At least 5 years
Job Title: AutoCAD Electrical Controls Designer
Job Description
This role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality electrical control systems and documentation for industrial applications. The AutoCAD Electrical Controls Designer works as a key member of the Controls Engineering team, preparing and revising detailed electrical drawing packages, supporting control system design, and collaborating closely with engineers and project teams to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely project deliverables.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and revise complete electrical drawing packages based on engineer and designer input while maintaining accuracy, quality, and adherence to project schedules.
- Independently develop and update plans, details, one-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, panel schedules, control panel layouts, bills of materials, and other industrial control project documents.
- Coordinate drawing reviews and deliverables with electrical engineers, project managers, and other disciplines to ensure consistency, completeness, and alignment with project requirements.
- Track drawing progress, communicate potential schedule impacts, and support timely completion of all design and documentation deliverables.
- Update drawing packages as designs evolve throughout project development, installation, and commissioning phases to reflect current project status.
- Create and verify project bills of materials and review panel builds with engineers and vendors, as applicable, to ensure accuracy and compliance with design intent.
- Assist with field markups, as-built, as-shipped, and post-commissioning drawings, accurately incorporating field changes and red-line revisions.
- Maintain organized project file structures, manage drawing versions, and follow document management procedures in accordance with company standards.
- Initiate and lead the development and refinement of drafting and design standards to improve consistency and efficiency of drawing sets.
- Support project design schedules, equipment lists, and project documentation efforts to ensure comprehensive and well-documented control systems.
- Convert CAD drawings into other formats such as PDF and additional required file types to support internal and external stakeholders.
- Participate in quality control reviews of drawings and documentation and help maintain drafting standards and best practices across projects.
- Support and enhance company AutoCAD Electrical standards and implement improvements where applicable.
- Apply PLC programming knowledge, controls engineering principles, and controls design expertise to support the development and troubleshooting of control systems.
- Collaborate with other engineering disciplines by interpreting P&IDs and integrating control system designs into broader project scopes.
- Identify and help resolve control system issues using strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively to team members and stakeholders.
- Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while working both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Travel to project sites as needed, with travel dependent on workload and job-specific needs, estimated at approximately 25% in a given month.
Essential Skills
- Proficiency in control system design software and tools, including AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, Siemens TIA Portal, and Rockwell Studio 5000 or similar platforms.
- Strong understanding of PLC programming languages such as Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagrams, and Structured Text.
- Experience with HMI development for industrial control systems.
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols including Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, and related networking concepts.
- Solid knowledge of electrical design principles, circuit analysis, and instrumentation relevant to industrial control systems.
- Ability to interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and collaborate effectively with other engineering disciplines.
- Understanding of National Electrical Code (NEC) safety standards and experience designing systems in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
- Approximately 5 years of experience programming Siemens PLCs and HMIs.
- Experience selecting and configuring Siemens variable frequency drives (VFDs).
- Ability to create and modify AutoCAD Electrical drawings for industrial control applications.
- Proficiency in reading, designing, and troubleshooting electrical schematic diagrams.
- Understanding of printed circuit boards (PCB), electrical systems, and firmware.
- Experience with electronics and embedded systems production-level design.
- Experience using, programming, and troubleshooting common industrial sensors and controls, including use of multimeters, ammeters, and oscilloscopes.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail for identifying and resolving control system issues.
- Excellent communication skills for conveying complex technical information clearly.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team while managing multiple projects and priorities.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Professional certifications such as Certified Automation Professional or Siemens Certified Programmer are highly desirable.
- 1–3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
- Experience in controls engineering, controls design, and electrical design for industrial automation.
- Experience working with control panels and automation systems.
- Familiarity with schematic development and documentation for electrical and control systems.
- Demonstrated ability to support and improve existing AutoCAD Electrical standards and drafting practices.
- Experience participating in quality control reviews and applying best practices to drafting and documentation.
- Ability to travel up to an estimated 25% in a given month, depending on workload and project requirements.
This is a Permanent position based out of Cary, IL.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $115000.00/yr.
The position also comes with an annual profit-sharing incentive bonus payment. Our benefit programs provide choice and flexibility to meet the needs of you and your family. This includes health and well-being, financial planning tools, career development, PTO, and more.
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Cary,IL.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jul 27, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Posting ID: JP-006150853