Electrical Controls Engineer Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements

ELECTRICAL CONTROLS ENGINEER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Dec 30, 2024 - The Electrical Controls Engineer specializes in engineering, manufacturing, and commissioning of industrial machinery and capital equipment control systems. Proficient with NFPA 79, NEC, UL508a, and experienced in high-speed sequenced motion control, including servo and stepper motors. Skilled in using AutoCAD Electrical, generating schematics, panel layouts, and system BOMs, with a strong background in safety system engineering and process integration.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Electrical Controls Engineer Resume

PLC Programming
Circuit Design
AutoCAD
System Integration
Motion Control
Electrical Troubleshooting
SCADA
Schematic Design
NFPA/NEC Standards
Motor Control

Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Communication
Teamwork
Adaptability
Project Management
Detail-Oriented
Decision Making
Leadership
Time Management

Summary of Electrical Controls Engineer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Automation Engineering with 6 Years of Experience

Competent in the use and manipulation of 2D design software in a collaborative environment AutoCAD and Inventor platforms.
Experienced in the use and programming of various PLCs and HMIs.
Motivated to initiate and implement tasks, strategies and techniques in a goal oriented manner to increase productivity and profitability.
Technically creative with an understanding of electrical functions to provide solutions in a robust and economical manner.
Capable of evaluating quotations, specifications, and documentation to discern functional requirements, identify missing information, and define tasks for electrical designs.
Organized and flexible in work functions allowing for dedicated, multitasking, and task interrupted duties.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal with competency in computer and Microsoft Office products.
Ability to collaborate in team environments while maintaining individual duties effectively.
Experience handling large complex projects for automated food processing equipment.
Understanding of safety ratings, safety circuits and CE and UL 508A requirements.
Experience with instrumentation and controls systems.
Experience with system cost reduction and sustainability improvement.
Experience with PLC / HMI programming.
Experience with controls system design, testing and troubleshooting.
Experience with RSLogix 5000 and FactoryTalk View ME.

2. BA in Control Systems Engineering with 4 Years of Experience

Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English.
Solid Electrical and Controls Engineering foundation paired with excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
Experience in low voltage electrical design, PLC/HMI programming, and commissioning and deployment of industrial electrical and control systems.
Experience in commissioning and testing electrical systems, debugging control systems with lessons learned that result in successful future implementations.
Experience with AutoCAD Electrical for drafting, reviewing, and updating electrical schematics.
Experience coding in ladder and STL languages and programming control systems including PLCs and HMIs with Siemens STEP 7, Siemens WinCC, and Allen Bradley Studio 5000.
Impeccable attention to detail and a sense of urgency in completing projects on time.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain high quality work and quickly learn new skills.
Ability to work well in a team focused project management environment, meeting deadlines with a quality work product.
Positive attitude, can-do approach, and willingness to roll up sleeves and pitch in
Experience programming Rockwell PowerFlex 700/75X and ABB ACS800/880 VFDs.
Experience working with electrical schematics/wiring diagrams.
Able to work in industrial environments with high voltage (480-575V) and high speed machinery.

3. BA in Electrical Engineering with 5 Years of Experience

Previous experience in Electro-Mechanical Design Engineering
Experience in PLC, HMI, motion control, C++ programming, motor drives, electro-pneumatics, safety controls
Robotics programming and integration experience
Electrical panel build and machine electrical assembly experience
Experience in creating operation/troubleshooting manuals for machinery systems
Proficient using 2D and 3D computer aided drafting/design software, Solidworks Electrical experience
Fluent in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
Practical knowledge of process improvement tools: Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Value Stream Mapping, Five S, etc.
Strong electrical analysis, problem-solving, concept modeling, and mathematical skills.
Knowledge of MIWD products or other fenestration related industry, processes, practices
Strong passion, high energy, and enthusiasm for growth
Strong time management, organizational skills, and ability to set priorities for multiple tasks.
High level of customer focus both internally and external
Ability to effectively communicate in written or verbal manner with individuals from all areas of the organization.
Ability to work in a production environment
Ability to self-start and work independently
Ability to work flexible hours and/or travel depending on the needs of the department and/or business.

