Electrical Engineer

Job Title: Electrical Design Engineer, Automation & Machine BuildingJob Description

Join a high-impact Manufacturing Automation Development Engineering (MADE) team as an Electrical Design Engineer focused on designing, building, and commissioning custom industrial automation equipment that powers advanced production lines. In this role, you take full ownership of end-to-end electrical design for complex machinery, collaborating closely with mechanical and controls engineers in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. You will contribute directly to the development of high-tech, high-volume manufacturing systems while working with modern tools, rigorous safety standards, and cutting-edge automation technologies.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete electrical design lifecycle for custom industrial automation equipment, from initial concept through commissioning.

• Develop comprehensive electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics using EPLAN Electric P8 and other electrical design tools.

• Perform component selection and sizing for control panels, including FLA/SCCR calculations, overcurrent protection, power supplies, VFDs, servos, safety relays, valve manifolds, sensors, and field I/O.

• Design and implement safety control circuits in accordance with UL508A, NFPA 79, NEC, OSHA, ISO, TÜV machinery safety, LOTO, and related safety standards.

• Generate complete documentation packages, including detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs), wire schedules, layout drawings, and fabrication specifications.

• Support panel building and cabinet fabrication by providing accurate schematics, layout details, and build documentation.

• Create and review pneumatic and hydraulic schematics, fluid piping diagrams, and field wiring diagrams to ensure robust system performance.

• Collaborate closely with mechanical and controls engineers in an iterative design environment to ensure integrated, high-fidelity solutions.

• Actively communicate with cross-functional team members to clarify requirements, resolve design issues, and maintain alignment throughout the project.

• Provide hands-on support during panel power-up, debug, and troubleshooting on the shop floor.

• Participate in line integration activities, ensuring that electrical systems interface correctly with mechanical equipment, PLCs, HMIs, and other control systems.

• Support commissioning activities, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), both at the Reno facility and at other production locations as needed.

• Assist with line troubleshooting and continuous improvement of existing automation equipment to enhance reliability, safety, and performance.

• Contribute to full-cycle engineering efforts, including concept layout, shop-floor wiring support, and integration of new equipment into production lines.

• Maintain a strong sense of ownership and accountability for design quality, safety compliance, and project delivery timelines.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in electrical design for industrial automation or machine building in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Hands-on experience with electrical engineering and electrical design engineering for custom machinery and production equipment.

• Proficiency with electrical design software such as EPLAN Electric P8; experience with AutoCAD Electrical is highly valuable.

• Strong understanding of industrial electrical codes and safety standards, including UL508A, NEC, NFPA 79, OSHA, ISO standards, TÜV machinery safety principles, and LOTO practices.

• Demonstrated ability to perform FLA/SCCR calculations and specify appropriate overcurrent protection and power distribution components.

• Experience selecting and integrating VFDs, servo drives, safety relays, valve manifolds, sensors, field I/O, and related control hardware.

• Knowledge of industrial automation and controls, including PLC/HMI platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Omron.

• Experience with panel building, cabinet fabrication support, and understanding of best practices for wiring, layout, and labeling.

• Ability to design and interpret pneumatic and hydraulic schematics, fluid piping diagrams, and field wiring diagrams.

• Competence in preparing detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs), layout drawings, wire lists, and fabrication specifications.

• Full-cycle engineering experience covering concept layout, detailed design, shop-floor support, and integration into production environments.

• Self-starter mentality with the ability to drive projects to completion with minimal oversight.

• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and pride in producing high-fidelity, detail-oriented designs.

• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in both design and commissioning phases.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with cross-functional engineering teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field is preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working for an internal machine builder or external machine-building company, or in a similarly fast-paced manufacturing automation environment.

• Familiarity with vision systems and their integration into automated production lines.

• Experience with line troubleshooting and continuous improvement in high-volume manufacturing.

• Exposure to commissioning activities, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).

• Demonstrated adaptability and flexibility in responding to evolving project requirements and timelines.

• Strong work ethic and drive to see projects through from concept to successful production operation.

• High attention to detail and commitment to maintaining design quality and safety compliance.

• Ability to quickly build rapport with teammates and resolve issues through direct, collaborative communication.

Work Environment

This role is based in Reno, NV, with relocation support available. Remote work may be considered for exceptional candidates, though the position is closely tied to on-site equipment design, panel build support, and commissioning activities. The primary work location is on Airway Drive in Reno, and does not require commuting to USA Parkway. You will work in a modern engineering and manufacturing environment that includes office-based design work using tools such as EPLAN Electric P8 and AutoCAD Electrical, as well as regular time on the shop floor supporting panel fabrication, wiring, and system integration. The environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative, with close interaction between mechanical, controls, and electrical engineers, as well as technicians and production teams. Commissioning and integration activities may involve occasional travel to other production facilities. The culture emphasizes proactive ownership, hands-on problem solving, high-quality design, and open communication across disciplines.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reno, NV.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Reno,NV.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.