Controls Hardware Design Engineer

Kids for the Future; City of Pewaukee (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kids for the Future in Wisconsin is seeking a Control Systems Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of complex control systems for custom automation equipment. You will shape architectures, prepare detailed electrical schematics, and drive BOM accuracy while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

The role requires a BS in Electrical Engineering, 5+ years in control systems, and hands-on experience with Siemens or Allen-Bradley PLCs, SOLIDWORKS Electrical, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years in control systems and hardware design.
• Experience with PLC, HMI, vision systems, and robot programs.
• Proven ability to lead technical aspects of automation projects.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electrical control systems for custom automation.
• Develop system architectures and electrical schematics.
• Create BOMs and specify components (PLCs, safety devices, motors).
• Ensure designs meet NEC, NFPA, UL, and other standards.
• Mentor other control design engineers.
• Support testing, commissioning, and startup at customer sites.
• Drive design reviews, risk assessments, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with assembly, panel shop, and project managers.
• Maintain drawing standards and libraries.
• Expand and enforce naming conventions and revision control.

Skills

Technical leadership

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Risk assessments

Electrical systems knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Equivalent experience

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

SOLIDWORKS Electrical

HMI development

Job description

• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Travel 5%
• Manage Others No

Description

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Lead the design and development of electrical control systems for custom automation machinery and integrated systems
• Develop system architectures and detailed electrical schematics
• Develop detailed electrical Bills of Materials (BOMs) and specify components including PLCs, safety devices, power distribution, motion controllers, and industrial networking hardware
• Ensure all designs comply with company standards and applicable industry codes and regulations (NEC, NFPA, ANSI, RIA, UL, etc.).
• Serve as technical lead during project initialization, ensuring department standards and best practices are met
• Work closely with internal assembly technicians and panel shop personnel during build and wiring phases to ensure design accuracy and resolve technical issues.
• Support system testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and startup activities both in-house and at customer sites.
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality and efficiency
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to other Control Design Engineers
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, safety regulations, and customer specifications
• Maintain and govern electrical libraries, manufacture parts databases, symbols, macros, and templates
• Establish and enforce drawing standards, naming conventions, and revision control practices
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Technology, Automation Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in control systems activities, including familiarity with hardware design, PLC, HMI, vision systems, and robot programs.
• Proven ability to lead technical aspects of complex automation projects
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of common control and computer architecture, networking, and interfacing with higher-level computer systems.
• Experience selecting, and integrating industrial control devices, sensors, PLCs, and HMIs; experience with Siemens or Allen Bradley PLCs required.
• Extensive experience with SOLIDWORKS Electrical (Schematic and/or 3D)
• Strong knowledge of electrical design standards (NFPA, UL, NEC)
• Familiarity with relevant standards and regulations (e.g., UL508A, NFPA 79, ISO, CE) and how they apply to machine design and programming.
• Clear verbal and written communication with cross-functional teams, vendors, and customers, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team including mechanical engineers, electricians, and project managers.
• Experience with safety-rated control systems and risk assessments
• Working knowledge of current programmable controllers and related technologies.

Summary

The Control Systems Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of complex control systems for custom automation equipment. This role provides technical leadership across projects, ensures engineering standards are upheld, mentors’ junior engineers, and collaborates cross-functionally to deliver high-performance, reliable, and innovative automation solutions that meet customer requirements and company objectives.