4. BA in Electronics Engineering with 6 Years of Experience

Experience as a Controls Engineer in an OEM or manufacturing environment.
Experience programming Allen Bradley controls using RSLogix 5000.
Experience with HMI programming with FactoryTalk View.
Experience with programming VFD's and Servo's.
Experience with capital projects and automation equipment commissioning.
Experience with industrial network protocols (Ethernet/IP, DeviceNET, ControlNET).
Experience with automated packaging equipment.
Experience with AutoCAD.
Experience with high and low voltage electrical systems and the design of industrial control panels
Familiar with PLC systems, BandR Hardware, and programming (Automation software - BandR Industrial Automation), and regulatory agencies
Ability to quickly analyze, incorporate, and apply new information and concepts on new and upcoming technology.
Performing bench tests with some level of expertise around programming
Familiarity with industrial standards (NFPA 79, UL 508, PLC Safety, IEC 60204 etc.)
Proficient with AutoCAD Electrical.
Ability to configure and program Allen-Bradley PLC’s, servos and drives.
Ability to configure ethernet networks for large panels.

5. BA in Mechatronics Engineering with 5 Years of Experience

Experience in engineering, manufacturing, and commissioning of Control Systems for Industrial Machinery, Capital Equipment.
Knowledge and understanding of Electrical standards: NFPA 79, NEC, UL508a, UL698a, etc.
Prior experience with high-speed sequenced motion, servo and stepper motor control.
Previous experience with BandR
Electrical schematic and panel layout generation.
Ability to work with AutoCAD Electrical.
Ability to generate system BOMs for new designs and to evaluate existing designs for improvements, manufacturing simplification, and cost reduction.
Prior safety system engineering experience.
Knowledge and understanding of IEC 61508/61511 and ISO 13849.
Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience.
Hands-on experience building and troubleshooting electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems.
Knowledge of industrial networks such as but not limited to TCP, Powerlink, X2X, Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, etc...
PLC, HMI, SCADA programming experience

6. BA in Industrial Engineering with 5 Years of Experience

Experience in the Engineering field
Prior Engineering work experience in the electrical or controls field
Strong desire to learn about the products and industry to be able to apply product applications.
Ability to think analytically and creatively problem-solve.
Self-directed and strong self-motivation.
Detail oriented. Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Must have the ability for self-training and self-motivating to quickly learn customer software and hardware preferences.
Strong teamwork skills to identify the correct resources and effectively and efficiently communicate project needs, working as a team.
Experience with Schneider Unity (M340/M580) and Schneider/Modicon 984LL programming Proworx NxT/Proworx32
Rockwell PLC5, SLC500, CompactLogix and Logix L6x, L7x versions 15 through 29 programming experience
DeviceNet, EthernetIP and ControlNet experience
Experience with Wonderware, Citect, Indusoft, Vijeo Designer, Proface GP Pro Ex
Experience with Schneider Altivar, Rockwell

7. BA in Mechanical Engineering with 3 Years of Experience

Programming skills using PLC’S and HMI’s
Must have experience in Robotic automation applications.
Demonstrate effective verbal communication skills and effective written skills
Ability to work in a team-based environment
Analytical and Problem-solving skills
Allen Bradley control systems experience
Knowledgeable of the National Electrical Code (NEC)
Technical knowledge/skills considered an asset: Ford NextGen standards, Microsoft Office Suite
Capable of assisting with installation, and debugging with no additional support
Ability to work independently and in a team atmosphere
Proficient in controls hardware/systems (Delta Tau is frequently used, own internal controls system (CGMA and CGA) is another frequently used system
Able to apply principles and theories of electronics, electrical circuitry, engineering mathematics, electronic and electrical testing, and physics.
Experience with Lay outs, builds, tests, troubleshooting, repairs, and modifying developmental and production electronic components,
Experience Designing, developing, and testing all aspects of electrical components, equipment, and machinery.
Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.

8. BA in Computer Engineering with 4 Years of Experience

Good EandIC design background with an interest and knowledge of controls in particular
Strong understanding of low voltage power design and AS/NZS 3000
Experience in design of PLC, SCADA and/or DCS systems and networks
Knowledge of hazardous areas, machine safety and/or process safety
High level planning and organisational skills
Phenomenal communication skills and a desire for quick career development
Experience working with shipboard or related automation/engineering control systems including programmable logic controls and network system interfaces.
Experience working with applicable regulatory, commercial, and military standards and classification society rules
Good verbal (English) communication skills
Basic knowledge of EMI / EMC mitigation designs
Proficient in control system techniques, modelling, and simulation
Proficient in controls / software-related tools (MATLAB, Python, etc.)
Proficient in more general programming languages (C, C++, etc.)

