Electrical Controls Engineer

ADDiTEC•Durham, NC

10d

About The Position

We are seeking a versatile and motivated Electrical Controls Engineer to join our team developing next-generation metal additive manufacturing systems, including Liquid Metal and Laser Wire DED (Directed Energy Deposition) 3D printers. This role combines PLC/IPC programming, electrical hardware design, and advanced system integration, with significant hands-on involvement in the lab and on prototype machines. You’ll work at the intersection of robotics, thermal processes, motion control, and precision manufacturing. The ideal candidate is technically strong, curious, and adaptable—someone who enjoys solving complex problems, learning new technologies, and collaborating across disciplines in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
Experience with PLC and/or IPC-based control systems (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens, or similar platforms)
Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, including motors, drives, sensors, and control panels
Experience with multi-axis motion control systems and real-time automation
Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics and technical documentation
Hands-on experience with system integration, debugging, and field troubleshooting
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Experience with additive manufacturing, CNC systems, or advanced manufacturing technologies
Familiarity with laser systems, high-power electrical systems, or thermal process control
Experience with robotics integration and kinematics
Knowledge of machine safety systems and applicable standards
Familiarity with electrical and safety standards (e.g., UL, NFPA, IEC) and experience supporting TÜV or similar machine safety audits and certifications
Experience with PCB design, embedded systems, or Python scripting
Exposure to machine vision or in-situ monitoring systems

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and troubleshoot control systems for advanced metal additive manufacturing equipment
Program and maintain PLCs, IPCs, HMIs, and real-time control systems for motion, thermal, and process control
Develop electrical architectures, including panel design, wiring schematics, and system layouts for high-power and precision equipment
Integrate subsystems including laser sources, wire feeders, motion platforms, sensors, vision systems, and robotic components
Support machine build, integration, commissioning, and testing in both lab and production environments
Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, and integration issues across complex, multi-domain systems
Collaborate closely with mechanical, materials, and software engineers to optimize print performance and system reliability
Contribute to process development, including control of melt pools, deposition rates, and thermal management
Maintain thorough documentation for system designs, revisions, and test procedures