Sr Controls Engineer

Jewett Automation, LLC; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewett Automation, LLC in the Richmond area is seeking a Senior Electrical Controls Engineer to lead design, programming, and commissioning of advanced electrical control systems for custom automated equipment. You will own projects from concept through installation, delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include leading project delivery, designing and programming, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring compliance with NEC, NFPA 79, and UL 508A.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in electrical controls system design and programming.
• Proven expertise with major PLC platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider Electric) and industrial networks.
• Advanced experience with robotics (ABB, Fanuc, Kuka), vision systems (Cognex, Keyence), and motion control.
• Proficiency in CAD for electrical schematics (AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• Experience with custom automation systems is a significant plus.
• Strong problem-solving and systematic troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics.
• Willingness to travel 20-30% for onsite commissioning and support.

Responsibilities

• Lead Project Delivery: act as technical lead on large-scale projects and own controls tasks.
• Design and Programming: design, program, and commission electrical control systems for custom equipment.
• Technical Troubleshooting: resolve issues in motion, I/O, sensors, safety devices, and software integration.
• Mentorship: guide junior engineers and technicians to uphold quality.
• Documentation and Compliance: develop schematics, panel layouts, BOMs, and manuals; ensure NEC/NFPA 79/UL 508A compliance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: work with mechanical engineers and software developers to ensure project success.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Project leadership

Troubleshooting

Mentoring

Reading schematics

Industrial automation

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

Schneider Electric PLC

Cognex Vision

Keyence Vision

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Position Purpose

The Senior Electrical Controls Engineer will be a key player in designing, programming, and commissioning advanced electrical control systems for our custom automated equipment. We are seeking a highly technical professional who takes pride in their work and is ready to take full ownership of projects from concept to completion. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate flexibility and adaptability due to the custom nature of our projects.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead Project Delivery: Serve as the technical lead on large-scale projects, owning assigned controls engineering tasks and ensuring they are delivered on time and in alignment with project milestones.
• Design and Programming: Design, program, and commission advanced electrical control systems for custom automated equipment. This includes the ability to develop systems from the ground up, guiding the electrical design and controls integration from initial concept to completion.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to motion, I/O, sensors, safety devices, and software integration during machine build, debug, and customer site acceptance.
• Mentorship: Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians, ensuring a high standard of quality across all team outputs.
• Documentation and Compliance: Develop and maintain high-quality electrical documentation, including schematics, panel layouts, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and system manuals. Ensure all designs and installations comply with industry standards and safety regulations (e.g., NEC, NFPA 79, UL 508A).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers and software developers, to ensure project success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical controls system design and programming.
• Proven expertise with major PLC platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider Electric) and industrial networks.
• Advanced experience with robotics (e.g., ABB, Fanuc, Kuka), vision systems (Cognex, Keyence), and complex motion control (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).
• Proficiency in designing electrical schematics using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• Experience with custom automation systems is a significant plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics.
• This role requires 20-30% travel for onsite commissioning, customer support, and system installations.

Success Criteria

• Consistently deliver high-quality control systems that meet performance requirements and project deadlines.
• Demonstrate technical leadership by effectively guiding project deliverables and mentoring colleagues.
• Act as the primary point of contact for controls-related queries on your projects, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across departments.
• Demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills in a dynamic project environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand and/or sit a minimum of four hours at a time.
• Ability to work on a computer/laptop for a minimum of four hours at a time.

Salary Range: $110,000.00 To $130,000.00 Annually