9. BA in Instrumentation Engineering with 3 Years of Experience

Knowledge of electronic controls including robotics, servos, linear drives, PLCs, variable frequency AC drives, DC drives, distributed IO, Ethernet I/P networking, CIP motion, SERCOS, and hard wired controls
A strong understanding of the regulatory environment surrounding equipment controls and electrical safety.
Basic understanding of equipment safety as it relates to machine controls.
In-depth knowledge of controls for manufacturing processes such as complex fabrication lines/cells that contain forming, piercing, bending, welding, robotics, etc
Experience in new product introductions, including the direct planning and acquisition of the associated capital equipment
Strong development/scripting skills in common languages like VB, JAVA, and C++
Understand database creation and scripting in SQL Server
Knowledge of Ignition Server Software including implementation and maintenance
Knowledge of CCB2 scripting and WIN/WIDE communications protocol
Basic understanding of hydraulics, mechanics, and pneumatics is required to apply the above electronic knowledge
Understanding of Lean Manufacturing concepts
Analytical and problem solving skills
Interpersonal and team building skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
Excellent project management skills

10. BA in Electrical Engineering with 6 Years of Experience

Experience with product development, test equipment and developing validation test plans
Experience gathering requirements and developing specifications as part of a Product Development Process (PDP) from customers
Experience with microcontrollers, microprocessors, sensors, ADCs, and mixed-signal designs
Experience with test instrument including oscilloscope, power meters, spectrum analyzers and various protocol analyzers
Experience in EMI/EMC standards, FMEAs, Fish-bone, HALT
Experience in product development ideally includes industrial applications, battery operated, sensing, wireless communication products.
Experience in schematic entry, layout tools and design for testability and manufacturability
Experience using the ODM model to system integrate 3 or more products from concept to production
Experience with PLC and Modbus
Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills
Experience with RF development, particularly low power communication interfaces.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience with Allen Bradley
Solid experience in electrical design.
Proven ability to interact directly with customers.

11. BA in Control Systems Engineering with 5 Years of Experience

Experience in industrial automation with electro-mechanical, and controls design.
Must be able to organize work, prioritize tasks, maintain multiple projects and meet established deadlines.
Effectively collaborate with mechanical engineers in the development of automated systems
Must have strong working knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and Word.
Must have experience in programming PLC based controls for discrete manufacturing.
Experience in programming and commissioning motion control systems including multi-axis robots.
Yaskawa experience
Experience in debugging and testing electro-mechanical systems and controls.
Experience in configuring HMIs for discrete manufacturing equipment.
Experience in machine vision applications
Experience in creating and editing 2D electrical drawings.
Able to communicate verbally over plant radio, be clear and succinct
Able to deal with pressure to restore production during breakdowns
Able to constructively react to criticism
Strong background in PLC programming, including writing programs from scratch and creating HMIs.

12. BA in Automation Engineering with 7 Years of Experience

Ability to read and interpret documents such as technical specifications, professional journals, schematics, and blueprints
Experience in AutoCAD 2012, Promis*E, and MS Office
Possess strong technical skills and the ability to be flexible and prioritize multiple projects concurrently.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Overhead material handling industry experience
Extensive HMI programming background to build new or modify existing HMIs on a variety of platforms
Excellent communications (oral and written), knowledge of standard MS office suite
Strong desire to improve processes without regard for where work (operational, mechanical, or electrical)
Experience working in the wood products industries
Leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
Demonstrated electrical, process controls, and project experience including scope and estimate development, cost control, and schedule adherence
Extensive PLC controls programming background to include networked PLCs, and analog control

13. BA in Electronics Engineering with 5 Years of Experience

Systems/Mechanical/Controls/Electrical Engineering background
Experience as an Electrical Engineer or a PLC Controls Engineer
Strong communication skills with the ability to interact with internal stakeholders and Honeywell customers
Experience using SolidWorks Electrical Schematic
Capability to apply broad knowledge of one professional discipline or advanced knowledge of specific technical/operational practices
Willingness to consistently take the initiative to get things done and do things before being asked by others or forced to by events.
Motion control, clamping, machining and automation experience
Controls experience in a machine design role or equivalent
Working knowledge of MS Office products
Positive attitude and detail oriented.
Knowledge of AutoCAD, SolidWorks
Internship experience in electrical/controls engineering

14. BA in Mechatronics Engineering with 4 Years of Experience

Experience with electrical controls systems
Basic PLC programming skills with Allen Bradley, GE or similar
Familiarity and understanding of DC, AC drives and motors.
Programming skills with PanelMate’s and Allen Bradley OITs.
Basic understanding of manufacturing equipment electrical concepts.
Knowledge with NFPA79, NFPA70E, NEC codes
Knowledge of machine controls systems and robotics
Electrical control panel troubleshooting skills.
Strong desire to work in material handling/automation industry
Exposure to electrical/hardware design
Exposure in either Rockwell or Siemens PLCs
Knowledgeable on AC drives, both open and closed loop
Experience in Ethernet IP network design and machine safety
Strong client interaction skills
Industrial automation and controls engineering experience

