Controls Engineer - (Critical Power Or Switchgear)

The strongest target profile is an Electrical Controls Engineer / Switchgear Controls Engineer with Low Voltage (LV) & Medium Voltage (MV) switchgear design experience. The client specifically wants candidates with switchgear OEM, switchboard manufacturers, or power distribution system integrators, rather than general industrial automation engineers.

Best Job Title

Electrical Controls Engineer – LV/MV Switchgear Design

Please note :- Openings in Hackettstown, NJ; Wake Forest, NC; and Dallas, TX, with Hackettstown being the preferred location.

JDC Power Systems is seeking a highly qualified Controls Engineer – Critical Power for our Hackettstown, NJ office. This role is critical to the design, development, and implementation of control systems for low and medium-voltage switchgear applications across various industries.

The successful candidate will play a key role in designing reliable, safe, and high-performance control systems that meet industry standards and customer specifications. This position requires strong technical skills in PLC programming, protection relays, and electrical system design, along with excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Responsibilities and Duties

Design control systems for low and medium-voltage switchgear (480V to 38kV).

Develop one-line diagrams, schematics, and control panel layouts for switchgear projects.

Specify, configure, and program PLCs (Siemens, GE Fanuc, & Emerson) and SCADA systems for switchgear automation.

Configure and test protection relays, power meters, and switchgear automation systems.

Develop SCADA/HMI applications using platforms like Siemens WinCC and

Wonderware InTouch.

Perform specification reviews and compliance project takeoffs.

Execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for switchgear systems.

Perform diagnostics and troubleshooting of PLCs, SCADA systems, relays, and power quality equipment.

Create and maintain documentation, including sequences of operation, test protocols, and as-built drawings.

Train customers and internal teams in system operation and maintenance

Provide on-call technical support for fielded systems as needed

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent technical experience.

Minimum 3 years of experience in control system engineering, with a focus on switchgear design and implementation.

Hands-on experience with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and relay protection.

Experience programming PLCs and SCADA systems for electrical distribution projects.

Familiarity with safety standards and practices for electrical installations and construction job sites.

Previous experience with construction job site safety procedures.

Required Skills

Proficiency in designing and implementing switchgear control systems.

Expertise in PLC programming and SCADA/HMI development.

Experienced in network architecture and communication protocols.

Strong understanding of protection relays, electrical schematics, and industrial networking.

Ability to read and create one-line diagrams and panel layouts.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.

Excellent communication and leadership qualities.

Ability to pass background checks and comply with drug-free workplace policies.