Electrical Design Engineer

PPS is seeking an experienced Electrical Design Engineer to support the design and development of electrical systems for industrial automation, controls, and process applications.

This role will focus heavily on electrical design, layouts, schematics, control panels, equipment interfaces, and documentation for automation and control systems.

The Electrical Design Engineer will work closely with Controls Engineers, Project Managers, Panel Shop personnel, field technicians, and customers to turn project requirements into safe, practical, code-compliant, and buildable electrical designs.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys being close to the actual equipment and seeing their designs move from concept → drawings → panel fabrication → field installation → startup.

Key Responsibilities

Electrical Design & Engineering

• Develop electrical designs for industrial automation and control systems.
• Create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and system drawings.
• Design control panels, motor control systems, instrumentation systems, and equipment interfaces.
• Develop electrical layouts for automated piping, fluid-handling, and process systems.
• Design power distribution and control circuits as required by project scope.
• Develop I/O drawings, termination drawings, interconnection diagrams, and cable schedules.
• Select appropriate electrical components based on application requirements.
• Develop and maintain bills of materials (BOMs).
• Ensure designs are practical, buildable, serviceable, and cost-effective.

Automation & Controls Design

• Work with Controls Engineers to develop the electrical architecture supporting PLC, HMI, SCADA, instrumentation, and automated equipment.
• Translate control-system requirements into detailed electrical designs.
• Develop layouts for sensors, instruments, motors, valves, VFDs, actuators, and other control devices.
• Coordinate electrical design with PLC I/O requirements.
• Support industrial communication and networking requirements.
• Design electrical interfaces between control systems and customer equipment.
• Support integration of new automation systems with existing equipment and legacy systems.

Design Documentation

• Create and maintain accurate electrical drawings and project documentation.
• Develop panel layouts and detailed fabrication drawings for the panel shop.
• Maintain drawing revisions and project documentation.
• Ensure drawings accurately reflect the final installed system.
• Review engineering drawings for completeness and constructability.
• Support as-built documentation and project closeout.
• Maintain company electrical design standards and drawing templates.

Codes, Standards & Compliance

• Ensure electrical designs comply with applicable codes and standards.
• Apply requirements from the NEC, NFPA, UL, OSHA, and applicable industry standards.
• Coordinate designs with UL 508A panel requirements.
• Consider proper grounding, wire sizing, overcurrent protection, SCCR, disconnects, labeling, enclosure requirements, and component ratings.
• Support design reviews and resolve code or compliance issues.
• Stay current with applicable electrical codes and industry practices.

Panel Shop & Field Support

• Work directly with the Panel Shop to ensure designs can be fabricated efficiently.
• Answer fabrication questions and resolve drawing issues.
• Review completed panels and support electrical testing as needed.
• Work with field technicians during installation and startup.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues in the field when necessary.
• Make design modifications based on field conditions and project requirements.
• Support commissioning and project closeout.

Project Support

• Work with Project Managers to understand scope, schedule, budget, and customer requirements.
• Participate in project kickoff and design review meetings.
• Identify design risks, missing information, and potential constructability issues early.
• Coordinate with vendors and equipment suppliers.
• Review equipment documentation and electrical requirements.
• Support estimating and proposal development when needed.
• Assist with technical portions of project change orders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
• 3–7+ years of electrical design experience, preferably in industrial automation, controls, manufacturing, process systems, or electrical contracting.
• Strong experience creating electrical schematics and control system drawings.
• Experience with electrical CAD/design software such as AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD, EPLAN, or similar.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control drawings.
• Understanding of industrial electrical systems and control panels.
• Working knowledge of NEC and applicable NFPA and UL requirements.
• Experience developing panel layouts, wiring diagrams, BOMs, and interconnection drawings.
• Understanding of PLC I/O and industrial control systems.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.