Senior Controls Engineer - Switchgear

Generac•Peoria, IL

About The Position

The Senior Controls Engineer – Switchgear oversees the development, execution, and delivery of control systems projects for the switchgear market. The role covers automation controls systems design, PLC and SCADA programming, generator controller programming, simulation and testing, and startup commissioning. It also contributes to team performance through mentoring and training, technical assistance, and improvements to processes and standards. The role provides engineering and technical support to manufacturing, testing, and product support, and includes occasional travel. Work takes place in office and manufacturing shop environments.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, such as Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
At least 5 years of experience programming industrial controls, generator controls, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial communication protocols.
Experience implementing software used in 24x7 shop-floor environments.
Knowledge of low- and medium-voltage power system design, including grounding schemes.
Knowledge of switchgear, ATS, and generator system design, control-system sequences of operation, installation plans, and test plans.
Knowledge of installation, troubleshooting, design, and programming of automated control systems using PLCs, HMIs, PC controls, and distributed processing.
Ability to read schematics and blueprints for power control and automation at a power systems level.
Experience creating drawings in AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical.
Ability to own PLC programming from concept through delivery.
Knowledge of multiple PLC platforms, including Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Modicon/Schneider Electric, Siemens, and GE, and HMI software including Rockwell, Siemens, GE, and Wonderware.
Knowledge of Modbus and Canbus communication protocols.
Knowledge of electrical codes and standards, including UL891, UL1558, UL Medium Voltage, and UL508A.
Knowledge of multiple generator control platforms, including Woodward, DeepSea, ComAp, and DEIF.
Experience working with multiple disciplines, such as contractors, consultants, engineers, and end users.
Customer-centric approach and strong teamwork with a sense of urgency.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Attention to detail, efficient time management, and effective planning skills, with the ability to adapt to changing schedules and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
Ability to talk and hear, manipulate objects or controls with hands, stand and walk regularly, and occasionally stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to perform frequent computer-based work involving periods of sitting, close vision, and adjusting focus.

Responsibilities

Interpret project write-ups, customer specifications, drawings, and correspondence.
Develop detailed electrical designs for low- and medium-voltage switchgear and controls for systems controlling multiple generators and paralleling with one or more utility sources.
Research and create bills of material.
Create AC and DC schematics, component layouts, wiring diagrams, and one-line diagrams for project submittals, construction drawings, and as-builts.
Coordinate with purchasing and suppliers to specify and approve component parts and assemblies.
Design and implement power system control schemes, including switchgear transfer control, load management control, generator control, microgrid control, and SCADA system development.
Create or modify PLC programs for generator paralleling switchgear.
Modify template HMI programs to align with project-specific PLC programs.
Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, NFPA, NEC, and UL requirements.
Provide engineering and technical support to manufacturing, testing, and product support.
Conduct design reviews to check the accuracy and completeness of designs.
Research new technologies and assess their applicability to projects.
Train and mentor associates, provide technical assistance, and improve processes and standards.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary.