Electrical Controls Engineer

AW Technical Center USA; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AW Technical Center USA seeks an Electrical Controls Engineer to design and overhaul electrical and control systems for new and existing equipment. You will develop wiring drawings, BOMs, and manuals, and support modifications to improve automation and reduce labor costs.

The role requires hands-on troubleshooting, testing, and collaboration with technicians and vendors to ensure on-time delivery within quality standards. Bachelor’s degree in engineering is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in electrical controls design.
• Experience with electrical distribution up to 480 VAC, 3-phase.
• Ability to read electrical prints and wire control panels.
• Knowledge of NFPA 70E safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and controls issues in circuits with transformers and relays.
• Execute electrical and control upgrades to equipment.
• Collaborate with technicians for assembly and testing of machines.
• Develop wiring drawings, BOMs and machine manuals.
• Lead installation, setup and testing within production lines.
• Prepare design reports, calculations and cost estimates.
• Coordinate with vendors on equipment improvements and supervise installation and commissioning.
• Maintain records and documentation for process changes.

Skills

Electrical distribution

Control systems

Pneumatic valves

Actuators

Sensors

PLC programming

HMI programming

Wiring diagrams

NFPA 70E

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCad Electrical

MS Excel

MS Word

Outlook

Job description

Department: Operations, KOKI Engineering

Position Summary

The Machine & Automation Group (KOKI) Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for the ground up electrical and controls system design of new equipment, the overhaul of existing equipment to be reused for new projects, performing electrical design calculation, preparing engineering design reports, as well as integrating automation into existing equipment to lower labor cost. This position will also be responsible for maintaining the overall build schedule for each job and developing all needed documentation such as wiring drawings, BOM’s, and machine manuals to support modifications.

Position Responsibilities

The incumbent is expected to perform the following functions that the company has determined are essential to this position:

• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and electrical controls issues in circuits containing transformers, disconnects, over‑current protection devices, and general control components (relays, timers, PLC, etc.).
• Execute electrical and control upgrades to equipment.
• Work with electrical technicians to perform electrical assembly of new and reused machines.
• Perform testing of machine components and systems to ensure proper function.
• Work with electrical technicians to perform required disassembly of equipment in preparation for shipping to other AISIN facilities or transportation within ANC.
• Lead the final installation, setup and testing of equipment within the production line.
• Prepare engineering systems design reports, construction plans, specifications, calculations, equipment selection, and cost estimates for various projects.
• Work with outside vendors on equipment improvement projects and supervise the installation, startup, testing, and debugging of new or modified manufacturing equipment and controls.
• Understand and implement safe work practices in compliance with company policies.
• Provide technical support for automated mechanical systems, electrical controls, and robots.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with all personnel in the company, supporting cross‑functional project needs and objectives ensuring all groups hit targets as outlined.
• Accurately maintain all records for each machine assembly based on project plans.
• Accurate planning and budget development for investments in existing equipment and various projects involving modifications of resources.
• Create and maintain accurate and confidential documentation for changes to processes and equipment, allowing for continuous improvement of company procedures.
• Participate and lead on a cross‑functional team to ensure that project objectives are met on time within company quality standards.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

Essential Skills and Experience:

• 3 years minimum of relevant work experience.
• Experience working with electrical distribution and control systems up to 480 VAC, 3PH.
• Able to effectively distinguish between various wiring colors.
• Demonstrated trouble shooting/problem solving with pneumatic valves, actuators (pneumatic and electric), sensors (thermocouples, pressure transducers, etc.), electric motors, and other typical automation components in an engineering role.
• Ability to write PCL & GOT/HMI programs from scratch.
• Ability to read electrical prints to wire control panels with components such as motor starters, PLCs, control relays, terminals, sensors, etc. Label all wiring to print. Test each to ensure proper wiring. Install enclosures onto main systems and wire to all external devices per NFPA 79/70/UL508A and company specific requirements.
• Familiar with NFPA 70E safe electrical work practices (such as Lockout/Tagout, etc.).
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings (electrical, part and assembly).
• Works well in a group environment, with the ability to lead projects in a cross‑functional environment.
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to solve problems.
• Proficient level of skill in using MS Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Beneficial Skills and Experience

• Strong working knowledge of pneumatics.
• Knowledge of design and engineering principles and best practices.
• Proficient in AutoCad Electrical with the ability to create detailed electrical schematics.
• Self‑motivated, self‑directing, strong attention to detail and excellent time management skills.

Education/Training/Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering is required.