Automation Design Engineer - Electrical

Pieper Electric is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pieper Electric is a drug-free workplace. Pieper Electric participates in E-Verify. To learn more about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please visit our website. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you need assistance or accommodation, please contact our HR department. Pieper Electric is not currently hiring for positions that require relocation assistance. Thank you for your interest in Pieper Electric! We look forward to reviewing your application. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Pieper Electric is committed to providing a safe and secure work environment for all employees. We conduct background checks and drug screenings as part of our hiring process. Thank you for considering a career with Pieper Electric! We appreciate your time and effort in applying for this position. Please ensure that all information provided in your application is accurate and up to date. We wish you the best of luck in your job search!**

About the Role

The Senior Engineer, Automation Design is responsible for designing automated control systems, including specifying parts, drawing schematics and panel layouts, and creating installation packages for projects. This position applies engineering design principles, knowledge of control systems hardware, and installation practices to develop the required documentation necessary to deliver successful automation projects to internal and external customers.

Collaborates with Project Managers, Application Engineers, Automation Engineers, Panel shop, and Field installation teams to ensure seamless project implementation, strict compliance with industry standards, and a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction. A highly skilled automation design engineer capable of completing design tasks efficiently with minimal supervision, demonstrating the ability to independently solve problems while offering solutions to both internal and external customers.

Supports project estimating efforts for design needs, assists in improving the quality and efficiency of the design engineering group (including mentoring colleagues), and actively develops leadership skills. Implements and guides others in the Pieper Automation Way, leading in the standards and practices that define the company's approach to automation design.

At PPC Partners, values guide behaviors: Safety -- Always, Servant's Heart -- Focus on Others, Wisdom -- Insightful, Integrity -- Honesty and Trustworthy, Courage -- Decisive and Confident, Humility -- Modest and Respectful, Passion -- Unfailing Dedication.

Responsibilities

• Project Execution ("Working In the Business")
  • Provide design engineering for projects, collaborating with the Pieper team and customers (specifying parts, drawing schematics/panel layouts, creating installation packages, and supporting installations).
  • Follow best practices and the Pieper Automation Way to ensure quality design and project documentation.
  • Demonstrate a pattern of success on projects with positive customer feedback leading to additional work opportunities.
  • Work with Project Managers to track and manage project cost/performance, execute projects on time and within budget.
  • Assist with reviewing project scopes, recommending technical solutions, and generating estimates.
  • Provide design engineering support for all aspects of design and installation packages for projects.
  • Troubleshoot and solve technical problems within areas of experience.
  • Follow internal processes for time and cost management: forecasting, time entry, expense reports, maximizing billable work.
• Branch Initiatives ("Working On the Business")
  • Support EOS program by actively participating in L10s and completing meaningful quarterly rocks.
  • Perform internal projects, focusing on Operational Excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Develop and maintain standards and processes to streamline design practices -- the "Pieper Automation Way".
  • Assist with Team development by mentoring, training others, creating training plans, and vendor interface.
• Personal Development
  • Create an Employee Development Plan and meet with supervisor quarterly to review progress.
  • Create and track progress of SMART goals focused on technical, personal, and/or professional development.
  • Plan and achieve target hours for Continuing Education.
• Safety/Hazard Recognition & Elimination
  • Pre-plan and identify methods to eliminate hazards daily by work task.
  • Execute skill in observing habits and hazards of others and bringing it to their attention.
  • Uphold safety as the most important goal of the company; support the goal of achieving zero accidents.
  • Promote and encourage open communication regarding all safety concerns, suggestions, improvements, and PPE needed.
  • Obtain safety training as expected by all company personnel.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Uses general understanding of automation equipment including PLCs, Operator Interface Systems, or Instrumentation.
• Applies knowledge of AC/DC fundamentals to produce electrical circuit design in accordance with NEC and UL508A when applicable.
• Decisive, independent worker able to mentor others, work independently and collaboratively, with a passion for hands-on work.
• Desire to work in a team-based environment and contribute immediately.

Skills

• Positive safety attitude and personal integrity (non-negotiable).
• Communication and technical writing skills; friendly, professional demeanor.
• Ability to follow through on tasks, work independently, meet deadlines and budgets, and manage multiple jobs simultaneously.
• Understand Automation Design documents (ability to read and comprehend automation equipment manuals and electrical schematics).
• Effectively utilize Engineering Design tools (AutoCAD, ePlan, etc.).
• Attention to detail in all aspects of design documentation; perform field verification, construction support, and project reviews.
• Understand wiring practices and electrical fieldwork; general automation product & terminology knowledge (PLC, HMI, SCADA).
• Effectively utilize Microsoft products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, CoPilot, etc.).
• Customer interaction and drive for customer satisfaction; willingness and capability to complete personal development plans.
• Extensive knowledge of one or more of the following (and general knowledge of others):
  • Engineering Design tasks (circuit protection, conductor sizing, panel heat calculations, etc.).
  • Ability to read and comprehend product manuals; generate electrical schematics from project specification information.
  • Ability to read process & instrument diagrams; trained and certified in UL design standards.
  • Familiarity with Motor Control Centers and motor controls knowledge; Machine Safety standards and safety controls hardware.
  • Familiarity with Robotics systems and Machine Vision inspection systems.
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; use of Artificial Intelligence tools.

Physical Requirements

• Office environment requiring sitting and standing.
• Travel to various construction sites is essential, exposing employee to outdoor elements, noise, and the need to stand and walk.
• Reliable transportation required.