What is an Electrical Controls Engineer?
An Electrical Controls Engineer designs, develops, and supervises all electrical control systems, equipment, and machinery. They may be responsible for the installation and technical support of hardware and software.
When working on robotics and automated equipment, the Electrical Controls Engineer creates conceptual design, programming and engineering of electrical logic programming, electrical hardware design and selection, and overall system engineering.
What does an Electrical Controls Engineer typically do?
- Develop programmable logic controls (PLC’s) that instructs a robot, machine, or tool to execute specific movements, steps or sequences.
- Develops conceptual technical drawings for electrical hardware and systems layout that enables electrical-controlled movements of machines or devices.
- Complete 3D and 2D Computer-Aided Drawings to be used for production layout and execution.
- Communicate closely with mechanical engineering, software engineering and manufacturing engineering counterparts for successful completion of complex products.
Career Track for Electrical Control Engineers
An Electrical Controls Engineer will typically posses a Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, however, an Associate’s Degree may be acceptable for many Electrical Controls Engineer roles.
A new graduate will work under senior staff, Professional Engineers and managers. After several years of progressive work experience, Electrical Controls Engineers may move into an Electrical Project Engineer role, overseeing several large projects simultaneously.
After 10 or more years, an interested professional may move into personnel leadership roles including supervisory, management and directorship positions.
After 15-20 years of experience, the Engineer may be eligle to become an Electrical Engineering Director, or VP of Engineering.
What makes an Electrical Control Engineer successfuul
- Strong command of logic controls, electrical software, and electric theory
- Attention to detail and strong math abilities
- Abilitiy to utilize computer software including human-machine interface systems, programmable logic and CAD
- Great written, verbal and presentation abilities
Electrical Control Engineer Salary
Electrical Controls Engineer Job Description
Are you an accomplished Controls Engineer looking for your next challenge? Are you known for solving the most complex electrical engineering problems?
In this electrical Controls Engineer role, you’ll be trusted to:
- Program a variety of manufacturing process control systems that integrate new and existing hardware and software into our customer’s control system.
- Programming, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair
- Program a wide array of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and VFDs
- Utilize Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, Wonderware, (Intellution is a plus)
As an Electrical Controls Engineer, You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s of Engineering degree preferred – Associates or Technical Diploma required.
- 3+ years of experience in electrical process control programming, including PLCs, HMI’s, SCADA, and VFD’s.
- Experience designing and programming a wide variety of industrial control systems is preferred. (Allen Bradley, GE, Siemens, Schneider, Wonderware)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong client-facing skills required – the ability to interact with various customers, at times in difficult situations.