Entry Level Electrical Engineer

Actalent; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 46,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Career development

Onsite work

Job summary

Actalent in Reading, PA is seeking an Entry Level Electrical Engineer to design, develop, and support electrical systems for overhead cranes and hoisting equipment. You will collaborate with project managers, technicians, and customers to deliver safe, reliable material handling solutions.

The role involves creating schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts, plus selecting drives, motors, PLC/HMI systems, and participating in startup and commissioning. A B.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 0–3 years of experience with industrial electrical systems and controls.
• Knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills for diagnosing complex electrical and control issues.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate viability, contract compliance, and internal performance standards for each project.
• Perform site evaluations and inspections to assess conditions and requirements.
• Develop preliminary electrical designs to support sales efforts and proposals.
• Prepare and review submittals and oversee sub-contractor designs and submittals.
• Design electrical systems for overhead cranes and hoisting equipment for safety and performance.
• Create detailed schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams for new installations and retrofit projects.
• Specify and troubleshoot VFDs, motors, motor controls, PLC and HMI systems.
• Support modernization and retrofit projects by upgrading electrical and control systems.
• Assist with startup and commissioning; ensure systems meet specs.
• Provide field troubleshooting to diagnose issues.
• Ensure designs comply with OSHA, NEC, CMAA, ANSI, and NFPA standards.
• Coordinate with project managers, technicians, fabrication teams, and customers.
• Maintain engineering documentation and project records.

Skills

Strong troubleshooting

Communication

Teamwork

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PLC programming

AutoCAD Electrical

VFDs & motors

HMI systems

Job description

Job Title: Entry Level Electrical Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, developing, and supporting electrical systems for overhead cranes and hoisting equipment. The electrical engineer evaluates project viability, ensures compliance with industry standards, and contributes to both new installations and modernization projects. The position involves close collaboration with project managers, technicians, fabrication teams, and customers to deliver safe, reliable, and high-performing material handling solutions.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and ensure each project meets specific viability and build criteria, contract compliance, and internal performance standards.
• Perform site evaluation and inspection visits to assess existing conditions and project requirements.
• Develop preliminary electrical designs to support sales efforts and proposal development.
• Participate in the engineering design process, including preparing and reviewing submittals and overseeing sub-contractor designs and submittals.
• Design and develop electrical systems for overhead cranes and hoisting equipment, ensuring safety, reliability, and performance.
• Create detailed electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams for new installations and retrofit projects.
• Specify, configure, and troubleshoot variable frequency drives (VFDs), motors and motor controls, and PLC and HMI systems.
• Support crane modernization and retrofit projects by upgrading and optimizing electrical and control systems.
• Assist with equipment startup and commissioning, ensuring systems operate according to specifications.
• Provide field troubleshooting support to diagnose and resolve electrical and control system issues.
• Ensure all designs and installations comply with OSHA, NEC, CMAA, ANSI, and NFPA standards and guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, technicians, fabrication teams, and customers to coordinate project execution and resolve technical issues.
• Provide technical support and guidance for service and installation teams in both shop and field environments.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, drawings, and project records throughout the project lifecycle.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 0-3 years of experience with industrial electrical systems and controls.
• Knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills for diagnosing complex electrical and control issues.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience creating detailed electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams for industrial applications.
• Experience specifying, configuring, and troubleshooting VFDs, motors, motor controls, and HMI systems.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices related to OSHA, NEC, CMAA, ANSI, and NFPA.
• Ability to provide clear technical support and guidance to service and installation teams in the field.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate engineering documentation and project records.

Work Environment

The role involves a combination of office, shop, and field work in an industrial environment focused on overhead cranes and hoisting equipment. You will use tools such as AutoCAD Electrical or similar drafting software and work with Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLC systems, VFDs, motors, and industrial control equipment. The position requires site visits and field work, including equipment startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting at customer locations. You must be comfortable working on ladders and at heights when inspecting or servicing overhead crane and hoist systems. The environment emphasizes adherence to OSHA, NEC, CMAA, ANSI, and NFPA standards, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and collaboration with project managers, technicians, fabrication teams, and customers.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Reading, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $45.67/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Reading, PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Reading,PA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.