Elec Eng Ind Controls-Automation in Stockton, California at Hydraulic Controls Inc

Systems Division, Hydraulic Controls, Inc.
Stockton, CA | Onsite

Job Title: Electrical Engineer – Industrial Controls & Automation
Location: Stockton, CA
Reporting to: Systems Division Branch Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Match, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), PTO, Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, EAP

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned premier fluid power distributor serving customers throughout the Western United States. For more than 60 years, our employee-owners and supplier partners have built our reputation on ethical business practices, value-added customer service, technical expertise, and local inventory.

We are a practical, relationship-driven company with a strong operational focus. Our branches and specialized divisions support customers who rely on responsive service, dependable products, and people who know how to solve problems.

We are looking for a hands-on electrical engineer who can design practical industrial control systems and help bring those systems successfully from concept through fabrication, testing, and commissioning. This role is a strong fit for someone who combines engineering discipline with practical problem-solving and enjoys working across electrical, automation, hydraulic, pneumatic, and manufacturing environments.

• Practical Design Ownership: Can translate customer and system requirements into electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, bills of material, and manufacturable solutions.
• Hands-On Systems Integration: Is comfortable working directly with equipment, control panels, PLC-based systems, fabrication personnel, and customer applications.
• Standards and Compliance Mindset: Understands the importance of NEC requirements, electrical standards, documentation, SCCR analysis, and UL 508A certification readiness.
• Cross-Functional Problem-Solving: Works effectively with Engineering, Fabrication, Sales, Operations, suppliers, and customers to diagnose problems and move projects forward.
• Continuous Improvement: Looks for opportunities to improve designs, documentation, manufacturability, quality, and the repeatability of engineering and production processes.

The Electrical Engineer – Industrial Controls & Automation supports the design, development, and implementation of industrial control systems, electrical panels, automation solutions, and integrated customer systems within HCI’s Systems Division in Stockton, California.

This is a hands-on engineering position that works closely with Engineering, Fabrication, Sales, and Operations to deliver customer-focused solutions. The role participates throughout the project lifecycle, including design, component selection, documentation, assembly support, testing, troubleshooting, startup, and commissioning.

A key initial priority will be helping HCI establish the standards, documentation, processes, and corrective actions necessary to advance its UL 508A certification efforts and strengthen its electrical systems-integration capabilities.

• Design industrial control panels, electrical systems, and integrated machine-control solutions.
• Develop electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, bills of material, and related production documentation.
• Support PLC-based automation systems, including design, troubleshooting, commissioning, and system modifications.
• Work with industrial controls, sensors, relays, motor controls, and related electrical and automation components.
• Collaborate with automation and component suppliers, including Allen-Bradley, SMC, and other industry partners.

• Support the electrical integration of hydraulic, pneumatic, and automated systems.
• Participate in customer projects from initial concept and requirements development through implementation.
• Support panel assembly, testing, troubleshooting, system startup, and commissioning activities.
• Work directly with fabrication personnel to improve manufacturability, quality, efficiency, and design consistency.
• Provide technical support to Engineering, Sales, Operations, fabrication personnel, and customers.
• Diagnose system and equipment issues and develop practical corrective actions.

• Develop and maintain engineering standards, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and technical documentation.
• Support and help lead HCI’s UL 508A certification-readiness activities.
• Maintain compliance with applicable NEC requirements and industrial electrical best practices.
• Support SCCR evaluation and other electrical compliance requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve engineering processes, documentation, testing, manufacturability, and product quality.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

During the initial months of employment, the Electrical Engineer will be expected to:

• Within approximately 30 days: Assess HCI’s current UL 508A readiness and develop a documented gap assessment and certification roadmap.
• Within approximately 60 days: Begin implementing the standards, procedures, documentation, and corrective actions identified through the assessment.
• Within approximately 90 days: Advance the organization toward inspection readiness, including certification coordination or submission when appropriate. Final timing may depend on identified gaps and agency scheduling.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Three to five years of experience in industrial electrical engineering, controls engineering, automation, or control-system design.
• Experience designing industrial control panels and electrical systems.
• Experience developing electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, bills of material, and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of PLC-based systems, industrial controls, sensors, relays, and motor controls.
• Knowledge of industrial electrical standards and practices.
• Proficiency with CAD and electrical design software.
• Strong electrical and systems troubleshooting abilities.
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and project-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively across engineering, production, sales, operations, supplier, and customer teams.

• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or comparable PLC and automation platforms.
• Experience with industrial automation, machine controls, and integrated equipment systems.
• Experience integrating electrical controls with hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
• Familiarity with UL 508A, NEC requirements, SCCR analysis, and industrial electrical compliance.
• Experience supporting certification, inspection, or compliance-readiness projects.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 environment.
• Hands-on experience with electrical panel assembly, system testing, troubleshooting, startup, and commissioning.

This role is based onsite at HCI’s Systems Division facility in Stockton, California. The position includes work in office, engineering, fabrication, production, and customer environments. Occasional travel may be required for customer projects, system commissioning, supplier coordination, or other business needs.

The role may require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, working around production equipment, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

HCI offers a strong benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with low deductibles and low out-of-pocket maximum expenses
• 401(k) plan with a 4.5% company match
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

HCI is 100% employee-owned. Through HCI’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP, eligible employees can build an ownership stake in the company over time at no direct cost to them, subject to plan eligibility and vesting requirements.

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in the hiring process and perform the essential functions of the position.