Senior Electrical Design Engineer

ASTEC; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ASTEC seeks an Electrical Engineer to join the hardware and controls software team. You will translate product requirements into electrical hardware and embedded software, design schematics and PCB layouts, and ensure reliability across asphalt, concrete, and industrial heating apps.

Responsibilities include leading design reviews, developing test plans, and collaborating with sales, manufacturing, service, and suppliers. Occasional travel for testing and field support may be involved.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in electrical/electronic/computer engineering or related field.
• Experience with controlled design reviews and manufacturability.
• Knowledge of NEC/UL508A and electrical safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Decompose requirements into electrical hardware and software specs.
• Create schematics, PCB layout, and 3D junction box designs.
• Lead design reviews, perform reliability analyses, and develop test plans.
• Collaborate with sales, manufacturing, service, and suppliers.
• Travel for testing and field support as needed.

Skills

Structured system design

Design for Reliability

Electrical CAD

CAN / Ethernet networking

PCB layout & schematics

DC/AC control design

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Electronic/Computer Engineering

Tools

EPLAN

Solidworks

AutoCAD

PCB design tools

Job description

BUILT TO CONNECT Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.

ABOUT THE POSITION

At Astec, we are building a world-class electrical hardware and controls software engineering team. A team that values free thought for innovative idea generation and disciplined engineering for the realization of those ideas to drive solutions for our customers. By freeing our creative minds, we bring solutions our customers haven’t even realized they need yet. Through disciplined engineering we ensure the solutions we provide are effective, simple to use, reliable, and cost effective. The Electrical Engineer will be a part of a dynamic team of engineers working on the development of control/automation systems for our Asphalt, Concrete and Industrial Heating sites etc. The engineer will be involved in the creation of product requirements, decomposition to electrical hardware and software requirements, design calculations, schematic generation, PCB designs, junction box designs, wiring harness routings and designs, and electrical design reviews of the same; all with an eye toward Design for Reliability (DfR). The engineer will move from project to project as required and may be working on multiple projects within a given timeframe. All project work will be scheduled by the electrical Engineering Manager such that the engineer will not be overallocated but will have definite deadlines and visibility into upcoming work. Electrical designs will be based on embedded controller and HMI displays. The designs will predominately be composed of 24VDC control of motors, valves, pumps, actuators, relays, etc. with sensor inputs in the same or similar range. Control outputs may be DC voltage or current, PWM, or PID control loop signals. Some designs will require AC power control using VFDs, soft starters, etc. The Electrical Engineer needs to understand sensor input requirements as well as device output drive requirements. The Electrical Engineer will also work with other cross-functional teams, including but not limited to sales, manufacturing, purchasing, and the service department to ensure the successful completion of projects and launch of equipment. The Electrical Engineer may at times be asked to travel for project testing and system integration testing, as well as to develop business relationships with customers, dealers, and suppliers. They may also participate in product focus groups to gain critical customer application and design suggestions to assist in the development of product lines. Travel may also be required at times to troubleshoot and resolve customer equipment issues in the field.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but not limited to)

• Work with the cross-functional Product Management Team to produce a complete and well defined Product Functional Specification before product design is started.
• Follow Structured System Design techniques to decompose the product function requirements into an effective control strategy for heavy construction equipment.
• Use knowledge of sensor technologies, control device technologies and process automation techniques to advance the simplicity of operation and troubleshooting of equipment to maximize productivity by enhancing operator functionality and the minimization of equipment downtime.
• Use knowledge of domestic as well as international electrical standards to design equipment with the widest market breadth without redesigning to minimize the number of models required to be manufactured.
• Apply Design for Reliability processes and principles to realize desired equipment reliability and Total Cost of Ownership requirements.
• Use structured system design techniques to produce electrical hardware designs that are modular in nature, easy to test, easy to diagnose and simple to replace should field service repairs be required.
• Develop and execute bench tests with the Controls Software Engineer on design modules and code units to ensure proper functionality before integration into the complete equipment design to ensure project success.
• Use computer-aided engineering design software and equipment to develop electrical / electronic design drawings and schematics.
• Develop PCB layout designs for panels.
• Develop 3D Junction Box designs with plug-and-play functionality that allow manufacturing to simply plug in all harnesses and require no landing of conductors in equipment assembly.
• Create 3D routed wiring harnesses for all wires and cables required for a system design. All harnesses shall be terminated in a connector to allow for a plug-and-play assembly.
• Develop detailed drawings for new designs and modifications to existing designs.
• Lead cross-functional electrical design reviews, including Design for Manufacturability and Design for Reliability.
• Contribute to the development of product documentation, including production work instructions, training manuals, troubleshooting guides, and product test plans.
• Identify improvement opportunities and enhancements for product enhancements and/or cost reductions.
• Contribute to project teams by championing the successful completion of project objectives, including schedule, budget, and feature set.
• Contribute to the development of new processes and procedures to enhance the hardware design capabilities and work products of the engineering team.
• Develop the electrical hardware test plans for new designs and changes to existing designs and coordinate the testing and validation using these plans.
• Participate in cross-functional software and HMI design reviews.
• Assist customers via telephone or on site, to resolve function and/or application issues.
• Work with the Manufacturing department to resolve production issues.
• Work with the Service Department to resolve field and warranty issues.
• Work with the Purchasing Department and suppliers on new or existing component issues.
• Adhere to all Astec design and coding standards.
• Perform engineering calculations as required during design cycle.
• Follow proper safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor of Science (4-year) degree in Electrical/Electronic/Computer Engineering or related field from an accredited institution.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Job-related Skills and Abilities

• Knowledgeable of structured system design techniques.
• Knowledge of Design for Reliability is highly desired.
• Knowledge of NEC, UL508A, and relevant electrical safety standards
• Knowledge of network protocols such as CAN, Ethernet, Wireless 802.11, etc.
• Proficient in the development, reading, and interpretation of electrical engineering drawings.
• Proficient in electrical engineering systems design and troubleshooting, D/C controls design required, A/C design required.
• Ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions to engineering challenges.
• Ability to show competence in assessing, managing, and mitigating risks within a project and design.
• Ability to work satisfactorily as a team member.
• Good communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Good organization and time-management skills.
• Willingness to accept responsibility and take on new challenges.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment on a customary and regular basis.
• Proficiency with personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite software applications.
• Proficiency with Electrical CAD software, specifically EPLAN, is highly desirable.
• Adept at problem solving and root-cause analysis.

Leadership Skills

• Ability to mentor and lead junior level engineers/Electrical Design Drafters in the design and execution of systems controls.
• Ability to represent the electrical team in cross-functional meetings by being the voice of good engineering practice.
• Ability to step into a leadership void and lead a team to proper completion of tasks, projects, and investigations while encouraging others and moving toward a best solution for all involved.

Language Skills

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, stakeholders etc…

Reasoning Ability Skills

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Must have strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check.
• Flexibility to work additional hours as required.
• Occasional travel (including international).
• Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

PREFERENCES

• Proficiency with Solidworks, AutoCAD, EPLAN.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Experience with Design for Reliability.

SAFETY

• Astec is dedicated to a culture of Behavior Based SAFETY and a Healthy Environment!
• Proficient in promoting safe and healthy work environment.
• Notify area supervisor of product discrepancies or equipment malfunctions.
• Adhere to established company policies and procedures paying special attention to safety regulations.
• Report defective materials, equipment, or questionable conditions to the area supervisor/manager to identify and correct the root cause.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with training guidelines.