Electrical Controls Engineer

Electrical Controls Engineer

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Date:Jul 30, 2026

Location: Sterling, IL, US

Company: Leggett & Platt

Sterling Steel Company produces over 500,000 tons of wire rod annually. Customers have various uses for this rod, including Leggett & Platt making bed springs, which they invented.

Leggett & Platt purchased a portion of Northwestern Steel and Wire and reopening it as Sterling Steel Company in 2002. Leggett is not only the owner of SSC, they are also one of the largest customers.

It is the mission of Sterling Steel Company to be the Safest and Lowest Cost provider of Quality Steel.

We are committed to conform to all established requirements and expectations of our customers and to a philosophy of Continuous Quality Improvement.

Meeting these goals requires teamwork, dedication, and ongoing training from all our 275+ employees.

Leggett & Platt’ s overall mission is a commitment to enhance lives – by delivering quality products, offering empowering and rewarding careers, and doing our part in bringing about a better future.

Leggett & Platt’s inventive heritage and leadership in the residential products industry span more than 130 years. As The Components People, we are the leading supplier of a wide range of products and components for all areas of life, including mattress springs and carpet cushion, as well as bedding machinery and erosion-control products.

From aerospace tubing and fabricated assemblies to flooring underlayment and carpet cushion, Leggett & Platt has divisions that design, manufacture, and sell a variety of products. Our reliable product development and launch capability, coupled with our global footprint, make us a trusted partner for customers in the aerospace, hydraulic cylinders, flooring, textile, and geo components industries.

Learn more about the history of Leggett:

Bedding

The world leader in bedding technology.

Leggett & Platt has been the driving force in bedding components technology since inventing the bedspring in 1885. Now, we own more mattress industry patents than anyone in the world.

Springs, foam, adjustable beds, machinery – our Bedding businesses design, produce, and supply innovative sleep solutions that help you rest comfortably.

Learn more about Bedding Components: L&P Bedding Group

Sterling Steel, a Leggett & Platt Company is searching for an Electrical Controls Engineer to join our Rod Mill Electrical team in Sterling, IL to help support our bedding business. Did you know we have been revolutionizing the sleep industry since 1883? That’s right! In fact, we hold the original patent on a spiral steel coil bed spring, filed way back in 1885. Since then, we have been an industry leader in guaranteeing you get the best sleep possible. If you join our team, your work will ensure people across the world have a little more comfort in their lives.

As an Electrical Controls Engineer you will have the opportunity to safely produce high quality products. Your contributions will have a direct impact on the business by providing leadership and direction to the Sterling Steel Electrical Department. The team you will be working with is collaborative and innovative, and values challenging work and diversity of thought.

So, what will you be doing as an Electrical Controls Engineer?

• Monitor electrical processes that affect operation of Rod Mill and quality of product

• Troubleshoot to find cause of electrical problems (equipment, electrical, motors, PLC…) and implement solution for correction to decrease the amount of down time

• Take readings and predict source of problems

• Manage drives program for backup and restore

• Receive calls during ‘non work hours’ to assist with trouble shooting; return to mill if needed

• Oversee Electrical Supervisor & department

• Fill in for Electrical Supervisor as needed

• Assist Rod Mill General Supervisor & General Manager as directed

• Educate employees on what we do as well as how and why we do it

• Provide ongoing training & coaching of current and electrical end employees

• Document employee performance issues & administer discipline

• Participating in Union employee grievance procedures if needed

• Report operational issues to General Manager & Roller in a timely manner

• Share information with other Maintenance and Production Supervisors/Managers

• Complete required reports

• Assist in initial creation and ongoing evaluation of SSC Electrical Apprenticeship

• Provide training to

• Audit and update SJPs

• Verify that all SJPs and Safety processes are followed

• Enforce SSC Work Rules and Policies consistently

• Champion and participate in ECO, QMS & Continuous Improvement initiatives

• Comply with and enforce all SSC Safety rules

• Participate in training from HR, Rod Manager, Safety, and Leggett & Platt

• All other duties as assigned

To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

• 5+ years heavy industrial electrical & electronics experience

• 2-5 years leadership experience

• Qualified candidates should possess strong experience with PLC programming. Step7, PCS7, WinCC, and TIA.

