What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electrical Engineer position at IKA – Laboratory, Analytical and Process Technology?
IKA is where people turn visions into reality. When IKA’s corporate history began in 1910, China had not yet become a People’s Republic, and the term “globalization” had not yet been coined. Today, the IKA Group employs more than 900 people at multiple locations around the world and proudly serves customers such as BASF, Bayer, and Procter & Gamble. IKA is a global market leader in many of its product groups and a recognized example of innovation, development, and growth. As our slogan states: “IKA – Designed to work perfectly.”
IKA is searching for an Electrical Engineer to join the team! This individual is responsible for designing, programming, and implementing electrical control solutions that meet customer requirements, internal standards, and applicable electrical codes. The role collaborates closely with Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, and customers to develop robust control systems, produce accurate electrical documentation, and support successful equipment commissioning. The Electrical Engineer ensures all control designs are safe, compliant, and optimized for performance, reliability, and maintainability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and implement PLC-based control systems for equipment and automation projects.
- Create detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and complete control system documentation.
- Ensure all electrical designs, wiring methods, and component selections comply with NFPA 70/NEC (2017), UL 508A, and applicable hazardous location requirements (e.g., Class/Division/Zone and explosion-proof standards).
- Develop clear, accurate, and user-focused controls documentation, including operating manuals, programming descriptions, and system functional overviews.
- Manage and coordinate external panel manufacturers to ensure panel builds meet design intent, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and project timelines.
- Provide on-site technical support during installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.
- Diagnose and resolve electrical and controls-related issues for customers, both remotely and on-site.
- Prepare cost estimates and provide technical input for control system proposals and project planning, including participation in customer meetings during the quoting phase.
- Maintain and expand expertise in PLC programming, HMI development, electrical design practices, panel-building techniques, and emerging technologies to enhance system performance, reliability, and maintainability.
- Utilize engineering and office software tools—including AutoCAD, EPLAN, and Microsoft Office—to create, revise, and manage control system documentation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure electrical designs align with mechanical requirements, manufacturability considerations, and overall project objectives, including providing technical expertise to Mechanical Engineering and supporting the selection of appropriate electrical components.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field from an accredited four-year institution.
- Basic knowledge of PLC programming and control system fundamentals.
- Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including diagnosing issues in control panels and field wiring.
- Hands-on wiring experience preferred.
- Panel-building experience preferred but not required.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
- Proficiency with engineering and office software tools (AutoCAD, EPLAN, Microsoft Office).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently on multiple projects.
- Ability to travel domestically up to 40% for installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.