Senior Electrical Design Engineer

Mestek Machinery; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Mestek Machinery in Cedar Rapids, IA, is seeking an experienced electrical/automation engineer to design, develop, and manage multi-discipline projects from concept through implementation. You will work with mechanical, electrical, software, and controls teams, write and debug PLC code, design interfaces, and ensure compliance with safety codes.

The role requires hands-on problem solving and ownership of projects from start to finish.

Qualifications

• Requires a BSEE or BSME and 3–5+ years in industrial automation.
• Experience with electrical codes (UL/CSA/CE) is preferred.
• Ability to write and debug PLC code and develop design documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects from concept to completion.
• Write and debug PLC code and device drivers for multiple stations.
• Create master plans, automation strategies, and documentation standards.
• Work with cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, and software.
• Identify performance issues and perform root-cause analysis.

Skills

PLC programming

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Hands-on engineering

Education

BSEE/BSME

Tools

AB PLC

Siemens PLC

B&R PLC

Autodesk Inventor

SolidWorks

MS Office

Job description

In a global market, design, develop, and manage projects to completion, on time and within budget, ranging from small scale to high visibility projects to improve products and processes. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, have a strong desire to learn new skills and be comfortable working on larger projects spanning weeks or months as well as fast turnaround projects requiring a couple of hours or days.

• Responsible for the safe operation, design and debugging of process and automation control systems. Source and recommend appropriate vendors.
• Must have the ability to create master plans, automation strategy, software configuration, and trouble shoot complex issues that arise.
• Work with the Engineering Manager to establish and enforce design, design change control, and design and program documentation standards for electrical engineering activities.
• Write and debug multiple station PLC code and write device drivers.
• Program MMI devices and design interface circuitry.
• Determine power and load requirements along with restrictions.
• Design logic system for functions such as sequence and timing control.
• Design and draft diagram of cable connections.
• Create processes and controls for design verification.
• Create quality testing procedures and tools.
• Willingness and desire to take complete ownership and responsibility for projects.
• Identify performance issues on new or existing equipment, perform root cause analysis, and suggest possible solutions.
• Proactively contribute to brainstorming and whiteboard sessions regarding new designs and productively critique existing designs led by other team members.
• Thrive at working closely in a multi-disciplinary team including mechanical, electrical, software, controls, etc.
• Performs or assists with equipment and material test studies.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Preferred Experience

• BSEE, BSME: 3-5+ years’ experience in the industrial automation industry.
• Knowledge of current technology & applicable electrical codes related to job duties (UL/CSA/CE).
• Working knowledge of major brand PLC’s and control devices: AB, Siemens, B&R, etc.
• Knowledge of electromechanical relations of an entire automation system.
• Motivation to contribute to the improvement of engineering procedures.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Excellent technical skills, strong communication, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge and interpretation of code compliance requirements and industry standards.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Experience working in or closely with machine shops is a plus (welding, milling, turning, sheet metal, etc).
• Knowledge and experience with 3D Cad software. Autodesk inventor (preferred), Solidworks, or others.

Physical Demands

The individual will regularly be required to stand. The individual will frequently be required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The individual will occasionally be required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this role include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those individuals encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This position requires the ability to pass a competency test, pre-employment drug test, and background check.