• Proficiency with Siemens PLCs, HMIs.

• Proficiency with industrial electrical systems (480V, 240V, 120V, 24V DC), including single- and three-phase power, as well as pneumatic and hydraulic systems.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.

• Ability to read and understand process instrumentation manuals and wiring diagrams (i.e. pressure transmitters, flowmeters, level transmitters, etc.).

• Strong understanding of electronics and ability to troubleshoot both controls and mechanical components.

• Program, service, repair, and maintain electrical and process control systems.

• Understanding of vector frequency drives (wire terminations and basic parameter setup and communication protocols).

• Capable of specifying Ethernet switches and CAT-5/6 cables. A good understanding of plant I/O and HMI Ethernet topography.

• Qualified candidates should possess strong experience with PLC programming, machine control design, HMI development, motors, drives, electro-mechanical devices, wiring schematics, and industrial automation.

• The ability to provide after hours support (late night, and/or weekends) in the event of a crisis.

• This role requires the employee to be on-site to perform their job duties. Remote VPN access can be used after hours for immediate support.

• Troubleshoot complex automation issues through various control systems using Siemens PLC, PCS7, WinCC, and other applications.

• Coach and mentor the Controls Technicians. This includes setting goals, assigning projects, and making sure they have the tools and knowledge to excel.

• Ability to diagnose electrical and controls problems, determine root causes, and supply short/long term solutions quickly and efficiently.

• Strong verbal, organizational and written communication skills.

Physical Demands:

• Able to work in extreme temperatures (hot & cold) while wearing required PPE

• Mobility to move to any area of assigned location (Rod Mill and/or Melt Shop)

• Strength and stamina to remain on feet for majority of 12-hour shifts

• Walk up and down stairs safely

• Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

• Communicate effectively in verbally and in writing in person, over phone/radio, via email

• Dexterity to type on keyboard

• Dexterity to operate necessary tools/machinery

• Ability to effectively read, write, understand, and otherwise communicate in English

Tool/Machines/Equipment Used:

• Computer and other office machinery

• Electrical tools, meters and related instruments

• Basic hand tools

QMS Requirements

• Know and follow Company Quality Policy & Mission Statement

• Initiate action to prevent the occurrence of any nonconformity related to product, process, and the system.

• Identify and record any problems relating to the product, process and the quality system.

• Initiate, recommend or provide solutions through designated channels.

• Verify the implementation of solutions.

• Control further processing, delivery or installation of nonconforming product until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.

Things we consider a plus:

• Degree in industrial technology/Electronics/Electrical or related field

• Knowledge of Siemens software

What to Do Next

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn more about us, what are you waiting for?! Apply today and allow us the opportunity to learn more about you and the value you can bring to our team. Once you apply, be sure to create a profile, and sign up for job alerts, so you can be the first to know when new opportunities become available.

Our Values

• • Our values speak to our shared beliefs and describe how we approach working together.

• Put People First reflects our commitment to safety and care of each other, learning and development, and creating an inclusive environment of mutual respect, empathy and belonging.

• Do the Right Thing focuses us on acting with honesty and integrity, delivering the results the right way, taking pride in our work, and speaking the truth – good or bad.

• Do Great Work…Together occurs when we engage without hierarchy, collaborate as a team, embrace challenges, and work for the good of all of us.

• Take Ownership and Raise the Bar demonstrates our responsibility to add value and make a difference, challenge the status quo and biases to make things better, foster innovative and creative solutions to drive impact, and explore new perspectives and embrace change.

Our Commitment to You

We're actively taking steps to make sure our culture is inclusive and that our processes and practices promote equity for all. Leggett & Platt is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veteran status, and more. Join us!

We welcome and encourage applications if you meet the minimum qualifications. Even if you do not meet the preferred qualifications, we’d love the opportunity to consider you.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veteran/Disability Employer

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