Position Summary
The Industrial Controls Designer is responsible for designing electrical control systems for industrial automation projects. This position develops detailed control panel layouts, electrical schematics, bills of materials, and supporting documentation used for manufacturing, installation, and commissioning. The Industrial Controls Designer works closely with project managers, engineers, programmers, production personnel, and customers to ensure designs meet project specifications, applicable codes, and company standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Design industrial electrical control systems for new and retrofit projects.
· Create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and installation drawings using CAD software.
· Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs).
· Select appropriate electrical components including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motor starters, relays, power supplies, safety devices, circuit protection, and networking hardware.
· Program and configure PLCs and HMIs to create logic sequences, control algorithms, and user interfaces that facilitate system operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
· Size control panels and determine enclosure requirements.
· Apply NEC, NFPA 70, NFPA 79, UL508A, and other applicable standards to all designs.
· Coordinate with project managers to review customer specifications and project requirements.
· Collaborate with controls programmers regarding PLC hardware, I/O requirements, communications, and system architecture.
· Provide technical support to panel shop personnel during fabrication.
· Assist field technicians with installation questions and design clarifications.
· Revise drawings as needed throughout the project lifecycle.
· Maintain drawing revisions and project documentation.
· Participate in design reviews and project planning meetings.
· Support equipment startup and commissioning when required.
· Identify opportunities for standardization and continuous improvement.
· Maintain company drawing standards, libraries, and templates.
Qualifications
· Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred.
· Equivalent industrial controls design experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
· Experience designing industrial control panels and electrical systems.
· Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD, EPLAN, or similar electrical CAD software.
· Working knowledge of PLC-based control systems and industrial automation.
· Understanding of electrical components, industrial instrumentation, and motor control.
· Familiarity with industrial communication networks such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, or DeviceNet is beneficial.
· Ability to read and interpret customer specifications and electrical drawings.
· Strong organizational and documentation skills.
· Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Industrial electrical design principles
· Control panel design and layout
· Electrical drafting standards
· Component selection and specification
· Industrial automation systems
· Electrical safety standards and codes
· Technical documentation
· Project coordination
· Strong communication skills
· Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering software
Physical Requirements
· Primarily office-based work with occasional visits to the manufacturing floor or customer job sites.
· Ability to sit for extended periods while working on computer-based design software.
· Ability to lift up to 25 pounds when reviewing equipment or components.
· Ability to occasionally travel to customer sites for project support.
Preferred Experience
· Industrial automation or systems integration environment
· Variable frequency drives (VFDs)
· PLC hardware configuration
· HMI hardware selection
· Industrial networking
· Power distribution and motor control design
· Manufacturing or OEM equipment design
Working Relationships
This position works closely with:
· Project Managers
· Controls Engineers
· PLC/HMI Programmers
· Panel Shop Personnel
· Field Service Technicians
· Purchasing
· Customers
· Equipment Vendors
Success in This Role
A successful Industrial Controls Designer consistently produces accurate, code-compliant designs that are easy to manufacture, install, troubleshoot, and maintain. They effectively balance technical requirements, project schedules, cost considerations, and customer expectations while contributing to the successful completion of industrial automation projects.
Why Join Southeast Control Systems?
- Work with cutting-edge industrial automation and control systems.
- Gain hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, and industrial networking.
- Be part of a growing company with a reputation for quality and technical excellence.
- Work alongside experienced engineers and automation professionals.
- Opportunity for advancement into senior technician or engineering support roles.
Southeast Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.
Pay: $61,656.69 - $74,253.22 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
