Electrical Controls Engineer

Position Title: Electrical Controls Engineer
Department: Engineering
Last Revised: 10/2025
Reports To: Engineering Manager

Position Purpose

The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development and implementation of hardware and controls systems for custom and standard equipment. This role requires the ability to translate customer and internal expectations into functional user-friendly designs. The ideal candidate will have the ability to design safe, intuitive, and reliable machinery while working alongside support technicians and Mechanical Engineers. The Electrical Controls Engineer will have a strong trouble shooting aptitude and can provide hands-on support during system builds, testing and debug as needed.

Job Functions and Responsibilities

Electrical System Design

• Possess controls hardware knowledge including but not limited to power distribution systems; circuit protection; power supplies; PLC/HMI’s; safety systems; robots; drives; servos; networks; vision systems; code reading and parts tracking.
• Can properly read and interpret mechanical drawings and print packages.
• Can accurately prepare electrical schematics, part lists and electrical system specifications.
• Ensures that designs, installations, and operations conform to industry, internal and customer standards.
• Is familiar with industry standards such as (NFPA79/EN60204)
• Can successfully apply principles of electrical theory across various projects.
• Operate computer-assisted design software (AutoCAD Electrical).

Control System Design and Programming

• Ability to program automation system control logic/HMI from scratch; ability to debug automation system logic/HMI/integration and communication issues; design logic and controls to engineering and customer specifications.
• Safety system programming and validation. Assists in design to ensure appropriate levels are met based on risk analysis. Validate hardware design and programming post build ensuring appropriate safety functions and performance level is achieved.
• Plant Integration: Work with customers to integrate end-user plant systems into machine and system logic.
• Configure and troubleshoot machine setup: hardware configuration; sensor setup; ability to debug and troubleshoot basic machine functions; induce and test faults in logic and safety systems.
• Provides both formal and informal training to peers and groups within the organization as well as customers and end users.
• Innovates system integration logic and technology to advance APT's position in the Automation Industry.

Project Management

• Owns project schedule, budget, and planned commitments. Works with other groups within the organization to ensure deadlines are met.
• Can clearly write system documentation with the end user in mind: installation and setup; operations manual, program commenting, etc.
• Conduct all work in a detail-oriented way, especially in writing code to make it easy to troubleshoot and repair. 
• Estimate labor, material, or construction costs for budget preparation purposes.
• Prepare specifications for purchases of materials or equipment.
• Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational, safety, or environmental standards. 
• Travel to commission and service equipment as needed. 
• Can successfully work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Education and Experience

• Engineering degree (preferably 4-year degree in electrical engineering or computer science). Experience equivalent will be considered.
• Demonstration of prior history and understanding of electrical systems and industrial wiring. 
• Specific experience in industrial equipment design preferred. 
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and machine design. 
• AutoCAD Electrical
• Should have some experience in building industrial electrical panels and wiring equipment.
• Experience writing PLC programs and robot programs (system design) and developing logic for machine functionality. 
• Experience with technical writing and machine manuals.
• Experience working with FANUC robots preferred.

Classification

·         Full time, Exempt

Supervisory Responsibilities

·         There are no supervisory responsibilities with this position. 

Physical Requirements

• Able to accurately see fine details in prints, on computer, or in machines (unaided or with glasses, magnifying tools, etc.)
• Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods of time. The duties of this job could range from being on a shop floor to sitting at a desk for 8-10hrs.
• Able to manually operate small hand tools and larger power tools.
• Is a team-oriented player.

Tools and Technology

• Proficient working knowledge of laptop computers and office computing applications; ability to connect and configure multiple networks and understand basic routing and connections to networks. 
• Basic hand and power tools for electrical wiring and controls components setup.
• AutoCAD Electrical
• Rockwell Studio 5000
• FANUC Roboguide
• Various other device integrations as needed.
• Familiarity with ERP software and bill of material / material release process
• FANUC robots