Senior Controls Engineer - Switchgear

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.

For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.

Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Controls Engineer - Switchgear position oversees the development, execution and delivery of control systems projects for the switchgear market.

Responsibilities include automation controls systems design, PLC/SCADA programming, generator controller programming, simulation and testing, and start up commissioning.

The Senior Controls Engineer - Switchgear also contributes to overall team performance by training/mentoring associates, providing technical assistance, and improving processes and standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Interpret project write-ups, customer specifications, drawings and correspondence.
• Develop detailed electrical designs for low & medium voltage switchgear & controls for systems that control multiple generators and parallel to one or more utility sources.
• Research & create Bill of Material.
• Create AC and DC schematics, component layouts, wiring diagrams, and one-line diagrams for project submittals, construction drawings and As-built's.
• Coordinate with purchasing and suppliers to specify & 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 control of generator paralleling switchgear.
• Modify template HMI programs to coincide with project-specific PLC programs.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, NFPA, NEC, and UL.
• Provide Engineering/Technical support to manufacturing, test and product support.
• Complete design reviews to check accuracy and completeness of designs.
• Research and learn what new technology is available & applicable for projects.

NOTE: This job description is not all-inclusive and other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as necessary. In keeping with our corporate culture, all employees are expected to do "whatever it takes" to get the job done.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (i.e. Electrical or Mechanical) or related engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience with programming industrial controls, generator controls, PLCs, HMIs and industrial communication protocols.
• Experience implementing software used in 24x7 shop floor environments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of low and medium voltage power systems design including grounding schemes.
• Knowledge of design of switchgear, ATS and generator systems, development of control system sequence of operations, 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 to delivery.
• Knowledge of multiple PLC platforms, (Rockwell/Allen Bradley, Modicon/Schneider Electric, Siemens, GE), HMI Software (Rockwell, Siemens, GE, Wonderware) is required.
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as Modbus and Canbus is required.
• Knowledge of electrical codes and standards (UL891, UL1558, UL Medium Voltage & UL508A) is required.
• Knowledge of multiple generator control platforms (Woodward, DeepSea, ComAp, DEIF) is required.
• Experience in dealing with multiple disciplines such as contractors, consultants, engineers, end users, etc.
• Highly customer centric and a strong team player with a sense of urgency.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work effectively within cross functional teams.
• Attention to detail, efficient time-management and effective planning skills with the ability to quickly adapt to multiple and often changing schedules and priorities in a deadline driven environment.

Position Demands

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the candidate is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The candidate is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the candidate may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The candidate must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job include are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Occasional travel.

Work Environment

• Office area
• Manufacturing shop environment

Work Hazards: Manufacturing Environment Hazards, Noise Exposure, Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards, Ergonomic Hazards, Travel Hazards, Eye Hazards, Electrical Hazards

Generac is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role based in East Peoria, Illinois is $100,300 - $160,500 USD. This compensation will ultimately be in line with the location in which the position is filled. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certifications and geographic location. This role is eligible for variable compensation including short-term and long-term incentives.

“We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”