Electrical Controls Engineer

As an Electrical Controls Engineer with us, your key responsibilities will include designing, developing, and maintaining electrical control systems for industrial machinery. You’ll also program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and electrical codes. Additionally, you'll collaborate with various teams to enhance system reliability and efficiency.

To qualify for the Electrical Controls Engineer position at our Hunt Valley, MD location, candidates should possess a degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, along with extensive experience in electrical control systems. Proficiency in PLC programming and a strong understanding of automation technologies are essential. Familiarity with industry standards and regulations is also important.

At our company, an Electrical Controls Engineer will work on various exciting projects involving large industrial machinery. Your role will include designing sophisticated control systems, developing automation logic, and optimizing existing systems. You’ll also have the chance to integrate electrical components with mechanical systems, contributing to innovative solutions in the industrial sector.

As an Electrical Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining comprehensive technical documentation. This includes wiring diagrams, schematics, control logic programming, and troubleshooting guides that are critical for compliance and training purposes. Your documentation will support system maintenance and assist in onboarding new personnel.

Collaboration is key for an Electrical Controls Engineer in our team. You will regularly engage with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to identify areas for improvement and discuss challenges. This teamwork not only enhances system reliability and efficiency but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

When answering this question, be specific about the types of PLCs you’ve worked with, the programming languages you are proficient in, and highlight any projects where your PLC programming made a significant impact on system performance.

To ensure compliance, I regularly stay updated with the latest electrical codes and safety regulations. I also conduct thorough inspections of the control systems and document all safety measures taken during the design and implementation phases.

Choose a specific example where your troubleshooting skills played a key role. Discuss the problem, the steps you took to diagnose and resolve it, and the outcome. Emphasize your analytical thinking and systematic approach.

I approach technical documentation by first gathering all relevant data and insights gained during the design and implementation processes. I ensure my documentation is clear, up-to-date, and accessible for those who may use it for training or system maintenance.

Integration techniques often involve a systematic approach that starts with understanding the specifications of both mechanical and electrical components. I collaborate closely with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure compatibility and functionality, often using simulation tools to test integrations before implementation.

During system commissioning, I prioritize safety by conducting risk assessments, adhering to safety protocols, and performing thorough testing before full-scale operations. I also train plant personnel on safe operational practices to minimize risks.

Share a specific example that highlights your collaboration skills. Detail the challenges faced, how you communicated with team members, the strategies employed to tackle the improvements, and the measurable outcomes achieved.

I actively engage in continuous learning through webinars, industry conferences, and subscribing to relevant technical journals. Networking with professionals in the field also helps me gain insights into emerging trends and technologies.

In the event of a malfunction, I would first perform a risk assessment to ensure safety. Then, I would conduct diagnostics to identify the fault, verify the control logic, and review documentation before executing any repairs or system overrides.

I prioritize tasks based on urgency, project deadlines, and the impact on overall operations. I use project management tools to track progress and ensure timely communication with stakeholders, allowing for effective time management and resource allocation.