Controls Electrical Design Engineer - H2K

UCC Environmental LLC; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

H2K Technologies, a UCC Environmental company, seeks an entry-level Controls/Electrical Design Engineer to support industrial automation projects. You will assist with schematics, panel layouts, motor control, and 480VAC power distribution while gaining hands-on experience in design and field work.

Ideal candidates are recent graduates or early-career technicians with exposure to PLC programming (Rockwell/Studio 5000) and CAD tools; training and mentorship accompany project exposure and growth

Qualifications

• 2-year technical degree in Electrical/Process Control Technology or related field.
• 0–2 years of experience in controls design, PLC programming, panel building, or related field.
• Familiarity with PLC programming and HMI configuration; coursework or internship acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Develop electrical schematics, panel layouts, power distribution, and documentation for industrial automation.
• Program and configure PLCs and HMIs under engineering guidance.
• Assist with panel construction, testing, and field commissioning.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI configuration

AutoCAD

Electrical schematics

Power distribution

VFDs

Education

2-year technical degree in Electrical/Process Control Technology

Tools

Rockwell/Studio 5000

Automation Direct

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Join UCC Environmental, a leader in sustainable technology solutions:Looking for a career where your work has real impact? At H2K Technologies a UCC Environmental company, you’ll join a company built on solving complex industrial challenges while advancing sustainable solutions for air, water, and solids handling around the world.We’re a privately held, family-owned business with more than a century of experience supporting mission-critical industries. Our teams work with utility power providers and heavy industrial customers globally, delivering innovative solutions in environmental compliance, material handling, and high-performance aftermarket technologies.At H2K Technologies a UCC Environmental company, you’ll collaborate with a diverse, global team that values technical expertise, problem-solving, and long-term customer relationships. With continued growth across North America, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific, we offer opportunities to contribute meaningfully to an expanding international business.H2K Technologies is located in Corcoran, Minnesota and is part of the larger UCC Environmental firm with their headquarters in Waukegan, Illinois. UCC owns and operates sales, manufacturing, assembly, and warehousing facilities across the United States, Canada, Germany, India, and China. If you're looking for a place where your ideas matter, your work has purpose, and your career can grow alongside a global organization, UCC Environmental could be the right fit!The ideal candidate will have demonstrated capabilities in collaborating with others to perform engineering tasks within a team environment. Work experience with a privately-held company will be beneficial.Position SummaryWe are seeking an entry-level Controls/Electrical Design Engineer to support the development of control system designs, PLC/HMI programs, and electrical schematics for industrial automation, motor control, and power distribution projects at H2K Technologies. This role works closely with senior engineers on the design side of projects — schematics, panel layouts, motor control, power distribution (circuit breaker panels, transformers up to 480VAC), PLC/HMI programming, and system architecture — while also supporting panel construction and field commissioning to build a well-rounded understanding of how designs translate into built systems.This position is well suited to a recent graduate or early-career technician looking to build a foundation in controls/electrical design engineering, with hands-on exposure to design, fabrication, and field work.Career Growth OpportunityHigh performing technicians will have the opportunity to advance into a Process Control Engineer role. This career path includes increased involvement in system design, PLC and HMI programming, controls architecture, field commissioning, and customer interaction. We are committed to supporting professional development through mentorship, project exposure, and technical training.Primary Duties and Responsibilities:Controls/Electrical Design & Engineering (Primary Responsibility)Assist in developing electrical schematics, panel layouts, power distribution, and documentation for industrial automation, motor control, and electrical power distribution systemsSupport programming and configuration of PLCs (Rockwell/Studio 5000, Automation Direct, or equivalent) and HMIs under engineering guidanceHelp with controls architecture tasks including I/O allocation and device selectionSupport