Sr. Electrical Controls Engineer

Cranbrook Search Consultants; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cranbrook Search Consultants in Los Angeles seeks a Senior Electrical / Controls Engineer to design, program, test and commission custom process equipment across aerospace, defense, semiconductor and related industries.

The role spans the full project lifecycle from conceptual proposals to FAT, startup, and customer commissioning, working with Sales, Mechanical, Purchasing, Fabrication, and Field Service to deliver high-quality automation systems that meet NEC, UL-508 and other industry

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from ABET-accredited university.
• 10+ years designing electrical controls for industrial machinery and automation.
• Expert knowledge of industrial electrical systems, PLCs, HMIs, remote I/O, and instrumentation.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for industrial automation systems.
• Proficiency with NEC and UL-508 standards.
• Ability to read P&ID and develop BOMs.

Responsibilities

• Support conceptual electrical designs during the quotation process.
• Design electrical schematics and control panels with AutoCAD Electrical.
• Program Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
• Develop FATs and factory acceptance tests.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control systems; support fabrication and commissioning.
• Document root-cause analyses and train customers.
• Ensure NEC, UL-508 and industry standards compliance.

Skills

Electrical design

Programmable Logic Controllers

HMI programming

AutoCAD Electrical

BOM development

NEC knowledge

UL 508 knowledge

Motion control

Servo drives

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Read P&ID

AutoCAD & documentation

Industrial instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Safety PLCs

FactoryTalk Remote

EWON

Remote I/O

Job description

Industrial Processing Equipment Manufacturing (OEM)

ABOUT US

We design, build, program, test, and commission one-of-a-kind process equipment for many of the world's leading aerospace, defense, semiconductor, chemical, food processing, water treatment, and industrial manufacturers.

Our capabilities include:

• Stainless Steel Process Tanks
• Pressure Vessels
• Process Piping
• Structural Steel
• Automated Plating Systems
• Water Treatment Equipment

THE OPPORTUNITY

We're looking for an experienced Senior Electrical / Controls Engineer who enjoys solving challenging automation problems through innovative electrical design and control system programming.

This position is involved throughout the entire project lifecycle—from supporting conceptual sales proposals through detailed electrical design, PLC/HMI programming, factory testing, startup, and customer commissioning.

You'll collaborate closely with Sales, Mechanical Engineering, Purchasing, Fabrication, Assembly, Project Management, and Field Service to deliver reliable, high-quality automation systems for custom process equipment.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Supporting conceptual electrical designs during the quotation process
• Designing electrical schematics and control panels using AutoCAD Electrical
• Selecting electrical components and developing Bills of Material
• Programming Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs
• Designing intuitive operator interfaces
• Developing Functional and Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)
• Debugging and optimizing electrical control systems
• Supporting fabrication, assembly, startup, and commissioning
• Troubleshooting customer equipment and documenting root-cause analyses
• Training customers and internal teams on equipment operation
• Ensuring compliance with NEC, UL-508, and applicable industry standards

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We're searching for someone who combines deep technical expertise with practical problem-solving and excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university
• 10+ years designing electrical controls for industrial machinery and automation
• Expert knowledge of industrial electrical systems, PLCs, HMIs, remote I/O, and instrumentation
• High proficiency programming Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs
• Experience with VFDs, motor controls, soft starts, and related electrical components
• Experience with motion control systems and servo applications
• Ability to develop accurate Bills of Material and technical documentation
• Experience developing and executing Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)
• Strong troubleshooting skills for industrial automation systems
• Expert knowledge of NEC and UL-508 standards
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs
• Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams) for documentation and communication
• Experience with Siemens PLCs, Safety PLCs, FactoryTalk Remote, or EWON is a plus
• Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems is a plus
• Excellent organization, communication, and follow-up skills
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement