Electrical Engineer

MEA Energy; Randolph Township (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

MEA Energy in Randolph Township, NJ seeks an experienced Controls Engineer to design, implement, and support automation systems for our process machinery. You will use AutoCAD Electrical for panel layouts and Allen-Bradley platforms, lead projects through FAT and SAT, and collaborate with mechanical engineering and project managers to meet customer specs.

Travel occasionally for installations; strong documentation and communication skills are required to ensure safety and reliability across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in controls/automation engineering and full project lifecycle ownership.
• Experience designing complete control systems from scratch (concept to commissioning).
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical for control panel and wiring design.
• In-depth knowledge of Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs.
• Familiarity with virtualization, Windows Server, SCADA, industrial networks, and data acquisition tools is a plus.
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel occasionally for customer installations and support.
• Experience with safety PLCs and machine safety design and knowledge of UL/NFPA/CE standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop industrial control systems using AutoCAD Electrical for panels and I/O schematics.
• Program, debug, and commission Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs.
• Lead electrical controls portion of machine projects through FAT, installation, and SAT.
• Create and maintain Software Development Specifications (SDS) and operation sequences.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering, panel builders, and project managers to meet specs.
• Troubleshoot, optimize, and ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency of controls.
• Maintain documentation, backups, and version control; provide training and support to customers.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Travel availability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMIs (FactoryTalk View)

VFDs (PowerFlex)

Job description

Position Overview:

We are a leading OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specializing in custom-engineered process and handling systems to companies in the pharmaceutical, food, chemical and cosmetics industries. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Controls Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience designing industrial control systems from the ground up, with a strong emphasis on AutoCAD Electrical for CAD design and Allen-Bradley-based hardware and software platforms, including PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs. This position will play a key role in developing, implementing, and supporting automation systems for our machines. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of end-to-end control system lifecycle, from design to customer handoff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop industrial control systems utilizing AutoCAD Electrical, including panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and I/O schematics.
• Program, debug, and commission Allen-Bradley PLCs (CompactLogix, ControlLogix, Micro800), HMIs (FactoryTalk View SE/ME, Panelview 800), and VFDs (PowerFlex series).
• Lead the electrical controls portion of machine projects from concept through FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing), installation, and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing).
• Develop, write, and maintain detailed Software Development Specifications (SDS) that outline system functionality, sequence of operations, PLC/HMI structures, and communication protocols for internal teams and end users.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineering, panel builders, and project managers to ensure machine functionality meets customer specifications.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control systems to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Maintain and update documentation, backups, and version control for control systems.
• Provide training and support to customer maintenance and operations staff.
• Provide input on standards development, best practices, and design improvements.
• Manage multiple projects in different states simultaneously.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, or related engineering field (not a must if you have serious experience).
• 5+ years of experience in controls/automation engineering, including full project lifecycle ownership.
• Proven experience designing complete control systems from scratch (concept to commissioning).
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical for control panel and wiring design.
• In-depth knowledge of Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs.
• Familiarity with virtualization, Windows Server, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and/or data acquisition/batch reporting tools is a plus.
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel occasionally for customer installations and support.
• Experience with safety PLCs and machine safety design (e.g., GuardLogix, risk assessments).
• Knowledge of UL, NFPA, and CE electrical standards.
• Experience with additional control system environments and manufacturers (Siemens, ABB, Schneider, etc.).
• Experience with Servo motor control.
• Exposure to industrial protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC UA).