Junior Electrical Controls Engineer

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel reimbursement

Travel bonus eligibility

Overtime pay for 80+ biweekly hours

Job summary

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. is seeking an entry-level Controls Engineer in Fort Smith, AR (or Lamar, AR) to join its automation team. You will design, program, test, and commission industrial control systems alongside experienced engineers.

The role offers hands-on training across electrical design, PLC/HMI programming, robotics, and SCADA within real-world manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Recent graduates or early-career professionals encouraged to apply.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems, control theory, or industrial automation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design and development of industrial control systems and electrical hardware.
• Create and revise electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams using AutoCAD.
• Support component selection, hardware configuration, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure designs meet project requirements.
• Assist with PLC and HMI programming, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Support integration of sensors, motor drives, industrial networks, and other automation components.
• Learn to configure and support industrial robotics, machine vision, and SCADA systems.
• Participate in FAT/SAT and system startup and commissioning.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Technical communication

Reading drawings

Collaborative work

Education

Bachelors in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics/Computer Eng

Tools

AutoCAD

Rockwell PLC/HMI

Ignition SCADA

SolidWorks

Job description

Industrial Automation | Electrical Controls | Systems Integration

Locations: Fort Smith, AR or Lamar, AR

Citizenship Status: US Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card) is required.

An established industrial engineering organization is looking for an entry-level Controls Engineer to join its growing automation team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent engineering graduate or early-career professional to gain hands-on experience designing, programming, testing, and commissioning industrial control systems.

You'll work alongside experienced engineers and technical teams on custom automation projects, gaining exposure to electrical design, PLC and HMI programming, robotics, and industrial equipment. From initial design through startup, you'll develop practical engineering skills while contributing to solutions used in real-world manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

Assist with the design and development of industrial control systems and electrical hardware.

Create and revise electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams using AutoCAD.

Support component selection, hardware configuration, and technical documentation.

Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure designs meet project requirements.

Programming & Automation

Assist with PLC and HMI programming, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Support the integration of sensors, motor drives, industrial networks, and other automation components.

Learn to configure and support industrial robotics, machine vision, and SCADA systems.

Participate in technical reviews and help resolve system performance issues.

Assist with factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).

Support system debugging, equipment startup, and commissioning at customer facilities.

Work with senior engineers to verify that systems operate according to design specifications.

Help identify and resolve electrical and controls issues during testing and installation.

Project Support & Documentation

Maintain accurate engineering drawings, project records, and testing documentation.

Coordinate with project managers, engineers, production teams, and field personnel.

Follow established engineering standards, safety procedures, and quality requirements.

Build technical knowledge through hands-on assignments, training, and mentorship.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Recent graduates and candidates with limited professional experience are encouraged to apply.

Basic understanding of electrical systems, control theory, or industrial automation.

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.

Ability to read technical drawings or a willingness to develop this skill.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work collaboratively and manage assigned tasks.

Willingness to travel to customer sites as needed for project testing and commissioning.

Helpful Technical Skills

Experience with the following is beneficial but not required:

• PLCs and HMIs, particularly Rockwell Automation
• AutoCAD or other electrical drafting software
• Industrial robotics, including FANUC, ABB, or Yaskawa
• Ignition SCADA
• Variable frequency drives, sensors, and industrial networking
• SolidWorks or other 3D modeling software

• Potential additional compensation for approved hours exceeding 80 in a biweekly pay period, subject to company policy
• Travel bonus eligibility based on qualifying travel requirements
• Reimbursement for eligible business travel expenses, including mileage, meals, and lodging

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Gain hands-on experience with industrial automation projects from design through commissioning.

Learn directly from experienced controls engineers and technical professionals.

Develop valuable skills across electrical design, programming, testing, and system integration.

Build a foundation for long-term career advancement in industrial automation.

Contribute to custom engineering solutions for manufacturing and industrial customers.