Join North Wind - Accelerating National Advantage
At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs - from R&D to flight testing, if you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.
Summary: We are seeking a Controls Designer responsible for design and drafting of electrical equipment, wiring, control equipment, and data acquisition systems used in wind tunnel and hypersonic ground test projects. This is a diverse role that includes working closely with engineering to release predominantly custom one-off equipment and components for new tunnel facilities as well as major capability upgrades to existing facilities.
Responsibilities:
- Design - Partner with engineers to design electrical, controls, and facility-integrated systems. Organize CAD drawings (junction box and other larger assemblies, panel layouts, schematics, cable assemblies, etc.) and bills of material in accordance with the company configuration management plan and established procedures.
- Hardware Selection - Research and select/specify hardware based on design requirements, coordinating with vendors and suppliers on component specifications, lead times, and sourcing.
- Release - Clearly communicate and manage the release of bills of material and drawings outside of engineering. Includes communication of changes due to drawing and bill of materials revisions to downstream departments and customers.
- Support - Interface with procurement, production, and installation teams to resolve issues and concerns discovered during equipment assembly, testing, and commissioning.
- Budget & Schedule - Perform design duties on schedule and within budget, adhering to quality standards, industry codes, and customer requirements. Provides estimates of labor and schedule for assigned tasks.
- Field Work (10%) - Perform remote site field installation, checkout, testing, and customer service, including updating drawings from field redline markups to produce as-built documentation.
Preferred Education / Experience:
- Associate's Degree from an accredited institution.
- 3+ years of practical work experience in drafting of wiring, electronics, data acquisition systems, or a similar role.
- A combination of education and experience equivalent to the above.
- Due to security requirements, US Person status is required.
Preferred Knowledge / Ability:
- Experience with design and implementation of automation or data acquisition systems in an industrial setting.
- Experience with one-line power diagrams
- Experience with P&ID drawings (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams)
- Strong electro-mechanical systems with PLC control integration experience preferred.
- Strong AutoCAD Electrical, or similar ECAD software (e.g. EPLAN Electric P8), 2D wiring diagram experience preferred.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling review preferred.
- Familiarity with NEC (NFPA 70), NFPA 70E arc flash safety requirements, and UL 508A control panel standards.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally. Travel typically is less than 15%.
- Must be a self-starter, able to balance priorities between multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work effectively and productively as an individual contributor and collaborate as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and positive attitude.
More flexibility. More balance. More time for what matters. Our team members enjoy the option of a hybrid work environment and the ability to have a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off: providing greater flexibility while supporting both professional success and personal well-being.
North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.
The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
Skills Required
- US Person status due to security requirements
- Eligibility to work in the United States
- Associate's degree from an accredited institution
- 3+ years of practical experience drafting wiring, electronics, data acquisition systems, or a similar discipline
- Equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience with automation or data acquisition systems in an industrial setting
- Experience with one-line power diagrams
- Experience with P&ID drawings
- PLC control integration experience with electromechanical systems
- Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or similar ECAD software and 2D wiring diagrams
- Proficiency reviewing 3D CAD models
- Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70E, and UL 508A standards
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally, typically less than 15%
- Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
What We Do
North Wind Systems develops, designs, manufactures, and tests mission-critical aerospace and defense systems. Its work spans applied research and development in hypersonics, high-speed aerodynamics, air-breathing propulsion, materials, and systems integration; production of specialized test articles and components; flight-test systems; and ground-test facilities and services. It supports the full life cycle of aerospace, defense, and commercial programs, from early research through testing and evaluation.
