Controls Engineer – Critical Power -- Switchgear and Power Systems

JDC Power Systems, LLC; Hackettstown (NJ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel expenses covered

Flexible standard business hours

Job summary

JDC Power Systems, LLC is actively seeking a qualified Controls Engineer for their Hackettstown, NJ office. The role involves designing and implementing control systems for switchgear applications, necessitating proficiency in PLC programming and SCADA systems.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with at least three years of relevant experience. The position offers competitive compensation and an inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in control system engineering focused on switchgear.
• Hands-on programming experience with PLCs and SCADA systems.
• Familiarity with safety standards for electrical installations.

Responsibilities

• Design control systems for low and medium-voltage switchgear.
• Develop schematics and control panel layouts for projects.
• Execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Provide on-call technical support for fielded systems.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA development

Protection relays

Electrical system design

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent technical experience

Tools

Siemens, GE Fanuc, Emerson PLCs

SCADA platforms

Job description

Job Description

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.

Location & Travel

Hackettstown, NJ. Minimal travel initially; approximately 10% once experienced. Travel to customer sites and manufacturer locations may increase with seniority. Standard business hours with flexibility for design reviews and meetings. Out-of-area extended travel arrangements provided by JDC. Expenses related to travel and meals while traveling are covered at cost.

EEO Statement

JDC Power Systems, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where all employment decisions are made on an individual basis without regard to characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law. JDC Power Systems, LLC believes that supporting a respectful and inclusive workplace is critical to our success. JDC Power Systems, LLC is committed to making our application process accessible to all applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request as required.