Electrical Controls Engineer – PLC Programming & Panel Design

Keystone Distinction Group; Oak Creek (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group in Oak Creek/Milwaukee area is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to lead PLC programming and panel design for custom automation projects. You will own end-to-end development from schematic design to live commissioning, with a high degree of autonomy and client-facing startup work.

The role requires 2+ years of hands-on experience, proficiency with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, AutoCAD Electrical, and integration of robotics and vision systems; occasional travel up to

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on PLC programming (Allen-Bradley) and electrical schematic design.
• HMI configuration and control hardware experience for automation environments.
• Practical panel wiring and shop-floor troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical schematics and panel layouts from scratch using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Program Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI logic for custom automation machinery.
• Assist in shop assembly, wiring, and validate hardware integration prior to runoff.
• Integrate FANUC robotics and vision systems (Cognex/Keyence) for part inspection and handling.
• Travel 10–20% to client facilities for commissioning.

Skills

PLC programming

Schematic design

Electrical wiring

HMI configuration

Robotics integration

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

FANUC robotics

Cognex Vision

Keyence Vision

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs

Job description

Electrical Controls Engineer – PLC Programming & Panel Design

$120,000 – $130,000 Base Salary Oak Creek / Milwaukee Area Direct-Hire

• COMPENSATION: $120,000 – $130,000 Starting Base Salary + Comprehensive Corporate Benefits Package
• WORK SCHEDULE: Flexible start times | Light 10% to 20% travel for client startups and commissioning
• EXPERIENCE: 2+ years of hands-on PLC programming (Allen-Bradley) and electrical schematic design experience
• TECH STACK: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLCs & HMIs, AutoCAD Electrical, FANUC robotics, 2D/3D vision systems (Cognex, Keyence), and custom panel design
• WORK ENVIRONMENT: High-autonomy, custom job-shop setting with zero micromanagement
• STABILITY & CULTURE: Rapidly expanding custom integrator with an average employee tenure of 5 to 6 years and a zero-layoff history
• REQUIREMENTS: US Citizen or Green Card holder residing within a daily commuting radius of the Oak Creek / South Milwaukee area

If you are a talented Electrical Controls Engineer looking to step out of a narrow, repetitive role at a massive corporate conglomerate, this direct-hire integration seat offers the ultimate blend of autonomy, technical variety, and long-term growth. Operating as a premier, highly agile custom automation integrator in the Greater Milwaukee area, this company designs and builds ground-up robotic systems for diverse manufacturing applications across North America.

Unlike corporate environments that restrict you to rigid siloes, this team embraces a true "ownership" culture. You will own full projects end-to-end, from initial AutoCAD schematic design and panel layout to shop-floor wiring, logic programming, and final live commissioning. Backed by outstanding employee retention, a zero-layoff history, and active cross-training opportunities, this is a rare long-term home where your technical contributions directly impact every build.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Design complete electrical schematics, panel layouts, and detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs) from scratch utilizing AutoCAD Electrical.
• Program Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLC and HMI control logic for non-repetitive, custom automation machinery.
• Participate directly in hands-on shop assembly and panel wiring, verifying hardware integration and troubleshooting low-level electrical connections prior to runoff.
• Integrate and calibrate advanced robotic platforms and vision hardware (FANUC, Cognex, Keyence) for high-speed part inspection, guidance, and handling.
• Travel 10% to 20% to client facilities for short, high-visibility commissioning trips and startups.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with project leads and executive leadership, contributing ideas to refine system builds with zero micromanagement.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• 2+ years of verifiable experience in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley / Rockwell preferred) and electrical schematic design (AutoCAD Electrical).
• HMI & Hardware Proficiency: Proven capability working with HMI software and configuring control system hardware for manufacturing or automation environments.
• Hands-On Assembly Comfort: Practical experience with panel wiring, physical assembly, and electrical troubleshooting on the shop floor.
• Robotics & Vision Plus: FANUC robotic programming experience and familiarity with industrial vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, FANUC iR Vision) are major advantages.
• Travel Flexibility: Ability to travel 10% to 20% domestically for customer startups, with occasional flexibility for weekend work during active installation windows.
• Employment Stability & Proximity: Authorization to work in the U.S. (Citizen or Green Card) and permanent residence within a daily commuting radius of the Oak Creek / South Milwaukee area.