Electrical Designer

Job Description

Job Title:
Electrical Controls Designer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing industrial control panels and electrical systems from concept through final drawing packages. The Electrical Controls Designer independently interprets project requirements, develops complete electrical designs, selects appropriate components, performs key electrical calculations, and produces detailed documentation using AutoCAD Electrical. The position requires someone who goes beyond drafting to take ownership of projects, support system architecture and proposals, and serve as a primary point of contact for internal teams and customers.

Responsibilities

• Design industrial control panels using AutoCAD Electrical, ensuring all designs meet project requirements and industry standards.
• Create complete electrical documentation, including schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and full drawing packages.
• Select electrical and control components based on technical specifications, performance requirements, and project constraints.
• Develop accurate Bills of Material (BOMs) for control panels and associated electrical systems.
• Design panels in accordance with UL 508A, NEC, and NFPA standards, ensuring compliance and safety.
• Perform electrical calculations such as short-circuit current rating (SCCR), load calculations, heat dissipation, branch circuit sizing, and feeder sizing.
• Design control systems around PLC and DCS hardware as well as industrial networking equipment.
• Review drawings for technical accuracy, completeness, and constructability prior to release for fabrication or construction.
• Support preliminary designs and system architecture, including the development of proposal-level BOMs and design concepts.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, sales teams, and customers to clarify requirements and ensure successful project execution.
• Review and help guide the work of supporting drafters, providing feedback and direction to improve quality and consistency.
• Mentor other designers as the team grows, sharing best practices and supporting their technical development.
• Take ownership of assigned projects, acting as the main point of contact with customers for design-related topics.
• Interpret and apply electrical specifications and technical design documents to ensure that designs meet all requirements.
• Support panel build activities by providing clear drawings, answering technical questions, and resolving design issues as needed.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of industrial control panel design experience.
• Hands-on experience using AutoCAD Electrical for panel and schematic design.
• Strong understanding of UL 508A and industrial electrical standards.
• Proven ability to independently design control panels, not just draft from redlines.
• Experience performing SCCR and electrical load/component sizing calculations.
• Experience selecting electrical and control components and developing Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Working knowledge of PLC and control system hardware.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical specifications and technical design documents.
• Practical experience with panel layout, design, and build processes.
• Proficiency in creating electrical schematics and related documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 2-year engineering or technology degree, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley control systems.
• Experience with Siemens automation platforms.
• Experience with Emerson control systems.
• Familiarity with Phoenix Contact components and solutions.
• DCS (Distributed Control System) design experience.
• Knowledge of UL 698A standards.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols such as Ether Net/IP, Profinet, Profibus, or Modbus TCP.
• Experience in a systems integrator, control panel shop, automation, or industrial OEM environment.
• Experience reviewing or mentoring other designers or drafters.
• Leadership aptitude, including the ability to mentor team members, take ownership of projects, and serve as the primary customer contact on assigned projects.

Work Environment

This position is based on-site at a build shop in Knoxville, TN, with travel requirements of less than 10%. The role involves working closely with panel fabrication and build activities, using AutoCAD Electrical and other standard engineering tools in a hands-on industrial environment. Employees work within a cooperative ownership structure where all team members are considered owners and may receive annual dividends…