Sr Controls Engineer in Richmond, Virginia at Jewett Automation, LLC

Position Purpose: The Senior Electrical Controls Engineer will be a key player in designing, programming, and commissioning advanced electrical control systems for our custom automated equipment. We are seeking a highly technical professional who takes pride in their work and is ready to take full ownership of projects from concept to completion. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate flexibility and adaptability due to the custom nature of our projects.

Roles and Responsibilities

Lead Project Delivery: Serve as the technical lead on large-scale projects, owning assigned controls engineering tasks and ensuring they are delivered on time and in alignment with project milestones.Design and Programming: Design, program, and commission advanced electrical control systems for custom automated equipment. This includes the ability to develop systems from the ground up, guiding the electrical design and controls integration from initial concept to completion.Technical Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to motion, I/O, sensors, safety devices, and software integration during machine build, debug, and customer site acceptance.Mentorship: Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians, ensuring a high standard of quality across all team outputs.Documentation and Compliance: Develop and maintain high-quality electrical documentation, including schematics, panel layouts, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and system manuals. Ensure all designs and installations comply with industry standards and safety regulations (e.g., NEC, NFPA 79, UL 508A).Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers and software developers, to ensure project success.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.A minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical controls system design and programming.Proven expertise with major PLC platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider Electric) and industrial networks.Advanced experience with robotics (e.g., ABB, Fanuc, Kuka), vision systems (Cognex, Keyence), and complex motion control (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens).Proficiency in designing electrical schematics using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).Experience with custom automation systems is a significant plus.Excellent problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to troubleshooting.Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics.This role requires 20–30% travel for onsite commissioning, customer support, and system installations.

Success Criteria

Consistently deliver high-quality control systems that meet performance requirements and project deadlines.Demonstrate technical leadership by effectively guiding project deliverables and mentoring colleagues.Act as the primary point of contact for controls-related queries on your projects, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across departments.Demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills in a dynamic project environment.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift at least 25 lbs.Ability to stand and/or sit a minimum of four hours at a time.Ability to work on a computer/laptop for a minimum of four hours at a time.