We are seeking an experienced Electrical Controls Engineer / Project Manager to lead the design, development, programming, and commissioning of control systems for custom vacuum furnace and thermal-processing equipment. This position requires a well-rounded engineer who can develop control strategies, define sequences of operation, oversee system design and programming, support equipment startup, and take ownership of controls-related project deliverables.

Electrical Controls Engineer / Project Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Controls Engineer / Project Manager to lead the design, development, programming, and commissioning of control systems for custom vacuum furnace and thermal-processing equipment.The ideal candidate is a hands-on controls professional with strong PLC/HMI programming experience and the ability to manage controls projects from concept through completion. This position requires a well-rounded engineer who can develop control strategies, define sequences of operation, oversee system design and programming, support equipment startup, and take ownership of controls-related project deliverables.Candidates should have project management experience or a strong interest in transitioning into a technical project leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead controls projects from initial concept and design through programming, testing, startup, and commissioning.
• Develop controls strategies, control narratives, functional specifications, and sequences of operation.
• Design and develop electrical and control systems for custom industrial equipment.
• Program, configure, test, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems.
• Develop electrical schematics, controls architecture, I/O configurations, and instrumentation specifications.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and engineering drawings.
• Integrate motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, temperature controls, pressure controls, and other industrial instrumentation.
• Support equipment testing, calibration, troubleshooting, startup, and commissioning.
• Participate in design reviews, factory acceptance testing (FAT), customer meetings, and equipment commissioning.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Field Service, vendors, and customers to ensure successful project execution.
• Coordinate project schedules, technical deliverables, priorities, and customer requirements.
• Monitor project progress, identify technical challenges, and implement solutions to maintain project timelines.
• Take ownership of the controls portion of assigned projects, ensuring successful delivery from engineering through final startup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline preferred. Equivalent hands-on controls experience will be considered.
• 4+ years of experience in electrical controls engineering, industrial automation, or a related field preferred.
• Strong hands-on PLC programming and HMI development experience.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, GE, Mitsubishi, or comparable industrial controls platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to develop control strategies, control narratives, and sequences of operation.
• Experience designing electrical control systems, including instrumentation, motors, drives, sensors, and process controls.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics and work with P&IDs.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial equipment and supporting system startup and commissioning.
• Ability to manage multiple technical priorities and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, organizational, and project coordination skills.
• Project management experience or an interest in advancing into technical project leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with vacuum systems, industrial