Electrical Controls Engineer

Overview

At Steven Douglas Corp (SDC) we design and build high performance, custom automated machines that are used in a wide variety of applications and industries. We work in a fast-paced, technical environment where our team solves problems that push the boundaries of standard approaches. We invest in our people, processes, and technology to deliver innovative, robust machines.

Electrical Controls Engineers at SDC are hands-on problem solvers who tackle challenging automation projects as part of a collaborative team. We turn rough machine concepts into stable, high-performance production systems by combining technical expertise, creativity, and disciplined execution. We are looking for individuals with experience in hardware design, PLC and HMI programming, who take ownership, communicate well, and deliver high-quality solutions.

Challenging Work, Disciplined Execution: SDC handles technically complex custom automation projects across a wide variety of industries and machine types. Problems are tough and rarely repetitive, solved through innovative thinking, proven standards, and shared best practices.

Collaborative by Design: Engineering at SDC is a team sport. You will work closely with other engineers, project managers, and the shop floor to bring machines to life. We value engineers who communicate well, share knowledge, and continuously improve what they do.

Family-Owned Culture: Experience a supportive and agile environment that values excellence and personal growth. We invest in people who help drive our success.

• Hardware & System Design — Collaborate with mechanical and electrical design to define control architectures for complex and high-speed machines. Review and help develop electrical schematics, panel layouts, and I/O lists. Specify and integrate hardware: PLCs, safety devices, drives, servo systems, robots, sensors, and vision systems as needed.
• PLC, HMI, Motion & Integration — Develop, structure, and debug PLC and HMI programs on Allen-Bradley platforms (Logix family, safety, drives, Panel View or equivalent). Implement motion control and high-speed logic with standard, maintainable architectures. Integrate robots and vision systems when required, working with specialists but owning the overall machine behavior.
• Commissioning, Debug & Support — Support panel build and wiring debugging with the shop to resolve issues quickly. Lead controls debug during machine assembly and runoff, ensuring machines meet performance requirements. Participate in customer FAT, on-site installation, startup, and training. Troubleshoot issues in a calm, systematic way and address root causes.
• Standards, Quality & Teamwork — Apply and improve SDC’s controls standards, code libraries, and best practices. Increase reuse, reduce debug time, and protect project margin through disciplined, standard-driven design. Share knowledge with other engineers and contribute to continuous process improvements.

What We’re Looking For – Must-Have Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechatronics engineering or a related field.
• Significant hands-on controls experience (typically 5+ years) with custom industrial machinery or complex automated systems.
• Strong expertise with Allen-Bradley PLCs and motion systems (Logix family controllers, safety, Kinetix drives).
• Experience designing and commissioning HMIs.
• Solid understanding of industrial control hardware: control panels, power distribution, safety circuits, motion control, sensors, and field wiring.
• Experience creating or reviewing electrical drawing packages (AutoCAD or EPLAN strongly preferred).
• Proven track record commissioning complex and/or high-speed equipment (multi-axis motion, high-speed part handling, or tightly timed processes).
• Ability to support the full project lifecycle: design review, programming, debug, runoff, and startup with up to 10% travel.

Strongly Preferred

• Experience with industrial robots (e.g., Fanuc, Yaskawa, Epson) and integrating them into automated systems.
• Experience with industrial machine vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence, or similar).
• Experience with Ignition and Allen-Bradley HMIs.
• Experience with…