Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Electrical Controls Engineer

Responsibilities

The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for supporting, designing, and improving electrical distribution, automation, and control systems used in industrial manufacturing environments. This role provides technical leadership in PLC-based control systems, HMI/SCADA platforms, and electrical infrastructure while partnering closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and external contractors. The position plays a critical role in advancing automation, reliability, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role is based in Muskegon County, Michigan.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting pay: $70,000+ annually

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) savings plan with employer match

• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave

• Life insurance and employee assistance programs

• Professional development, certifications, and technical training

Job Roles

• Systems thinker – Understands manufacturing operations holistically; anticipates downstream impacts of controls and electrical decisions.

• Optimizer – Challenges existing systems to work smarter and more reliably; ensures teams have the tools and support needed to succeed.

• Anticipation – Proactively identifies risks and opportunities related to automation, controls, and infrastructure.

• Operational accelerator – Drives continuous improvement through automation, digitization, and scalable electrical solutions while prioritizing safety and ergonomics.

• Organization and structure – Works within established standards while strengthening and standardizing electrical and controls systems.

• Influence – Uses technical expertise, data, and relationships to guide decisions and gain alignment across stakeholders.

• Data informed – Evaluates performance using metrics; explains the rationale behind engineering actions clearly.

• Prioritized reaction – Responds effectively to unplanned issues without losing focus on high-impact objectives.

• Relationship – Builds trust across shifts and functions; serves as a liaison between shop floor personnel and engineering teams.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in facility electrical distribution, industrial controls, PLC systems, and manufacturing automation.

• Develop, modify, and maintain HMI/SCADA systems including Wonderware, Ignition, FactoryTalk, or Aveva platforms.

• Support design, costing, quoting, and execution of electrical, controls, and automation upgrades.

• Coordinate installation, maintenance, and support of electrical system projects.

• Partner with internal teams and external contractors to ensure safe and effective execution of electrical work.

• Provide engineering support for projects designed and built both internally and externally.

• Troubleshoot complex electrical, controls, and automation issues to support production reliability.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives, TPM practices, and reliability efforts.

• Ensure compliance with electrical codes, safety standards, and internal engineering requirements.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution

• Legally authorized to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship available)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or Computer Engineering

• Electrical or controls programming experience in a manufacturing environment

• Experience with facility electrical power distribution (12470VAC–120VAC)

• PLC programming experience (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, RSLogix/Studio 5000)

• Project management experience

• Experience with TPM or maintenance management systems

• Continuous improvement experience (Lean, Six Sigma)

• HMI/SCADA experience (Ignition, FactoryTalk, Wonderware/Aveva)

• Knowledge of electrical distribution systems below 600V

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, or SolidWorks Electrical

• Experience with industrial robotics (Motoman or similar)

• Working knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, and NFPA 79