15. BA in Systems Engineering with 6 Years of Experience

Electrical Controls/System Engineering industry experience
Strong skills in ladder logic, preferably Allen-Bradley Systems, PLC5, SLC and ControLogix 5000-5580.
Strong Skills in HMI Design, Preferably FactoryTalk View and Ignition, WonderWare. LabVIEW
Familiarity with Ethernet/IP and basic networking applications and practices
Working knowledge and understanding of plant power distribution equipment and controls
Experience and working knowledge of robot teach points and programming code understanding
Ability to read, write, and debug basic ladder logic program, design machine’s electrical hardware, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems using AutoCAD.
Proficient in software such as Encompix.
Be a team player and work well with people.
Able to plan and carry out assignments and resolve most conflicts.
In-depth understanding of control systems components, ladder and FB logic programming, SCADA programming and applications
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to be the point of contact for customers for the team
Experience in electrical controls development
NEC and REC certification

16. BA in Industrial Engineering with 5 Years of Experience

Experience with the design and implementation of automated systems, specifically related to manufacturing
Previous experience in technical continuous improvement experience
Dynamic thinking and problem-solving abilities
A strategic and analytical mindset.
Proficiency in maintaining automation equipment
Experience with robotics, AI and machine learning
Experience with project management
Solid understanding of computer programming and software development
Ability to troubleshoot equipment and perform complex system tests
Strong leadership and problem-solving skills
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong analytical skills, creative thinking skills
Ability to communicate well with other members of the development team
Ability to keep up with the latest technologies
A desire to continually upgrade technical knowledge

17. BA in Mechanical Engineering with 3 Years of Experience

Experience with 2-D CAD software (AutoCad, DraftSight)
Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and wiring diagrams from a variety of sources and manufacturers.
Previous experience creating PandID drawings, PLC hardware I/O lists, and plumbing schematics for systems.
Awareness of low voltage power systems and National Electric Code requirements. Knowledge of hazardous area requirements
Proficient in control circuit wiring and relay contact logic.
Familiar with PLC hardware including digital and analog input and output components.
Experience with Allen-Bradley
Understanding of basic Ethernet networking principals, practices and hardware.
Familiarity with process variables such as temperature, pressure, flow, level, position, etc and the instrumentation and final control elements associated with each in both analog and digital variations.
Ability to effectively present and clearly express written and verbal information to individuals and/or groups.
Ability to work and contribute within a project team.
Capable of working independently to drive engineering projects to completion.
Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new practices and procedures.

18. BA in Computer Engineering with 6 Years of Experience

Electrical, Controls, or Automation Engineering experience
Experience with the design of custom electrical enclosures and cabling strongly
Experience developing custom electronic circuits (analog, digital, embedded, RF) and PCBs
Electrical documentation experience
Experience with safety/compliance requirements (OSHA, UL, NFPA, CE, IEC) and/or knowledge of domestic/international machinery standards
Experience with Beckhoff EtherCAT, PLC's and/or remote I/O systems
Electrical design experience in the material handling, conveyance, automation, barcode scanning/imaging and/or robotics industries
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and how to design to best leverage them.
Hands-on design guidance and design confirmation testing and data acquisition experience.
Data analytical experience (FEA, DOE, Test Plans, Engineering statistical analysis, tolerance analysis, etc.)
Comfortable working on cross-functional teams of Product Management, Project Management and cross-functional Engineering teams.
Demonstrated engineering creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to prioritize and multi-task.
Strong team player and comfortable leading small groups of engineers and designers.
Demonstrated ability to own an assignment and see it through to completion.
Skilled in the areas of schedule and cost estimation.
A keen design eye and experience reviewing others design work
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

19. BA in Instrumentation Engineering with 3 Years of Experience

Have a solid awareness and understanding of relevant British, European and International standards and understand the implications on design.
Experience in designing systems around industrial and collaborative robots.
Working knowledge of different communication protocols including TCP/IP, RS232 and Fieldbus systems.
Electronic circuit design and analysis.
Experience in implementing common industrial control techniques including PLC’s, sensors, distributed IO, servo control and some pneumatic experience.
Hands-on working experience on the shop floor/field to support the manufacturing team and RandD activities.
CAD experience (Solidworks electrical advantageous)
Experience with sensors, elctromechanical devices and actuators
Knowledge of relevant standards
Experience of industrial robots and servo motors (bespoke machine design/build)
Experience in developing/designing/installing electrical control systems
Ability to develop and follow electrical one-line diagrams and schematics for detailing electrical control systems
Strong communications skills both written and verbal
Experience with instrumentation and controls design as well as PLC
Understanding of electrical circuits and electrical machines ( Motors and transformers)
Experience with AutoCAD
Familiar with machine monitoring systems