motor control design work, including VFDs, motor starters, and overload protection, as well as electrical power distribution design (circuit breaker panels, transformers with voltages up to 480VAC)Assist with component selection and specification (PLCs, VFD’s, circuit breakers, motor starters, power supplies, relays, terminal blocks) for panel buildsSupport customer communication on technical requirements alongside senior staffHelp ensure designs meet UL508A, NEC, and applicable local code requirementsMaintain accurate design documentation and revision controlPanel Construction Support (Secondary Responsibility)Support assembly of industrial control panels per H2K schematics and layoutsAssist with mounting components, point-to-point wiring, and continuity testingSupport UL508A inspection requirements and documentationPerform quality checks to verify panels match design intent prior to shipmentField Commissioning & Startup SupportAssist with onsite panel startups and commissioning under engineering directionSupport troubleshooting of control systemsInterface professionally with customers during startup and service visitsDocument field modificationsStandards & ComplianceDesign and build in accordance with UL508A requirementsFollow NEC and applicable local codesMaintain high standards of design documentation, labeling, and workmanshipEducation and Experience:2-year technical degree in Electrical/Process Control Technology, Mechatronics, or related field (4 year degree a plus)0–2 years of experience in controls design, PLC programming, panel building, or a related field,Familiarity with PLC programming (Rockwell/Studio 5000, Automation Direct, or similar) and HMI configuration; coursework or internship experience acceptableAbility to read and develop electrical schematics; experience or coursework with AutoCAD (AutoCAD Electrical a plus) is a strong plusElectrical knowledge and safety awareness (e.g., NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout, arc flash basics) is a definite plusBasic understanding of industrial control componentsWillingness to learn and work on the shop floor supporting panel builds and testingCharacteristics and Skills:Mechanical and analytical aptitude and ability to use shop toolsStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deal with ambiguity and competing prioritiesExcellent communication and presentation skillsMotivated, with a focus on resultsHigh energy and commitmentProficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.Proficient in CAD (AutoCAD products preferred).Essential Physical Abilities:Ability to sit or stand at a desk using a computer 80% of the time.Ability to accommodate varying work schedules.Ability to climb up and down stairs and ladders.Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 4 times/year)Ability to work standing all day on a shop floor.Ability to utilize full manual dexterity (i.e. sitting, squatting, bending, kneeling, lifting, walking, manipulating tools with limbs extended).Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in a shop environment when supporting builds.Ability to travel occasionally for commissioning and startup support.Core Values and BeliefsMust be aligned with Core Values and Beliefs that drive UCC’s existing corporate culture;People – we trust and invest in our people, unlocking their full potential and they always come firstTeamwork – we respect others and create a collaborative working environment of inclusion and inspirationIntegrity – we are truthful and respectful to customers, employees, community and suppliersCustomer Satisfaction – we keep existing customers by delivering exceptional customer serviceInnovative –we encourage resourceful problem solving in the face of adversityCompensation and Benefits:Base Pay Range: $30 to $45 per hour based on skills and experienceOther Compensation: Overtime Eligibility for 1 ½ times per hour for all hours worked over 40 in a week.Insurance: Medical, Dental, Life, Disability, Employee Assistance Programs and Voluntary Options such as Vision, HSA, FSA (Medical, Dental, Vision and Dependent Care), Accident, Identity Theft, Legal coverageRetirement: 401(k) with up to 4% company match, Pre-Tax and Roth Options, and discretionary Annual Profit-Sharing contributionTime Off: 10 days of Vacation, Vacation Purchase Plan up to 10 days purchased per year, 5 days of Sick and 10 Holidays, Parental Leave, FMLAMiscellaneous: Student Debt Assistance, Tuition Reimbursement, Certification and License Reimbursement, Personalized Professional Development Plans and Career Path Options.How to Apply:If interested in this position, please apply online via our website at https://uccenvironmental.com/careers/ and select Explore Current Openings to apply for this position online.UCC Environmental is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. If you have difficulty applying for this job online, by e-mail, or need accommodations, please call us at 847-473-5900 and ask for Human Resources.