Lead Electrical Controls Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; United States; Remote; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Home office allowance

Professional development and training

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Electrical Controls Engineer for a fully remote role supporting operations worldwide. You will design, develop, and implement PLC-based control systems for complex automation projects, guiding a distributed team of engineers and collaborating with software and mechanical specialists.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in PLC/HMI development, industrial networking, and safety standards, with proven leadership in remote settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 8+ years in electrical controls engineering for industrial automation.
• Experience with PLC and HMI/SCADA across multiple platforms.
• Knowledge of safety standards and electrical codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design and development of PLC-based control systems for complex automation projects.
• Develop detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using CAD software.
• Select and specify PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servos, sensors, and other control system components.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi) and develop HMI/SCADA interfaces.
• Design and implement safety control systems in compliance with ISO 13849 and other standards.
• Collaborate with mechanical design teams to ensure integration of electrical controls.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior controls engineers and support staff.
• Conduct system testing, commissioning, and validation activities, often remotely assisting on-site teams.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation including design specs and user manuals.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Industrial networking

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Mitsubishi PLCs

CAD for schematics

HMI design tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced manufacturing and industrial automation solutions, is seeking an experienced Lead Electrical Controls Engineer for a fully remote position, supporting operations near Paarl, Western Cape . This senior role will spearhead the design, development, and implementation of sophisticated electrical control systems for automated machinery and production lines. You will play a crucial role in defining system architectures, selecting components, and ensuring the seamless integration of controls, robotics, and software. This is an ideal opportunity for a highly skilled engineer who thrives in a remote-first setting, excels at technical leadership, and is passionate about driving innovation in automation. You will collaborate closely with a dispersed team of mechanical engineers, software developers, and project managers, leveraging digital collaboration tools to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Your expertise will be vital in enhancing efficiency, reliability, and performance for our clients' manufacturing processes worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design and development of PLC-based control systems for complex automation projects.
• Develop detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using CAD software.
• Select and specify PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servos, sensors, and other control system components.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi) and develop HMI/SCADA interfaces.
• Design and implement safety control systems in compliance with relevant standards (e.g., ISO 13849).
• Collaborate virtually with mechanical design teams to ensure effective integration of electrical controls.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior controls engineers and support staff.
• Conduct system testing, commissioning, and validation activities, often remotely assisting on-site teams.
• Optimize existing control systems for improved performance, efficiency, and maintainability.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation, including design specifications, program code, and user manuals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in electrical controls engineering, with a focus on industrial automation.
• Proven expertise in PLC programming and HMI/SCADA development across multiple platforms.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Profibus, Profinet, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with robotics integration and vision systems is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of relevant electrical codes and safety standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
• Strong leadership capabilities and the ability to manage projects and teams remotely.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for virtual collaboration.
• Previous experience in a fully remote role is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, training, and certification.
• Flexible remote work environment with a dedicated home office allowance.
• Opportunity to work on innovative automation projects with global impact.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.