Senior Electrical Controls Designer

A&H Custom Machine; Burlington; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid health and dental benefits

RRSP matching program

Flexible work arrangements

Paid vacation days

Ongoing training and professional dev.

Opportunities for growth

Job summary

A&H Custom Machine / Itipack Systems in Burlington, Canada, is seeking a Senior Electrical Controls Designer to lead the design, development, and implementation of electrical and controls systems for automated machinery. The role spans from concept through commissioning and customer support, driving standardized solutions and mentoring junior engineers.

You will collaborate with Mechanical, Service, Sales, and Manufacturing teams, ensure compliance with codes, and contribute to continuous

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in electrical controls design
• Experience designing electrical control systems for automated machinery or industrial equipment
• Proficiency with PLC programming and HMI development
• Experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms
• Experience using EPLAN and AutoCAD Electrical
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Responsibilities

• Create electrical control system designs for automated machinery, including schematics, control panels, instrumentation, machine I/O, and related documentation.
• Program and implement PLC and HMI applications using established company standards, while adapting solutions to meet specific machine and customer requirements.
• Establish and maintain reusable PLC/HMI code, templates, and standards to improve consistency, reliability, and efficiency across machine platforms.
• Select and specify electrical and automation components based on technical requirements, functionality, availability, and cost.
• Prepare complete electrical documentation, including schematics, single-line drawings, I/O documentation, network layouts, and BOMs for procurement and manufacturing.
• Configure industrial communication networks and interfaces between PLCs, HMIs, drives, remote I/O, and other automation equipment.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering and other departments to ensure electrical and controls requirements are effectively integrated into machine designs.
• Review designs for functionality, accuracy, manufacturability, serviceability, and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
• Lead or participate in the testing and validation of equipment prior to shipment, resolving electrical and controls issues identified during testing.
• Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, electrical, networking, instrumentation, and control system issues during testing, commissioning, and customer support.
• Identify and implement improvements to machine functionality, controls architecture, programming standards, and engineering processes.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Allen-Bradley

Siemens PLCs

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

Electrical schematics

Networking

Problem solving

Team communication

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Established in 1986, A&H Custom Machine / Itipack Systems is an innovator in custom engineered and fabricated equipment for infrastructure and manufacturing industries. From complex stabilizing systems used in some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers to custom automation machinery that improves efficiency and productivity, we take pride in building solutions that make an impact.

At the heart of our company are our people. We believe in being real, accountable, and driven — bringing energy to our work while continuously learning and growing together. Our team is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way. We don’t just build products — we build people, strong relationships, and a workplace where individuals are empowered to take ownership, solve problems, and make a difference every day.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Electrical Controls Designer is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of electrical and controls systems for automated machinery. The position provides technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle, from initial design and component selection through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer support. Working closely with Mechanical Engineering, Service, Sales, Manufacturing, and external partners, the Senior Electrical Controls Designer ensures solutions meet customer requirements, project objectives, applicable standards, and company expectations. The role also contributes to the development of standardized controls solutions, continuous improvement initiatives, and the mentorship of junior team members.

This position is ideal for a motivated individual who enjoys problem-solving, continuous learning, and working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with opportunities for growth and advancement.

What You’ll Do

Automation Tasks

• Create electrical control system designs for automated machinery, including schematics, control panels, instrumentation, machine I/O, and related documentation.
• Program and implement PLC and HMI applications using established company standards, while adapting solutions to meet specific machine and customer requirements.
• Establish and maintain reusable PLC/HMI code, templates, and standards to improve consistency, reliability, and efficiency across machine platforms.
• Select and specify electrical and automation components based on technical requirements, functionality, availability, and cost.
• Prepare complete electrical documentation, including schematics, single-line drawings, I/O documentation, network layouts, and BOMs for procurement and manufacturing.
• Configure industrial communication networks and interfaces between PLCs, HMIs, drives, remote I/O, and other automation equipment.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering and other departments to ensure electrical and controls requirements are effectively integrated into machine designs.
• Review designs for functionality, accuracy, manufacturability, serviceability, and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
• Lead or participate in the testing and validation of equipment prior to shipment, resolving electrical and controls issues identified during testing.
• Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, electrical, networking, instrumentation, and control system issues during testing, commissioning, and customer support.
• Identify and implement improvements to machine functionality, controls architecture, programming standards, and engineering processes.

Mechanical Engineering Support

• Provide technical comments, feedback, and recommendations during mechanical and multidisciplinary design review meetings.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering to coordinate electrical and mechanical requirements throughout the design process.
• Assist with cable routing, sensor locations, I/O block locations, instrumentation, and associated specifications.
• Review mechanical designs for potential electrical, controls, and serviceability considerations.
• Assist in the development and review of user manuals covering the electrical and functional aspects of machinery.

Service Support

• Support the Service Department with day-to-day customer questions related to electrical and controls systems.
• Provide remote technical support during equipment commissioning and customer troubleshooting activities.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, PLC, HMI, networking, and instrumentation issues.
• Provide technical support and recommendations for field modifications and corrective actions.
• Travel to customer sites for commissioning, troubleshooting, and technical support as required, including international travel where necessary.
• Support the Sales team by providing timely and accurate estimates for electrical, controls, and design changes.
• Review customer requirements and specifications and identify requirements that may result in additional engineering, hardware, software, or project costs.
• Provide technical input during the quotation and proposal process.
• Recommend practical technical solutions that balance customer requirements, project scope, cost, and engineering effort.

Project and Technical Leadership

• Take ownership of electrical and controls design activities from concept through testing, delivery, and commissioning.
• Coordinate electrical and controls requirements across multiple projects while maintaining project schedules and priorities.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior Electrical Controls Designers and other engineering staff.
• Participate in design reviews and provide recommendations regarding system architecture, component selection, controls strategy, and overall machine functionality.
• Review project requirements and identify technical risks, design gaps, and potential issues before they impact project execution.
• Ensure electrical and controls designs are complete, accurate, documented, and aligned with company standards.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of company-wide electrical and controls standards.
• Support the development of new technologies, design methods, and automation solutions.
• Perform other reasonable duties as determined by management

What We’re Looking For

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Controls, Manufacturing Technology, or a related program.
• 5+ years of experience in electrical controls design, automation, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing electrical control systems for automated machinery or industrial equipment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Strong knowledge of electrical codes and standards, including UL and CSA.
• Demonstrated experience with PLC programming and HMI development.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms.
• Experience using EPLAN and/or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Experience interpreting and developing electrical schematics, single-line drawings, BOMs, and control panel designs.
• Experience with industrial communication and networking systems.

Who You Are

• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and with customers.
• Organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
• Takes ownership of work and is committed to seeing tasks through to completion.
• Positive, team-oriented attitude with a willingness to support and learn from others.
• Driven to learn, improve, and continuously grow both personally and professionally.

What We Offer

• Paid health and dental benefits
• RRSP matching program
• Flexible work arrangements
• Paid vacation days
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• Employee appreciation events and team-building activities
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Hands-on experience with innovative projects and technologies
• Work in both office and shop floor environments while maintaining a clean and organized workstation.
• Ability to sit for extended periods, with regular movement throughout the office and shop floor as needed.
• Standard office hours are generally 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with flexible scheduling available around core working hours of 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Employees are provided with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break.
• Occasional overtime may be required based on project and business needs.
• Business casual dress code.

A&H Custom Machine / Itipack Systems is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process in accordance with applicable accessibility legislation. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the hiring process.