Controls Design Estimator

KPI Solutions

5h•$110,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The Controls Design Engineer – Controls & Electrical is responsible for technical validation and solution definition during the pre‑sales phase, with a primary focus on mechanical design validation, preliminary electrical and controls concept development, and accurate estimation of electrical equipment and labor. This role serves as the technical bridge between Sales, Mechanical Engineering, and Controls/Electrical Engineering, ensuring MHE projects (conveyors, AS/RS, robotics, sortation, and associated industrial automation technologies) are sold with realistic scope, cost, and execution assumptions—reducing downstream change, rework, and margin erosion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent engineering qualifications.
5+ years of proven experience supporting pre‑sales, applications engineering, or technical estimation.
Knowledge of NEC and NFPA and UL508A
Experience using AutoCAD-Electrical (ACAD-E) to create, read and interpret electrical drawings and schematics is required.
Knowledge of Allen Bradley electrical products.
Strong understanding of industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Profinet, etc.).
Experience with conveyor and MHE control systems (sorters, conveyors, palletizers, panel electrical components, field electrical components etc), safety PLCs, machine automation and interfacing with PLC/Software.
Strong communication and documentation skills.
Ability to lead technical conversations with customers and cross-functional teams.
Capable of managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

Review and validate mechanical designs and layouts for controls and electrical feasibility
Identify technical risks, gaps, or constructability concerns early
Ensure proposed solutions align with KPI standards, preferred architecture, and delivery model
Develop preliminary electrical system concepts using IEC/US standards, customer specifications and KPI guidelines, including: Control panel approach, Power distribution strategy, Calculate power requirements and ratings for single line diagrams and control panels, Network and controls architecture assumptions
Develop and release bill of materials for panels and field devices
Utilize Autodesk ACAD-E and other KPI custom tools to complete drawings for control panels, power distribution single lines, conveyor layouts, and other electrical drawings as required
Define high‑level Controls scope and integration approach
Collaborate with Controls and Electrical Engineering leads to ensure feasibility
Estimate electrical equipment, including panels, devices, power distribution, and field components
Develop electrical and controls engineering labor estimates.
Partner with Sales to support technical proposal development, provide understanding of cost drivers and tradeoffs, clean handoff to execution teams post‑award.