Automation Design Engineer - Electrical

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.

This role 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. The ideal candidate is 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.

At PPC Partners, we believe in the Power to Serve along with the Pursuit of Excellence. The following values guide our 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

• Use Technical Expertise for Project Execution -- "Working In the Business"
  • Provide design engineering for projects, collaborating with the Pieper team and customers, including specifying parts, drawing schematics and panel layouts, and creating installation packages.
  • 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.
• Use Technical Expertise for 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 Activities
  • 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 our company and 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

• 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.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Decisive, independent worker able to mentor others, work independently and collaboratively, with a passion for hands-on work.
• Must have a desire to work in a team-based environment and contribute immediately.

Skills

• Positive safety attitude and personal integrity -- both are non-negotiable.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills.
• Friendly, professional demeanor; ability to follow through on tasks and work independently.
• Ability to work independently to meet deadlines and budgets, work on multiple jobs simultaneously, and fulfill all job requirements in a timely fashion.
• Understand Automation Design documents, including the ability to read and comprehend automation equipment manuals and electrical schematics.
• Proficiency in Engineering Design tools such as AutoCAD, ePlan, etc.
• Attention to detail in all aspects of design documentation.
• Ability to perform field verification, construction support, and project reviews.
• Understanding of wiring practices and electrical fieldwork.
• General automation product and terminology knowledge (PLC, HMI, SCADA).
• Proficiency in Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and CoPilot.
• Strong customer interaction skills with a drive for customer satisfaction.
• Willingness and capability to complete personal development plans, demonstrating a desire to learn and grow personally and professionally.
• Extensive knowledge of one or more of the following and general knowledge of the others:
  • Engineering Design tasks: circuit protection, conductor sizing, panel heat calculations, etc.
  • Ability to read and comprehend product manuals.
  • Ability to generate electrical schematics from project specification information.
  • Ability to read process and instrument diagrams.
  • Trained and certified in UL design standards.
  • Familiarity with Motor Control Centers and motor controls knowledge.
  • Familiarity with Machine Safety standards and safety controls hardware.
  • Familiarity with Robotics systems.
  • Familiarity with 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 the employee to outdoor elements, noise, and the need to stand and walk.
• Reliable transportation required.