Controls Hardware Engineer

WSI; Suwanee (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

WSI in Suwanee, GA is seeking a Controls Hardware Engineer focused on electrical and motion designs. You will own the physical design, schematics, and prototype builds for our multi-axis motion control systems, bridging component selection to concrete hardware.

You will create robust control circuits, wiring topologies, and hardware for PLC-based motion solutions while collaborating with software and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable, production-ready hardware.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical or Computer Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in electrical design for automation/motion systems.
• Mastery of AutoCAD Electrical and EPLAN.
• Knowledge of NEC/NFPA/CSA standards.
• Hands-on hardware assembly and debugging with DMM/oscilloscope.
• Knowledge of robotics, arc welding, and machining a plus.
• Experience wiring and troubleshooting control panels.

Responsibilities

• Design low-voltage DC control circuits and wiring topologies for multi-axis motion systems.
• Create electrical schematics and panel layouts using CAD tools.
• Lead hands-on prototype builds and hardware troubleshooting.
• Select processors, sensors, motor drives, and safety interlocks.
• Collaborate with tooling design teams and other departments.
• Provide field support and mentoring to junior engineers.
• Progress multiple projects within schedule and budget.

Skills

Electrical design

Industrial control panels

Schematic design

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Prototype assembly

Hardware troubleshooting

Robotics

Arc welding

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

BS in Computer Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

SolidWorks Electrical

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Industrial CAD tools

Job description

Controls Hardware Engineer (Electrical & Motion Focus) Suwanee, GA

ABOUT US

Located across the globe and with more than 45 years of experience, WSI is the industry leader in automated repairs for pressure equipment. WSI's industry experience, global presence, and best-in-class execution are key to delivering improved plant reliability safely and effectively.

WSI has the mission to advance innovation for global infrastructure through specialized industrial technologies. At WSI, our people empower and define who we are. Our shared values are the foundation for building strong, trusting relationships with our employees, stakeholders, and customers. We're small enough for your ideas to make an immediate impact and large enough to offer you opportunities to grow professionally at any stage of your career.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a skilled Controls Hardware Engineer to lead the physical design, schematic creation, and prototype assembly of our next-generation motion control systems. In this role, you will be the bridge between electronic component selection and physical execution. Your primary focus will be designing robust control circuits, mapping out industrial wiring architectures, and specifying hardware for PLC-based motion systems.

This is a hardware-focused engineering role. While you will collaborate closely with our software engineering team, your principal responsibility will be the physical infrastructure: creating electrical drawings, designing panel layouts, and executing hands-on prototype builds.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and specify low-voltage DC control circuits, power distributions, and physical wiring topologies for multi-axis motion control systems independently suggesting solutions and identifying the information or resources needed to move the work forward.
• Create comprehensive, production-ready electrical schematics, point-to-point wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using industrial CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• Lead the physical build, wiring, and hardware troubleshooting of initial prototype systems and test benches.
• Evaluate and select microprocessors, industrial controllers, sensors, motor drives, and safety interlocks required for high-performance motion applications researching and becoming proficient with new technologies as needed.
• Participate in and actively contribute to tooling design teams
• Work effectively with a high level of autonomy while maintaining strong communication and collaboration across multiple departments.
• Progress multiple projects and tasks based on schedule and budget commitments proactively identifying priorities, resolving obstacles, and escalating issues when appropriate.
• Contribute to plotting short- and long-term technology strategies for the business to support potential growth areas and technology differentiation
• Provide support as required to resolve technology deficiencies in the existing technology base including researching unfamiliar issues and developing solutions with limited direction.
• Provide technical mentoring to less experienced engineering personnel.
• Resolve complex and unique technical issues and provide expert technical reviews and troubleshooting.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience in electrical design, industrial control panel design, or physical hardware engineering for automation/motion systems.
• Mastery of industrial electrical schematic software (AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, SolidWorks Electrical, or similar).
• Deep understanding of circuit protection, industrial wiring standards, microprocessors, and sensor integration.
• Working knowledge of and adherence to applicable NEC, NFPA, and CSA standards, as well as applicable CE conformity requirements.
• Proven experience with hands-on mechanical/electrical assembly, wire crimping, soldering, and troubleshooting physical hardware with multimeters/oscilloscopes.
• Working knowledge of robotics and arc welding and machining processes is a plus
• Experience in computer-aided tools used to design electrical control systems
• Experience in design for high noise environment, a plus
• Support field personnel in troubleshooting problems with existing systems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PLC Hardware Familiarity: Experience specifying and wiring components within B&R Industrial Automation ecosystems (X20 system, ACOPOS drives, etc.) is highly preferred.
• Cobots: Familiarity with collaborative robot integration, safety zones, and end-of-arm tooling hardware.
• PCB: (printed circuit board) design and layout experience.

WSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. WSI prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and is committed to maintaining a workplace that promotes respect, dignity, and equal opportunity for all.