Description:
US Citizen/Perm Resident
: $$$$ - HM checking
Electrical Controls Engineer
Position Summary
The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, testing, installation, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of large-scale electrical control panels, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) screens, and Allen-Bradley control systems for rotating machinery used in manufacturing environments and motor-driven compressor applications. This role utilizes computer-aided engineering and design software to develop and implement control system solutions while ensuring compliance with project requirements and industry standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, test, install, and commission large-scale electronic control panels and automation systems.
- Develop and configure HMI screens and Allen-Bradley PLC-based control systems.
- Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) activities and system validation.
- Review and interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, control narratives, Modbus communication lists, and FAT procedures.
- Assist with troubleshooting, startup, and commissioning of control systems and rotating equipment.
- Utilize computer-assisted engineering and design software to complete project assignments.
- Collaborate with internal teams and customers to ensure successful project execution.
- Adhere to established engineering standards, safety requirements, and company procedures.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical controls engineering or a related field.
Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI development, and rotating equipment.
Working knowledge of:
Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
Electrical drawings and schematics
Control narratives
Modbus communication protocols and device lists
Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) procedures
Familiarity with commonly used engineering concepts, practices, and procedures within industrial automation and controls.
Work Environment
- Works under the direction of a supervisor or manager.
- Follows established procedures and engineering guidelines to perform assigned tasks.
- Exercises limited independent judgment while developing technical solutions and completing project assignments.
- This is an office role.
Reports To
- Engineering Supervisor or Engineering Manager.
Prescreen questions:
- Describe a controls project where you designed and programmed an Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI system. What was your role, and what challenges did you overcome?
What to look for:
- Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, etc.)
- HMI development (FactoryTalk View)
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Project ownership from design through commissioning
Strong answer indicators:
- Discusses project scope, programming logic, communications, and startup activities
- Provides specific examples of overcoming technical issues
- How do you develop a control system from a P&ID and control narrative?
What to look for:
- Understanding of industrial process controls
- Ability to translate process requirements into PLC logic
- Familiarity with I/O lists, instrumentation, interlocks, alarms, and sequence control
Follow-up questions:
- How do you identify required field devices and control points?
- How do you verify the logic before FAT?
Strong answer indicators:
- References P&IDs, electrical drawings, cause-and-effect matrices, and functional testing procedures
- Demonstrates a structured engineering approach
- Tell me about a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) you led or participated in. What issues were discovered, and how were they resolved?
What to look for:
- FAT planning and execution experience
- Troubleshooting methodology
- Customer interaction skills
- Documentation and testing discipline
Strong answer indicators:
- Describes test procedures, communication testing, I/O verification, alarm testing, and control sequence validation
- Explains how issues were documented and corrected prior to shipment or startup
Bonus Technical Question
Explain how you would troubleshoot a Modbus communication failure between a PLC and a VFD or remote I/O device.
This question quickly identifies candidates with real-world controls experience versus purely theoretical knowledge. Strong candidates will discuss:
- Verifying wiring and network configuration
- Checking node addresses and baud rates
- Reviewing communication diagnostics
- Using PLC software to evaluate communication status and fault codes
Enable Skills-Based Hiring No Pre-Identified Candidate?
Additional Details
- Will this position ever require Honeywell site access? : Yes
- Pre-Identified Candidate? : No- Requesting submittals from all HGCLP suppliers
- Is This Project Based? : Yes
- Purchase Order Number : TBD
- Full/Part Time (FT = 20 hrs or more per week; PT = 19 hrs or less per week) : Full-Time
- Is Driving Required? : N/A
- US Security Clearance Required? : No
- Export Control Technology? : N/A
- Skill Category : Engineering