20. BA in Electrical Engineering with 3 Years of Experience

Strong safety awareness, commitment, and safety leadership
Experience in electrical engineering
Ability to write procedures
Electrical and Controls Design Engineering experience
Project scheduling skills
General knowledge of TPM and maintenance processes
Strong knowledge of control systems and design
Strong knowledge of PLC based controls and HMI applications with emphasis on Allen-Bradley including PLC programming proficiency
Knowledge of practical application of OSHA, NFPA, and ANSI standards
Must have strong troubleshooting skills
Equipment evaluation and selection experience
Knowledgeable in process controls and facility electrical distribution
Data Historian experience (Ignition and/or IP21 platforms)
Troubleshooting skills applicable to existing electrical control systems comprised of motors, drives, PLCs, human machine interface, motor starters, relays, and other various controls deployed in a manufacturing setting
Willingness to learn and utilize AutoCad Electrical
Ability to program/service industrial control hardware utilizing the following software packages commercial PLC, Programmable Operator Interfaces, HMI software packages, and a robot programming software

21. BA in Control Systems Engineering with 3 Years of Experience

Experience in Operational Technology, with experience troubleshooting and resolving electrical and control systems issues.
Experience in managing a team of people.
Proficiency reading and understanding engineering drawings including electrical diagrams and PandIDs
Industrial networking/IT experience, including experience in the administration of Microsoft collaboration software and infrastructure (Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Active Directory)
CPG/Manufacturing experience
Strong verbal / written communication, presentation skills
Ability to manage large-scale projects from conception to implementation
Ability to manage multiple priorities and shift focus between tasks/projects
Ability to collaboratively lead/influence stakeholders across organizational functions
Demonstrated working knowledge of standard Industry PLC and SCADA/HMI systems
Knowledge of Industrial control networking and security measures
Experience in leading the controls engineering portion of multiple projects
Experience with GMPs (good manufacturing procedures)
Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
Competent mathematical skills

22. BA in Automation Engineering with 5 Years of Experience

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Strong technical and problem-solving skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience working in a manufacturing environment
Previous experience in a dyeing and finishing operation
Working knowledge of SAP
Experience in LEAN and six sigma principles
Must be able to work independently with minimal guidance.
Understand typical industrial wiring schematics and diagrams.
Understanding of basic industrial controls circuitry.
General software structure and programming knowledge and experience.
Specific experience programming industrial PLCs, experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell platforms
Knowledge of AutoCad or equivalent design software
Must be proficient using RSLogix software.

23. BA in Electronics Engineering with 4 Years of Experience

Experience in Electrical Engineering or related field
Working knowledge of digital test instruments
Working knowledge of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming, Operator Interface Terminals and similar automation control systems and components
Hands-on experience with common hand tools used in the electrical field
Experience in technical writing
Working knowledge reading and interpreting electrical wiring, piping and instrumentation Diagram/Drawing (PandID) and associated electrical control documentation
Knowledge of power distribution systems, automated control systems, electrical and controls instrumentation, and the National Electrical Code (UL 508A, UL 1203, N FPA 99 and N FPA 79)
Ability to read and interpret electrical drawingsư
Controls Engineering/PLC programming experience.
Allen-Bradley/Rockwell and/or Siemens PLC and HMI programming experience.
Ability to Program/Write code/ladder logic from scratch.
Prior experience programming within customer-defined standards and templates.
Proficient with a variety of field bus networks including but not limited to DeviceNET, Ethernet I/P, Profibus, ProfiNet, etc.

24. BA in Mechatronics Engineering with 3 Years of Experience

Experience in electrical engineering/controls engineering and a demonstrated ability to work independently.
Experience in managing technical professionals
Self-starter/Initiative.
Skilled in technical design and delivery in a manufacturing environment.
Leadership skills – directing both Unifrax and contract teams.
Ability to communicate at all levels including to senior management and executive teams.
Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet demanding safety, programm and cost targets.
Attention to detail, team oriented.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
CAD skills – ability to read and interpret 2D and 3D CAD drawings.
Demonstrate a proven track record of successfully specifying, contracting, and supervising equipment and systems installation
Communicate with all levels of an organization via reports, email, verbally, and/or in small/large group or team environment
Should have a solid academic foundation in the fundamentals of analog circuit design and analysis.
Ability to communicate ideas persuasively, gain support and commitment from others, inspire others to take action, and lead by example

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