Controls Design Engineer

About the role

This role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality electrical control systems and documentation for industrial applications. The AutoCAD Electrical Controls Designer works as a key member of the Controls Engineering team, preparing and revising detailed electrical drawing packages, supporting control system design, and collaborating closely with engineers and project teams to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely project deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and revise complete electrical drawing packages based on engineer and designer input while maintaining accuracy, quality, and adherence to project schedules.
• Independently develop and update plans, details, one-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, panel schedules, control panel layouts, bills of materials, and other industrial control project documents.
• Capture and track drawing progress, communicate potential schedule impacts, and support timely completion of all design and documentation deliverables.
• Update drawing packages as designs evolve throughout project development, installation, and commissioning phases to reflect current project status.
• Create and verify project bills of materials and review panel builds with engineers and vendors, as applicable, to ensure accuracy and compliance with design intent.
• Absorb and incorporate field changes and red-line revisions into drawings.
• Maintain organized project file structures, manage drawing versions, and follow document management procedures in accordance with company standards.
• Initiate and lead the development and refinement of drafting and design standards to improve consistency and efficiency of drawing sets.
• Support project design schedules, equipment lists, and project documentation efforts to ensure comprehensive and well-documented control systems.
• Convert CAD drawings into other formats such as PDF and additional required file types to support internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in quality control reviews of drawings and documentation and help maintain drafting standards and best practices across projects.
• Support and enhance company AutoCAD Electrical standards and implement improvements where applicable.
• Apply PLC programming knowledge, controls engineering principles, and controls design expertise to support the development and troubleshooting of control systems.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines by interpreting P&IDs and integrating control system designs into broader project scopes.
• Identify and help resolve control system issues using strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively to team members and stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while working both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Travel to project sites as needed, with travel dependent on workload and job-specific needs, estimated at approximately 25% in a given month.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in control system design software and tools, including AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, Siemens TIA Portal, and Rockwell Studio 5000 or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of PLC programming languages such as Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagrams, and Structured Text.
• Experience with HMI development for industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols including Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, and related networking concepts.
• Solid knowledge of electrical design principles, circuit analysis, and instrumentation relevant to industrial control systems.
• Ability to interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and collaborate effectively with other engineering disciplines.
• Understanding of National Electrical Code (NEC) safety standards and experience designing systems in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
• Approximately 5 years of experience programming Siemens PLCs and HMIs.
• Experience selecting and configuring Siemens variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Experience using, programming, and troubleshooting common industrial sensors and controls, including use of multimeters, ammeters, and oscilloscopes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail for identifying and resolving control system issues.
• Excellent communication skills for conveying complex technical information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as Certified Automation Professional or Siemens Certified Programmer are highly desirable.
• 1–3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Experience in controls engineering, controls design, and electrical design for industrial automation.
• Familiarity with schematic development and documentation for electrical and control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to support and improve existing AutoCAD Electrical standards and drafting practices.
• Experience participating in quality control reviews and applying best practices to drafting and documentation.
• Ability to travel up to an estimated 25% in a given month, depending on workload and project requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Cary, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $115000.00/yr. The position also comes with an annual profit-sharing incentive bonus payment. Our benefit programs provide choice and flexibility to meet the needs of you and your family. This includes health and well-being, financial planning tools, career development, PTO, and more.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cary,IL.