A day in this role
You start by reviewing a new machine specification and translating it into an electrical control concept. By mid-morning, you’re laying out components to be safe, space-conscious, and cost-aware, then moving into PLC and HMI programming to bring motion, interlocks, and safety to life. After lunch, you sync with mechanical engineering and the project coordinator to validate the design before release, prepare customer-facing drawings and technical reports, and source competitive quotes for enclosures and panels with lead times that protect the schedule. You wrap the day on the production floor, supporting assembly, startup, debug, and final tests—then jump on a quick call to brief field service on an upcoming customer installation.
What you’ll own
- Design and develop machine control systems that satisfy customer and company requirements while balancing cost and engineering effort.
- Create space-efficient, safe, and economical electrical layouts and panel designs.
- Program PLCs and HMIs (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, Fanuc) with all appropriate safety functions and interlocks.
- Assess internal versus external design capabilities; deliver precise specifications and documentation to keep milestones on track.
- Partner with mechanical engineers and project coordinators to conduct design reviews prior to release for build.
- Prepare and maintain customer-approval documents, including purchase orders, drawings, and detailed technical reports.
- Obtain competitive quotations for control panels, electrical enclosures, and related components, factoring in lead times to protect schedules.
- Collaborate with production during assembly, commissioning, debugging, and final testing.
- Support field service technicians and trainers during machine installations at customer sites.
- Provide technical guidance to sales and aftermarket teams when needed.
- Participate in project meetings on scope, scheduling, and progress tracking.
- Research emerging technologies and propose innovations for future machine platforms.
What you’ll need to succeed
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 2–3 years of experience in machine tool design, industrial automation, or a comparable field.
- Background with powertrains or engines is a plus.
- Hands-on PLC/HMI programming with Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, and/or Fanuc; EPlan experience is advantageous.
- Strong general computing skills (Microsoft Office, Windows-based systems).
- Analytical problem-solver able to spot patterns, draw conclusions, and make data-driven decisions.
- Highly organized, self-directed, and detail-focused communicator (written and verbal).
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for on-site support at manufacturing facilities.
Core proficiencies
- Electrical schematics
- 120/208/240/480 VAC systems
- CAD software
- PLC programming
- Pneumatics troubleshooting