Electrical Controls Engineer

Description:

Location

Arvada, CO 80007

Shift/Days:

1st Mon - Fri

US Citizen/Perm Resident

• : $110 - $140/hour - HM will check evaluate at interview
  
  

Electrical Controls Engineer

Position Summary

The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, testing, installation, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of large-scale electrical control panels, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) screens, and Allen-Bradley control systems for rotating machinery used in manufacturing environments and motor-driven compressor applications. This role utilizes computer-aided engineering and design software to develop and implement control system solutions while ensuring compliance with project requirements and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, test, install, and commission large-scale electronic control panels and automation systems.
• Develop and configure HMI screens and Allen-Bradley PLC-based control systems.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) activities and system validation.
• Review and interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, control narratives, Modbus communication lists, and FAT procedures.
• Assist with troubleshooting, startup, and commissioning of control systems and rotating equipment.
• Utilize computer-assisted engineering and design software to complete project assignments.
• Collaborate with internal teams and customers to ensure successful project execution.
• Adhere to established engineering standards, safety requirements, and company procedures.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical controls engineering or a related field.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI development, and rotating equipment.
• Working knowledge of:
• Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
• Electrical drawings and schematics
• Control narratives
• Modbus communication protocols and device lists
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) procedures
• Familiarity with commonly used engineering concepts, practices, and procedures within industrial automation and controls.
  

Work Environment

• Works under the direction of a supervisor or manager.
• Follows established procedures and engineering guidelines to perform assigned tasks.
• Exercises limited independent judgment while developing technical solutions and completing project assignments.
• This is an office role.
  
  

Reports To

• Engineering Supervisor or Engineering Manager.
  
  

Pre-screen Questions You Must Answer Below:

• Describe a controls project where you designed and programmed an Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI system. What was your role, and what challenges did you overcome?
  
  

Follow-up Questions:

• Discusses project scope, programming logic, communications, and startup activities
• Provides specific examples of overcoming technical issues
  
  

2. How do you develop a control system from a P&ID and control narrative?

Follow-up Questions:

• How do you identify required field devices and control points?
• How do you verify the logic before FAT?
  
  

Strong Answer Indicators:

• References P&IDs, electrical drawings, cause-and-effect matrices, and functional testing procedures
• Demonstrates a structured engineering approach
  
  

3. Tell me about a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) you led or participated in. What issues were discovered, and how were they resolved?

Follow-up Questions:

• Describes test procedures, communication testing, I/O verification, alarm testing, and control sequence validation
• Explains how issues were documented and corrected prior to shipment or startup
  
  

Bonus Technical Question

Explain how you would troubleshoot a Modbus communication failure between a PLC and a VFD or remote I/O device.

This question quickly identifies candidates with real-world controls experience versus purely theoretical knowledge. Strong candidates will discuss: