Senior Electrical Controls Engineer – Industrial Automation

SAI SYSTEMS; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SAI SYSTEMS in Michigan is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to own the controls hardware design for custom automation systems. You will design electrical and controls architecture, industrial control panels, power distribution, safety systems, and I/O networks, and work with the build team to bring designs to life on the shop floor.

The role requires hands-on experience beyond schematics, including panel fabrication, testing, commissioning, and trouble-shooting in real-world environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in controls hardware design for automation or custom machinery.
• Bachelors in Electrical/Controls/Systems Engineering preferred; hands-on experience may substitute.
• Experience with panel fabrication, wiring, testing, and certification in real-world environments.
• Proven ability to develop electrical drawing packages and BOMs.

Responsibilities

• Own controls hardware design from concept through installation and documentation.
• Develop electrical drawings with AutoCAD Electrical and/or EPLAN.
• Design and size 480VAC control panels and power distribution systems.
• Select PLCs, I/O, drives, safety components, and network hardware.
• Collaborate with panel builders and engineers to resolve build issues.
• Develop BOMs and release hardware for purchasing.
• Review designs with customer engineers to ensure compliance.

Skills

Controls hardware design

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Rockwell/Siemens hardware

PLC selection & I/O

Industrial networks

Panel design & wiring

Safety hardware & NFPA 79

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Systems Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix

Allen-Bradley Kinetix

Siemens S120 drives

VFDs and servo drives

Job description

SAI SYSTEMS in Michigan is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to own the controls hardware design for custom automation systems. You will design electrical and controls architecture, industrial control panels, power distribution, safety systems, and I/O networks, and work with the build team to bring designs to life on the shop floor.

The role requires hands-on experience beyond schematics, including panel fabrication, testing, commissioning, and trouble-shooting in real-world environments.