Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the Electrical Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting PLC-based control systems and electrical control panels for material handling equipment. This role works closely with engineering, manufacturing, customers, and vendors to deliver reliable automation solutions that meet project specifications, industry standards, and customer expectations from design through implementation.
Duties and Responsibilities
Design electrical control panels using AutoCAD and other engineering design software.
Develop field component layouts, including conveyor layouts, and determine conveyor sectioning based on control system requirements.
Prepare layout drawings showing field devices such as motors, photo eyes, limit switches, solenoids, and other electrical components.
Select the appropriate programmable logic controller (PLC) based on project requirements, including I/O capacity, memory requirements, and customer specifications.
Design motor control and electrical circuits in compliance with UL508A standards and applicable electrical codes.
Create Bills of Materials (BOMs) for control panels, operator stations, and field-installed components.
Generate production documentation identifying components that require manufacturing, wiring, or pre-wiring.
Provide engineering support during the fabrication, assembly, and wiring of electrical control panels.
Submit engineering packages, including layouts, electrical schematics, Bills of Materials, and production documentation, to the drafting department.
Review engineering drawings and Bills of Materials for accuracy and make revisions as necessary.
Coordinate project requirements and system interfaces with customers, vendors, and other project stakeholders.
Provide remote technical support for equipment installation, startup, troubleshooting, and system commissioning.
Respond to customer inquiries and assist in resolving technical or service-related issues.
Work overtime as needed to support project schedules and customer deadlines.
Education and Experience
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis in Industrial Control Systems, or a minimum of six (6) years of related industry experience.
Experience with motion control systems and servo applications.
Working knowledge of Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and SLC 500 PLC platforms.
Experience developing and supporting Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications using Rockwell or comparable HMI software.
Technical Skills
Experience designing and programming PLC-based control systems using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, IFM, Siemens, and SICK automation products.
Strong understanding of UL508A standards and industrial control panel design.
Knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and industry best practices.
Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical 2018 or newer.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams.
Experience with NR12 compliance is considered a plus.
Basic understanding of OSHA regulations and workplace safety requirements.
Work Environment
Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, manufacturing, customers, and external vendors.
Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively across multiple departments.
Primarily office-based with occasional support for manufacturing operations or project implementation as needed.
Must be willing to work overtime when required to meet project schedules.
Performance Measures
Performance will be evaluated based on the successful achievement of established company objectives related to quality, productivity, cost, safety, and customer satisfaction. Annual performance expectations and system-level goals will be communicated by management and reviewed on a regular basis.
Professional development is an important aspect of this role. While ACS provides resources and opportunities for continued growth, employees are expected to actively pursue learning and work with their supervisor to establish and achieve annual development goals.
Employee success will also be measured by collaboration, communication, leadership, and contributions to a positive work environment. This includes supporting fellow team members, providing constructive feedback, promoting workplace safety, and demonstrating professionalism in all interactions.
