Electrical Controls Engineer

About the role

This role focuses on designing, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting electrical control systems, with a strong emphasis on PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs in heavy industrial environments. The Electrical Controls Engineer supports wastewater treatment and related industrial applications by developing control solutions, diagnosing electro-mechanical equipment, and collaborating closely with the electrical engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission electrical control systems for industrial applications, with a focus on wastewater treatment processes.
• Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of the wastewater treatment industry and stay current with evolving technologies and best practices.
• Develop and maintain familiarity with electrical control manufacturers’ products, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and related components.
• Use electrical software such as RSLogix 5000, Modicon, and other PLC, HMI, and VFD configuration tools to program, configure, and troubleshoot control systems.
• Interpret and work from electrical schematics to diagnose issues, implement modifications, and ensure accurate system documentation.
• Perform PLC troubleshooting and ladder logic debugging to identify and resolve control system faults efficiently.
• Commission, test, and fine-tune automation systems to ensure proper operation, reliability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Work hands-on with heavy industrial equipment to install, inspect, and maintain control and instrumentation systems.
• Diagnose, repair, and support electro-mechanical ancillary equipment such as pumps and motors, valves and actuators, flowmeters, and VFDs.
• Use diagnostic equipment, including vibration analyzers, digital multimeters (DMMs), and other measuring devices, to log performance data and troubleshoot industrial instrumentation.
• Prepare clear and concise technical documentation, including reports, procedures, and system descriptions, using strong technical writing skills.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders to clarify requirements, explain technical issues, and provide status updates.
• Utilize Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to create documentation, reports, presentations, and project tracking materials.
• Support reading and interpretation of specifications for municipal and industrial projects, ensuring that control system designs meet project and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts to enhance system reliability, safety, and performance across control and automation platforms.
• Travel as needed to job sites or customer facilities using a company-approved vehicle and maintain an insurable driving record.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in PLC programming and electrical design.
• Proficiency with PLC programming and configuration, including experience with RSLogix 5000 and Modicon or comparable PLC platforms.
• Strong experience in PLC troubleshooting, including ladder logic analysis and fault diagnosis.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from electrical schematics and related technical drawings.
• Hands-on experience with automation and controls engineering, including commissioning and troubleshooting industrial control systems.
• Experience configuring and maintaining HMIs and VFDs in industrial environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to diagnose and repair electro-mechanical equipment such as pumps, motors, valves, actuators, flowmeters, and VFDs.
• Ability to use diagnostic tools such as vibration analyzers, digital multimeters (DMMs), and other measuring instruments for troubleshooting and performance logging.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong technical writing skills for preparing documentation, reports, and procedures.
• Effective verbal communication skills for interacting with engineering teams, operations personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and related technologies.
• Experience working in or supporting municipal (government) and industrial projects.
• Ability to read and interpret project specifications for municipal and industrial applications.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms.
• Familiarity with ladder logic programming standards and best practices.
• Experience with automation systems integration and commissioning in heavy industrial settings.
• Exposure to industrial instrumentation and control systems in process environments.
• Interest in long-term career development within the wastewater treatment and industrial controls field.