Controls Designer

Summary

Lincoln Electric Automation is seeking a Controls Designer to support the design and development of electrical control systems for custom automation equipment and integrated manufacturing solutions. This position is primarily focused on creating and maintaining electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and related documentation using AutoCAD Electrical.

The ideal candidate has experience designing industrial control systems, a strong understanding of electrical components and machine safety standards, and a passion for developing accurate, high-quality electrical documentation for advanced automation systems. This is an on-site position located in Chattanooga, TN.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and bills of material using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Design electrical control systems for custom automation equipment, robotic work cells, and manufacturing systems.
• Develop electrical architectures that meet customer requirements, industry standards, and internal design practices.
• Select and specify electrical components, such as PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and actuators.
• Program PLCs, HMIs, and other control devices to implement control algorithms and logic.
• Collaborate with controls engineers, mechanical designers, project managers, and manufacturing teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support system integration, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities as needed.
• Document design specifications, technical drawings, and test results.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable electrical codes, machine safety standards, and customer specifications.
• Continuously improve design practices and stay current with evolving automation technologies.

Required Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in electrical controls design.
• Proficiency in electrical design software, such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Strong understanding of electrical control system design principles and methodologies.
• Experience working in manufacturing, automation, machine building, or systems integration environments.
• Familiarity with electrical codes, standards, and regulations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Technical Skills and Experience

• Adequate AutoCAD Electrical Skills
• General knowledge related to industry safety design standards and best practices including: NFPA 79, NFPA 70E, ANSI/RIA, ISO 12100 & 13849
• Good computer proficiency in Microsoft office applications
• General knowledge of AC/DC power, motors, drives/motion control, industrial controls, pneumatic valves and sensors.
• General knowledge in industrial networking & various communication protocols
• Familiarity with robotic automation and welding technologies is preferred.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, and automation equipment design
• Work in a safe and environmentally friendly manner and observe all company EHS procedures.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is required frequently to work from ladders and scaffolds. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
• Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of electrical shock. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and high voltages. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.