Sr. Controls Hardware Engineer

Wilder Systems; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

PTO

Job summary

Wilder Systems seeks a seasoned Controls Engineer to lead hardware design, system architecture, and PLC/HMI programming across deployment lifecycles. The ideal candidate thrives on challenging problems and has strong electrical design fundamentals.

Responsibilities include design of cabinets, safety systems, and automated robotic systems, plus collaboration with mechanical and applications teams to meet TRL goals in production or R&D settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent.
• 6+ years of professional experience in electrical engineering.
• Strong PLC and HMI programming skills.
• Experience with electrical and mechanical control systems.
• Familiarity with network communications and industrial hardware.
• Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop system hardware and cabinets for production and research environments.
• Analyze requirements and define objectives for projects.
• Generate schematics, BOMs, and build documents.
• Coordinate with suppliers for panels, harnesses, and programming.
• Collaborate with mechanical and applications engineers to deploy robust systems.
• Program PLC sequences, motion control, and safety configurations.
• Create test procedures, documentation, and support design reviews.

Skills

Electrical design

PLC programming

HMI programming

Control theory

Network communication

Reading electrical drawings

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Siemens TIA Portal

Robot programming (Fanuc/Yaskawa)

Job description

Wilder Systems is seeking a seasoned Controls Engineer to be responsible for the layout and functionality of all system hardware. This position requires both a strong programming and electrical background. The Controls Engineer must be able conduct hardware selection, architect systems, and program at all stages of the deployment lifecycle of Wilder Systems’ projects.

The ideal candidate has strong fundamentals in electrical design, enjoys challenging problems, and brings experience in PLC programming.

Responsibilities

Design and Product Development

• Analyze requirements and statements of work to clearly define objectives
• Provide feedback with practical solutions through real world applications and examples
• Generate matrices and schematics to support design decisions: one-line diagrams, power schedules, system block diagrams, and trade studies of decisions
• Generate request for proposals and statement of work for suppliers: outsource panel builds, cable harness, and/or programming
• Collaborate with Mechanical and Applications Engineers to design and develop products and tools up to a suitable technical readiness level (TRL) to deploy in a production or research environment
• Design all aspects of a robotic automation system and its sub-assemblies for manufacturing applications

System Design

• Cabinet Design
  • UL and CE rated panel design
  • 480VAC Power distribution
  • Thermal management techniques
  • Environmental IP ratings
• Safety Systems
  • ANSI RIA 15.06/08 safety standards
  • SIL and PL determinization
  • E-stop circuit design
  • Safety scanners, light curtains, safety interlocks
• Standards and Best Practices
  • Implement drawing standards and best practices
  • Create system build instructions to guide technicians
  • Implement relevant standards to cabinet and system design
  • Mentor other engineers on best engineering practices

Program and Testing

• Programmable Logic Controller
  • Communication set up
  • Programming main and individual sequences
  • Program Input/Outputs: Analog and digital
  • Program motion sequences with field device feedbacks
  • Configure safety
• Motor and VFD’s
  • Configure onboard Input/Outputs and Networking
  • Motion Axis set up
  • Program sequences
• Field Devices
  • Cable management
  • Configure part at device and PLC
  • Program device
• Robot and Automation Systems
  • Communication Set Up
  • Design data handshake
  • Configure safety features
• Human Machine Interface
  • Alarms and fault handling
  • Security and user privileges - operator vs maintenance
  • Screen development and tag management

Documentation

• Generate bills of material, mechanical and electrical schematics, and cable lists
• Document standard operating procedures and reports for power up of new systems and devices
• Provide diagrams and information to support design reviews and product proposals

Required Experience

• 6 or more years of professional experience in electrical engineering or a related field
• Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings and have a solid understanding of basic electrical and mechanical control systemsExcellent knowledge in Control Theory
• Highly Proficient in PLC and HMI programming
• Knowledge of industrial hardware and software available on the market
• Strong familiarity with Network communication
• Expert proficiency in AutoCAD

Preferred Experience

• 3+ years experience working directly with aerospace automation
• 3+ years experience designing for low volume manufacturing
• Extensive Siemens TIA Portal experience
• Experience assembling mechanical and electrical components
• Design for UL and CE certification
• Manufacturing knowledge - drilling, welding, pick and place automation, and fastening
• Ability to perform programming in robot languages (Fanuc/Yaskawa)
• Experience creating engineering standards documents and best practices for electrical drawings and plc code

About Wilder Systems

Wilder Systems designs, manufactures, and installs robotic systems for industrial manufacturing applications in the aerospace industry. Our tools are used in direct manufacturing and maintenance of aerospace structures, operating as a growing global fleet on factory floors and flight lines worldwide. We have a dynamic, talented, and collaborative engineering team and want those who are energized by solving our customers' toughest problems.

Compensation

$115,000-$150,000 Base

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• PTO

General Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or similar field
• Strong communication, organizational, time management, and decision-making skills
• Both self-motivated and work well under general supervision
• Works well in high pressure situations, during tight deadlines, and with customers
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Travel

• Up to 25%