Controls Design Engineer

Defense Mechanics Inc; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401k with company match

Paid parental leave

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Defense Mechanics Inc in Denton, TX is seeking a Controls Design Engineer to develop UL-compliant control panels and documentation, create system schematics and wiring diagrams, and configure PLC/HMI programs for industrial and commercial projects.

You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to meet UL891/UL508A and NEC Article 409 requirements, perform FAT and on-site commissioning, and help improve design standards and libraries for repeatable, safe control

Qualifications

• 5+ years in automation/control system design and panel schematics.
• Experience with HMI development and PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Siemens).
• Working knowledge of UL891, UL508A and NEC Article 409 for industrial panels.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical and SolidWorks Electrical for layouts.
• Familiarity with Modbus RTU/TCP/IP and Ethernet networking.
• Experience with commissioning, FAT and field start-up support.

Responsibilities

• Develop and document control system designs including PLC/HMI architecture and I/O lists.
• Design electrical control panels to UL891/UL508A standards and produce BOMs.
• Create electrical schematics and wiring diagrams using CAD tools.
• Select control components and prepare BOMs for procurement and manufacturing.
• Program, configure, and test PLCs and HMIs; implement Modbus communications.
• Perform FAT, on-site commissioning, and support start-up activities.
• Ensure NEC 409 compliance and prepare UL documentation for listings.
• Collaborate with mechanical, panel shop, and project teams; document as-built changes.

Skills

HMI development

PLC programming

UL standards knowledge

AutoCAD Electrical

Modbus protocols

Commissioning support

System integration

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

SolidWorks Electrical

Job description

Controls Design Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Automation and Controls Design Engineer to develop control system designs, electrical panels, and HMI/PLC solutions for industrial and commercial projects. The role will focus on creating UL-compliant panel layouts and documentation, producing system schematics and wiring diagrams, configuring HMI and PLC programs, and supporting factory and field commissioning. The successful candidate will ensure designs meet UL891, UL508A and NEC Article 409 requirements while collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable, code-compliant control systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and document control system designs including PLC and HMI architecture, I/O lists, ladder/structured text sequencing logic and functional descriptions.
• Design electrical control panels and enclosures to UL891 and UL508A standards, producing panel layouts, component placement, wireways and BOMs.
• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, terminal plans and panel schematics using AutoCAD Electrical and/or SolidWorks Electrical.
• Specify and select control components (PLCs, I/O modules, HMIs, motor starters, relays, breakers) and prepare cost-effective bills of materials for procurement and UL manufacturing shop production.
• Program, configure and test PLCs and HMIs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens and other platforms as required), implement Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP/IP communications and Ethernet connectivity.
• Perform control system integration, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and support on-site commissioning and start-up activities to validate sequencing, interlocks and performance.
• Ensure designs comply with NEC Article 409, applicable UL standards, and company quality and safety procedures; prepare documentation required for UL panel listings and inspections.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, panel shop, project managers and customers to resolve design issues, incorporate feedback, and meet project schedules and budgets.
• Troubleshoot control systems and provide engineering support for field service teams, and create clear as-built documentation and operation manuals.
• Continuously improve design standards, templates and libraries for schematic symbols, panel layouts and PLC/HMI code to increase repeatability and reduce risk.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in automation/control system design, panel design and electrical schematics for industrial control systems.
• Proven experience with HMI development and PLC programming (Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens preferred).
• Knowledge of UL891, UL508A, and NEC Article 409 for industrial control panels and general NEC compliance.
• Proficient in AutoCAD Electrical and/or SolidWorks Electrical for producing panel layouts and system schematics.
• Experience with Modbus protocols (Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP/IP), Ethernet communications and industrial networking concepts.
• Hands-on experience with panel manufacturing environments or UL manufacturing shop workflows, and working with BOMs and procurement.
• Demonstrated ability to perform commissioning, functional testing, sequencing logic development and troubleshooting at customer sites.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k with comapny match
• Paid parental leave
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off