Electrical Control Engineer

Gravity IT Resources; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Gravity IT Resources seeks an experienced Electrical Controls Engineer to design, implement, and support automation and control systems for power distribution equipment. You will apply PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, and system integration to support production operations and customer-site installations.

The role focuses on safe, dependable, and high-performing control solutions for switchgear and related industrial equipment, with travel for commissioning and site support as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related discipline (equivalent practical experience considered).
• Seven or more years of experience designing and supporting industrial automation or control systems.
• Experience with switchgear, switchboards, and power distribution equipment.
• Advanced proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience developing and supporting HMI and SCADA applications.
• Working knowledge of EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus or similar industrial protocols.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage assignments independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel for commissioning, startup, and field support.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement industrial control systems for switchgear, switchboards, and related electrical equipment
• Develop, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC programs using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable platforms
• Create, configure, and maintain HMI and SCADA applications
• Lead system integration, functional testing, validation, commissioning, and startup activities
• Produce and maintain electrical schematics, control panel layouts, bills of material, and technical documentation
• Diagnose control-system failures and implement solutions that improve reliability and reduce downtime
• Partner with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, operations, and field-service teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Confirm designs and installations comply with applicable safety requirements, electrical codes, and industry standards
• Provide technical guidance and training to operations and maintenance personnel
• Support continuous improvement efforts involving controls, equipment performance, and manufacturing processes
• Travel to customer or project locations as needed for commissioning, troubleshooting, and startup support

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

EtherNet/IP Modbus Profibus

Electrical schematics

Analytical problem solving

Independent work

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Controls Engineering

7+ years of experience designing and supporting industrial automation or control systems

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Controls Engineer to design, implement, and support automation and control systems for electrical power distribution equipment. This individual will apply expertise in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, industrial networking, and system integration to support both production operations and customer-site installations.

The position plays an important role in delivering safe, dependable, and high-performing control solutions for switchgear, switchboards, and related industrial equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement industrial control systems for switchgear, switchboards, and related electrical equipment
• Develop, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC programs using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable platforms
• Create, configure, and maintain HMI and SCADA applications
• Lead system integration, functional testing, validation, commissioning, and startup activities
• Produce and maintain electrical schematics, control panel layouts, bills of material, and technical documentation
• Diagnose control-system failures and implement solutions that improve reliability and reduce downtime
• Partner with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, operations, and field-service teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Confirm designs and installations comply with applicable safety requirements, electrical codes, and industry standards
• Provide technical guidance and training to operations and maintenance personnel
• Support continuous improvement efforts involving controls, equipment performance, and manufacturing processes
• Travel to customer or project locations as needed for commissioning, troubleshooting, and startup support

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent practical experience may also be considered
• Seven or more years of experience designing and supporting industrial automation or control systems
• Experience working with switchgear, switchboards, power distribution equipment, or comparable industrial systems
• Advanced proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting
• Experience developing and supporting HMI and SCADA applications
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, or similar technologies
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, and technical problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage assignments independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Willingness to travel for commissioning, startup, and field support

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing controls specifically for switchgear or switchboard systems
• Knowledge of building management systems or building automation systems
• Familiarity with industrial networking architecture and operational technology cybersecurity
• Experience establishing system-testing, validation, and documentation procedures
• Knowledge of applicable electrical, automation, and workplace-safety standards
• Experience supporting equipment in manufacturing, data center, infrastructure, or other mission-critical environments
• Maintains a strong commitment to workplace and electrical safety
• Communicates effectively with individuals from varied technical and professional backgrounds
• Responds quickly and decisively to operational and customer needs
• Identifies opportunities to simplify designs and improve processes
• Applies sound judgment when resolving complex technical issues
• Takes ownership of deliverables, quality, and project outcomes
• Performs effectively in a collaborative, fast-moving environment

Compensation and Benefits

The organization offers a competitive compensation package that may include:

• Base salary and performance-based incentive opportunities
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan with company contributions
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Professional growth and development opportunities
• Collaborative and technically focused work environment