Electrical Controls Engineer

Description

At Steven Douglas Corp (SDC) we design and build high performance, custom automated machines that are used in a wide variety of applications and industries. We work in a fast-paced, exciting, and highly technical environment where our team is often challenged with solving problems that push the boundaries of standard approaches. We are continually investing in our people, processes, and technology to deliver innovative, robust machines.

Electrical Controls Engineers at SDC are hands-on problem solvers who enjoy tackling challenging automation projects as part of a collaborative team. We work together to turn rough machine concepts into stable, high-performance production systems by combining technical expertise, creativity, and disciplined execution. We are looking for individuals with experience in hardware design, PLC and HMI programming, who take ownership of their work, communicate well with others, and take pride in delivering high-quality solutions.

Why Join SDC?

Challenging Work, Disciplined Execution: SDC takes on some of the most technically complex custom automation projects in the region, across a wide variety of industries and machine types. The problems are tough and rarely repetitive, but we solve them through innovative thinking, proven standards, and shared best practices.

Collaborative by Design: Engineering at SDC is a team sport. You'll work closely with other engineers, project managers, and the shop floor to bring machines to life. We value engineers who communicate well, share what they know, and bring continuous improvement to everything they do.

Family-Owned Culture: Experience a supportive and agile environment that values excellence and personal growth. We invest in people who help drive our success.

What You’ll Do:

Hardware & System Design

• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical design to define control architectures for complex and high-speed machines.
• Review and help develop electrical schematics, panel layouts, and I/O lists.
• Specify and integrate hardware: PLCs, safety devices, drives, servo systems, robots, sensors, and vision systems as needed.

PLC, HMI, Motion & Integration

• Develop, structure, and debug PLC and HMI programs—primarily on Allen-Bradley platforms (Logix family, safety, drives, PanelView or equivalent).
• Implement motion control and high-speed logic where needed, using standard, maintainable architectures.
• Integrate robots and vision systems when required, working with specialists where appropriate but owning the overall machine behavior.

Commissioning, Debug & Support

• Support panel build and wiring debug, working closely with the shop to resolve issues quickly.
• Lead controls debug during machine assembly and runoff, ensuring machines meet functional and performance requirements.
• Participate in customer FAT, on-site installation, startup, and training as needed.
• Troubleshoot issues in a calm, systematic way, fixing root causes, not just symptoms.

Standards, Quality & Teamwork

• Apply and improve SDC’s controls standards, code libraries, and best practices rather than reinventing solutions.
• Help us increase reuse, reduce debug time, and protect project margin through disciplined, standard-driven design.
• Share knowledge with other engineers and collaborate on continuous improvement of our processes and tools.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For:

Must-Have Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechatronics engineering related field.
• Significant hands-on controls experience (typically 5+ years) with custom industrial machinery or complex automated systems.
• Strong expertise with Allen-Bradley PLCs and motion systems (Logix family controllers, safety, Kinetix drives).
• Experience designing and commissioning HMIs.
• Solid understanding of Industrial control hardware: control panels, power distribution, safety circuits, motion control, sensors, and field wiring.
• Experience in creating or reviewing electrical drawing packages (AutoCAD or EPLAN strongly preferred).
• Proven track record commissioning complex and/or high-speed equipment (multi-axis motion, high-speed part handling, or tightly timed processes).
• Ability to support the full project lifecycle: design review, programming, debug, runoff, and startup with up to 10% travel.

Strongly Preferred

• Experience with industrial robots (e.g., Fanuc, Yaskawa, Epson) and integrating them into automated systems.
• Experience with industrial machine vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence, or similar).
• Experience with Ignition and Allen-Bradley HMIs.
• Experience with Schneider Electric, Siemens, or other controls platforms.
• Background in custom automation, special machines, or systems integrator environment.

Mindset & Soft Skills

• Positive attitude, strong ownership, and ability to stay engaged and collaborative during demanding project phases.
• Excellent problem-solving  skills and the ability to break down complex issues into clear, actionable steps.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal, with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to coordinate with a  project team and contribute constructively to cross-department initiatives.

What We Offer:

SDC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance with supplemental insurance options.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 10 company-paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with a 4% employer match per pay period.
• Company-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA) and Employee  Assistance Program (EAP).

Steven Douglas Corp is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace. www.sdcautomation.com