Electrical Controls Engineer

The Electrical Controls Engineer designs and implements electrical controls for material handling systems, including PLC, HMI, machine vision, and robotic systems. This role combines hardware design with software programming and troubleshooting, and involves working closely with customers and internal teams to deliver reliable, high-quality automation solutions from concept through installation.

• Design electrical controls for a variety of material handling systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation.
• Program, install, and troubleshoot PLC systems, including Mitsubishi, Keyence, and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Design and program HMI systems, including Mitsubishi and Proface interfaces, to provide intuitive operator controls and system visibility.
• Design, program, install, and troubleshoot machine vision systems, including Keyence, Cognex, and Omron solutions, to support automated inspection and guidance.
• Design, program, install, and troubleshoot robotic systems, including Kawasaki, Fanuc, and Denso robots, to support automated material handling and production processes.
• Work directly with customers to evaluate project requirements and determine the feasibility of designing new equipment versus modifying existing equipment.
• Direct and oversee the electrical fabrication and assembly of projects, collaborating with shop and machine shop personnel to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Power on equipment, debug systems, and complete in-house trials to validate performance and functionality before shipment or installation.
• Oversee equipment installation at customer sites, providing on-site support during commissioning and system startup.
• Balance responsibilities between hardware design and programming/troubleshooting, with approximately 50% of time devoted to each.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in an open office environment to resolve technical issues and continuously improve system performance.
• Provide troubleshooting support for automation systems, diagnosing and resolving electrical and controls issues in a timely manner.

• Experience in PLC programming and troubleshooting, including work with Mitsubishi, Keyence, and Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Proficiency in electrical controls design and hardware design for automation and material handling systems.
• Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting HMI systems, including Mitsubishi and Proface platforms.
• Experience with machine vision systems such as Keyence, Cognex, and Omron, including design, programming, installation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with industrial robotics systems such as Kawasaki, Fanuc, and Denso, including programming, installation, and troubleshooting.
• Strong controls engineering knowledge, including understanding of automation systems and control architectures.
• Ability to understand PLC fundamentals, including ladder logic, programming structures, and diagnostic tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot and support complex automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and related electrical hardware.
• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering or a similar discipline, or an associate degree with applicable experience.

• Experience working on automation projects for large manufacturing customers, particularly in material handling environments.
• Familiarity with automation systems integration, including coordination between PLCs, HMIs, robots, and vision systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with customers, shop personnel, and other engineers in a project-based environment.
• Comfort working in both office and shop settings, including hands-on interaction with equipment during build, debug, and testing.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn new technologies and platforms.
• Interest in gaining hands-on project experience and working in a stable, project-driven environment.
• Ability to manage approximately 25% travel for installation and support activities.

This is a full-time, onsite role with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work takes place in an open floor plan office that encourages collaboration and frequent interaction among engineers. The position also includes shop support, where engineers work hands-on with equipment and regularly interact with machine shop personnel during fabrication, assembly, and testing. Travel is approximately 25%, primarily to customer locations for installation…