Job Title: Power Controls Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Power Controls Engineer to design, integrate, and sustain advanced electrical control systems and power distribution architectures across defense, naval, and industrial platforms. This role supports mission-critical systems—including power and launch systems, automated manufacturing, and shipboard integration—with a focus on electrical safety, reliability, and performance optimization. The ideal candidate brings robust expertise in electrical system design, PLC/HMI programming, motion and process automation, and power generation/distribution, including reliability-centered maintenance. Candidates should demonstrate a proven ability to support advanced military and naval applications, with deep knowledge of system integration, troubleshooting, and technical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement control systems involving stepper and continuous motion for high-precision defense applications.
• Develop, program, and optimize PLCs and HMIs for legacy and new systems.
• Create, update, and maintain detailed electrical schematics using AutoCAD.
• Perform troubleshooting and root-cause analysis on power systems and power equipment.
• Support the integration and calibration of shipboard power systems, including auxiliary equipment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to map system requirements and develop test procedures.
• Manage project schedules and documentation for engineering deliverables using Microsoft Project and Office Suite.

Essential Skills

• Power electronics and control system expertise.
• Exposure to power equipment.
• Strong controls knowledge.
• 3+ years of experience in electrical or systems engineering.
• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering.
• Proficiency in PLCs, HMI interfaces, and motion control technologies.
• Experience with power system engineering and data analysis.
• Familiarity with AC/DC motor systems, protection relays, and industrial communication protocols (RS-485, Ethernet/IP).
• Strong documentation and project management skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Navy experience is a nice to have.
• Nuclear power plant experience is a nice to have.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• M.S. in Electrical or Electronics Engineering preferred.
• Experience with electrical testing tools and scripting for real-time performance monitoring.

Work Environment

The work environment involves engineering support provided by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD). The team supports the construction and life cycle of US Navy ships and related test sites, focusing on advanced electrical power and propulsion systems. They work on integrating improvements for various ship classes, including the DDG-1000 Class Integrated Power System (IPS) and the DDG-51 Class Flight III. The goal of Integrated Power Systems (IPS) in the Navy is to enhance survivability and continuity of electrical power supply, ensuring the ship can continue its missions even if damaged. The NSWCPD Code 444 is involved in providing the necessary engineering, technical, production, and logistic support services for these systems throughout their lifecycle. The work involves a lot of meetings and reviewing controls equipment to ensure communication between various systems.