Controls Designer - Flexible Schedule, Growth & Bonus Plan

Dakota Automation Inc.; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with match

Flexible schedule

Competitive PTO

Bonus plan

Job summary

Dakota Automation Inc. in Watertown, SD is seeking a Controls Designer to join our engineering team and design custom industrial automation equipment.

You will develop electrical schematics, specify components, design control panels, and prepare BOMs while collaborating with mechanical engineers, programmers, and manufacturing staff to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions. The ideal candidate will have an engineering degree and experience with electrical CAD tools; familiarity with NFPA

Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Technology, or a related technical field.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Experience with electrical CAD software such as AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar platforms, or the aptitude to learn.
• Familiarity with industrial control hardware, including PLCs, motor controls, VFDs, servo systems, sensors, and machine safety devices.
• Knowledge of applicable electrical standards, including NFPA 79, NEC, and UL 508A, is beneficial.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with engineering and manufacturing teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and machine wiring documentation for custom automation equipment.
• Select and specify electrical components, including PLC hardware, drives, motors, sensors, safety devices, and related control equipment.
• Develop and maintain electrical bills of materials (BOMs) and design documentation.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and controls programmers to ensure proper integration of electrical and mechanical systems.
• Design electrical systems in accordance with applicable industry standards and customer requirements.
• Support electrical assembly personnel by answering design questions and resolving documentation issues.
• Participate in design reviews and identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, safety, and manufacturability.
• Complete assigned design work within established project schedules.
• Assist with electrical troubleshooting and design modifications during equipment assembly and testing.

Skills

Electrical schematics

Industrial controls

PLC hardware

Electrical CAD

Electrical standards

Reading schematics

Team collaboration

Machinery experience

Education

Electrical engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Job description

Dakota Automation Inc. in Watertown, SD is seeking a Controls Designer to join our engineering team and design custom industrial automation equipment.

You will develop electrical schematics, specify components, design control panels, and prepare BOMs while collaborating with mechanical engineers, programmers, and manufacturing staff to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions. The ideal candidate will have an engineering degree and experience with electrical CAD tools; familiarity with NFPA