Controls Technician

Voigt-Abernathy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Voigt-Abernathy (Texas Process Division) seeks a detail-oriented Control Panel Designer/Builder to design, document, assemble, wire, test, and troubleshoot industrial control panels for pump systems and process equipment.

The ideal candidate will read electrical drawings, create professional electrical drawings, and ensure NEC compliance to customer specifications, using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN. Travel for startup may be required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in electrical engineering technology or automation.
• 3+ years of experience designing and building industrial control panels.
• 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, motor controls, PLC systems, VFDs, and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Design industrial control panels for pumps, motors, blowers, and process equipment.
• Create complete electrical drawings: power distribution, control schematics, PLC I/O, terminal and panel layouts, BOM, wire labeling.
• Develop electrical designs using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Size and specify components ( breakers, disconnects, motor starters, VFDs, soft starters, PLCs, HMIs, power supplies, relays, terminal blocks).
• Assemble and wire panels according to drawings and standards; perform wiring, labeling, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Verify operation of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, and safety circuits; maintain project documentation; coordinate with engineers, sales, customers, and vendors.
• Assist with field startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting when required.

Skills

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Electrical drawings reading

Troubleshooting

Panel wiring

Education

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

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Schneider Electric

Job description

Control Panel Designer / Builder

Position Summary

Voigt-Abernathy (Texas Process Division) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Control 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.