Electrical Controls Engineer

Position Overview

Finish Line Staffing Services is seeking an experienced Electrical Controls Engineer to design, develop, program, and commission control systems for custom industrial equipment. This role combines hands-on PLC/HMI programming, electrical engineering, and automation expertise with opportunities to take on greater project leadership responsibilities.

The ideal candidate has strong technical troubleshooting skills, experience with industrial control systems, and an interest in managing engineering projects from design through commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement electrical control systems for custom industrial equipment.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI systems.
• Develop electrical schematics, control architectures, I/O configurations, and instrumentation specifications.
• Interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, and technical documentation.
• Integrate motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, temperature controls, and pressure instrumentation.
• Support equipment testing, calibration, troubleshooting, startup, and commissioning.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, field service, and external partners to ensure successful project execution.
• Participate in design reviews, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and customer meetings.
• Coordinate project schedules, technical deliverables, resources, and customer requirements.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges throughout equipment development and installation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to equipment performance and control system reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related discipline preferred; equivalent hands-on controls experience considered.
• 4+ years of experience in electrical controls, industrial automation, or related engineering roles preferred.
• Strong PLC programming and HMI development experience required.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, GE, Mitsubishi, or similar industrial automation platforms.
• Strong understanding of electrical control systems, instrumentation, motors, drives, and industrial sensors.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and engineering drawings.
• Experience with equipment troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines and manage multiple technical priorities.
• Project management experience or an interest in advancing into technical project leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with custom industrial equipment or engineered-to-order machinery.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, thermal processing equipment, furnaces, or semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
• Experience coordinating engineering schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables.
• Previous involvement in equipment installation, Factory Acceptance Testing, or customer commissioning.