Controls Technician

Voigt-Abernathy Co.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Voigt-Abernathy is seeking a motivated Control Panel Designer/Builder to design, assemble, wire, test and troubleshoot industrial control panels for pumps and process equipment. The role requires creating professional electrical drawings and selecting components to meet NEC and customer specs.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN, reads electrical schematics, and can coordinate with engineers, customers and vendors.

Qualifications

• Associate degree as required or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years designing and building industrial control panels.
• Experience creating electrical schematics with AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN or similar.
• Ability to read electrical drawings, P&IDs and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of industrial control circuits, three-phase power, motor controls, PLCs, VFDs, instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Design industrial control panels for pumps, motors, blowers and process equipment.
• Create electrical drawings: power distribution schematics, control schematics, PLC I/O drawings, terminal layouts, BOM.
• Develop electrical designs using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar software.
• Size and specify components: breakers, disconnects, motor starters, VFDs, soft starters, PLCs, HMIs, power supplies, relays, terminal blocks.
• Assemble and wire panels per engineering drawings and standards.
• Test and troubleshoot panels prior to shipment.
• Coordinate with engineers, sales, customers, and vendors during project development.
• Assist with field startup, commissioning and troubleshooting.

Skills

Electrical schematics reading

Project coordination

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Electronics, Automation, or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Job description

Control Panel Designer / Builder

Position Summary

Voigt-Abernathy (Texas Process Division) is seeking a motivated and detail-orientedControl Panel Designer / Builder to join our growing Controls & Automation team. This position is responsible for designing, documenting, assembling, wiring, testing, and troubleshooting industrial control panels for pump systems, process equipment, and custom automation applications.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, can create professional electrical drawings, and enjoys building high-quality control panels that meet NEC to customer specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design industrial control panels for pumps, motors, blowers, and other process equipment.
• Create complete electrical drawings, including:
  • Power distribution schematics
  • Control schematics
  • PLC I/O drawings
  • Terminal layouts
  • Panel layouts
  • Bill of Materials (BOM)
  • Wire numbering and labeling
• Develop electrical designs using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar electrical CAD software.
• Size and specify electrical components including:
  • Circuit breakers
  • Disconnects
  • Motor starters
  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
  • Soft starters
  • PLCs
  • HMIs
  • Power supplies
  • Relays
  • Terminal blocks
• Assemble and wire industrial control panels according to engineering drawings and industry standards.
• Perform point-to-point wiring, component installation, labeling, and panel layout.
• Test and troubleshoot completed control panels prior to shipment.
• Verify proper operation of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, and safety circuits.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and revision control.
• Coordinate with engineers, sales personnel, customers, and vendors during project development.
• Assist with field startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting when required.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Electronics, Automation, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience designing and building industrial control panels preferred.
• Experience creating electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar software.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, and technical specifications.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Industrial control circuits
  • Three-phase power systems
  • Motor controls
  • PLC systems
  • Variable Frequency Drives
  • Instrumentation
• Experience wiring industrial electrical panels.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, ABB, or similar automation products is preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, bend, and work in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to use hand tools and electrical testing equipment safely.
• Occasional travel for startup, commissioning, and customer support.

Why Join Voigt-Abernathy?

Voigt-Abernathy is a leading provider of industrial pumping systems, process equipment, and engineered solutions throughout the Southeast and Texas. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, ongoing technical training, and opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative and innovative work environment.

If you’re passionate about industrial automation, electrical design, and building quality control systems, we’d love to hear from you.