Industrial Switchgear & Controls Assembly Technician

    Highlights

    In this hands-on role, you will construct, wire, and validate sophisticated assemblies—switchboards, MCCs, drive cabinets, automation panels, operator consoles, and more—bringing engineered designs to life with craftsmanship and precision. Successful candidates typically bring a combination of electrical trade experience, electrical equipment or panel build experience, apprenticeship or trade school training, military experience, or equivalent hands-on background.

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationNewport News, VA

    Description

    Your Day Building Power and Control Systems

    Step onto the build floor where complex electrical systems take shape for marine, oil & gas, and industrial projects. In this hands-on role, you will construct, wire, and validate sophisticated assemblies—switchboards, MCCs, drive cabinets, automation panels, operator consoles, and more—bringing engineered designs to life with craftsmanship and precision. Alongside electrical duties, you will handle practical mechanical work that stands up cabinets, adapts enclosures, and supports an agile production flow.

    What You’ll Assemble

    • Low- and medium-voltage switchboards and power distribution equipment
    • Motor control centers (MCCs) and variable-speed drive cabinets
    • Control panels and automation assemblies
    • Operator consoles and electrical enclosures
    • Future electrical products as designs and customer needs evolve

    How You’ll Execute the Work

    • Translate engineering drawings, schematics, and layouts into finished equipment with exceptional workmanship.
    • Perform power and control wiring: termination, routing, labeling, and cable dressing aligned with industrial, marine, and oil & gas standards.
    • Handle mechanical build tasks—cabinet stand-up, enclosure modifications, and precise component mounting.
    • Carry out shop fabrication such as drilling and tapping, panel/enclosure cutting, and installing mechanical hardware.
    • Bend, fit, and install bus bar and other conductive or structural elements per design requirements.
    • Operate hand and power tools, plus light fabrication equipment, safely and skillfully.
    • Validate assemblies via point-to-point checks, continuity testing, and functional verification.
    • Spot build issues early and collaborate with engineering and operations to resolve them.
    • Keep accurate build records and contribute to as-built documentation.
    • Champion continuous improvement in build methods and shop practices.
    • Maintain strong safety habits, quality standards, and clean work areas.
    • Provide technical support during installation, testing, or commissioning activities when required.

    Capabilities That Matter

    • Proven skill with power and control wiring in electrical trade settings
    • Mechanical aptitude for drilling, tapping, and enclosure modifications
    • Confidence using hand tools, power tools, and light fabrication equipment
    • Experience bending and installing bus bar or similar conductors
    • Comfort operating in a light-manufacturing, fast-changing environment
    • Strong print-reading and troubleshooting abilities
    • Sound judgment and collaborative teamwork

    Background and Experience

    There is no single path into this role. Successful candidates typically bring a combination of electrical trade experience, electrical equipment or panel build experience, apprenticeship or trade school training, military experience, or equivalent hands-on background.

    Experience with press brakes, welding, or similar fabrication processes is considered a plus.

    Work Environment

    • Primarily shop-based electrical and mechanical work
    • Occasional support at shipyards or customer sites
    • Physically active role involving large enclosures and tight spaces

    CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT

    Must be a U.S. citizen due to Department of Defense contract requirements.

    Growth and Development

    This position can launch you toward senior technical and field service opportunities. Progress is earned through demonstrated skill, reliability, and readiness for greater responsibility.

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