Electrical Engineer - Process Controls and Automation

SkyNano•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

SkyNano is seeking a mid-career Electrical Engineer specializing in Process Controls, and Automation, with some experience in Power Systems to design, implement, and optimize the electrical and controls architecture that underpins our advanced manufacturing operations. This engineer will lead PLC- and HMI-based control strategies, ensure reliable integration of high-power systems, and support the specification and selection of large electrical components critical to our First of a Kind (FOAK) process. This role is ideal for an engineer with 5+ years of industrial experience who thrives in environments where they can contribute both at the design level and hands-on during integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Candidates should bring strong technical depth, a systems mindset, and experience with complex electromechanical or chemical process equipment.

Requirements

US citizenship is required (due to federal contract work).
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field.
5+ years of experience in industrial automation, electrical design, or process controls.
Hands-on experience programming PLCs and developing HMI interfaces and data acquisition systems.
Strong foundation in industrial communications networking (Ethernet/IP, TCP, RS232/485, Modbus, Profibus, OPC).
Experience selecting, sizing, and integrating major electrical components (motors, drives, MCCs, instrumentation).
Proficiency reading and generating electrical schematics and 3D/2D layout drawings.
Strong communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally in dynamic settings.
Experience with Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).

Nice To Haves

Experience with high-power electrical systems (≥ 100 kW loads, rectification, electromechanical integration).
Prior startup or FOAK technology experience.
Familiarity with chemical or advanced materials manufacturing environments.
Experience developing safety-instrumented systems or designing around NFPA/NEC compliance.
Strong expertise in writing and editing LabVIEW software
Demonstrated success commissioning and troubleshooting automated or high-power systems.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and maintain PLC-based control systems, often integrating motion control.
Develop, test, and deploy HMI/SCADA interfaces for process monitoring and operator use.
Design, write, test, and deploy LabVIEW software programs to drive operation of electrochemical and mechanical systems
Write, review, and debug PLC ladder logic, function block, and structured text code.
Define control strategies for high-temperature, high-current, and safety-critical processes.
Conduct controls architecture reviews ensuring system reliability, maintainability, and safety.
Specify, size, and integrate major electrical components including motors, VFDs, MCCs, transformers, switchgear, high-current rectifiers, and power distribution panels.
Evaluate system loads and design for power quality, redundancy, and thermal performance.
Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts using industry-standard tools.
Lead vendor engagement for electrical and controls components, ensuring technical compliance and cost-effectiveness.
Support scale-up from pilot systems to full manufacturing lines, including commissioning of new equipment and fine-tuning of control logic.
Coordinates high power installations with electrical contractors, including specification and communication of power distribution requirements including mains 3-phase circuit ampacities and branch circuit details.
Develop instrumentation strategies, including sensor selection, calibration, and signal processing.
Solve complex problems that cross electrical, mechanical, and software boundaries in an evolving FOAK environment.
Serve as internal subject matter expert on electrical safety protocols and procedures, developing policy and mentoring junior and adjacent-discipline staff on relevant safety guidelines
Diagnose and resolve issues involving PLCs, instrumentation, power electronics, and industrial communication networks.
Collaborate with R&D, mechanical and chemical engineering, and operations teams to implement process improvements and enhance system reliability.
Participate in FMEAs, HAZOPs, and safety reviews for equipment and process modifications.
Work with process engineer and technicians to standardize equipment and instrumentation through creation of specifications.