Knowledge of hazardous location electrical design.
• Experience supporting control panel manufacturing, testing, and commissioning.
• Previous experience with industrial automation, systems integration, or OEM control panel design.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with extensive use of AutoCAD Electrical and engineering software.
• Occasional work in the control panel shop supporting testing and troubleshooting.
• Limited travel to customer sites for startup, commissioning, or project support as required.