Job Title: Electrical Controls Designer
Job Description
The Electrical Designer will design electrical schematics and hardware for custom automation and industrial equipment, with a strong focus on AutoCAD Electrical. This role includes creating accurate electrical calculations, producing and updating redline drawings, and ensuring designs meet customer specifications, cost targets, quality standards, and project deadlines. You will work as part of a dedicated electrical controls design team, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary engineering and build teams.
Responsibilities
Design electrical controls and schematics for custom automation and industrial equipment using AutoCAD Electrical.
Ensure that all equipment designs meet customer specifications by applying standard engineering techniques and best practices.
Create, update, and maintain electrical schematics and associated documentation, including redline prints for the team.
Perform electrical calculations to verify accuracy, safety, and reliability of equipment designs across the product lifecycle.
Specify electrical and fluid power components for bills of materials, ensuring proper selection and compatibility.
Support hardware design activities, including panel layout and wiring considerations for automated equipment.
Carry out assigned engineering tasks with minimal direct supervision while maintaining high quality standards.
Assist in the successful execution of assigned programs with a focus on cost control, quality, timing, and customer satisfaction.
Collaborate and communicate effectively with mechanical designers, machine builders, electricians, plumbers, and controls engineers throughout the design process.
Work within project timelines and milestones, contributing to the completion of highly technical, custom automation projects.
Participate in continuous improvement of design methods, standards, and documentation practices within the controls design team.
Essential Skills
At least 5 years of experience designing electrical controls for industrial equipment.
Strong proficiency using AutoCAD Electrical to create and modify electrical schematics.
Hands-on experience designing schematics for custom automated equipment and factory automation systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline is preferred.
Experience with PLC programming is a plus.
Background working as an electrician is beneficial for understanding installation and field considerations.
Exposure to designing controls for automated test stands and factory automation systems.
Work Environment
You will work within a large, multidisciplinary engineering organization that provides engineering design, system build, and service for advanced automation solutions. The environment brings together expertise in assembly, test, vision, robotics, and material handling systems, with a strong commitment to continuous improvement. The controls design team currently includes multiple engineers focused on electrical controls and hardware design, and you will be part of a broader group of more than 80 engineers spanning mechanical design, controls, electrical, project management, and applications engineering. The team culture is professional yet laid back, with colleagues who enjoy joking around and maintaining a relaxed atmosphere to help manage the stress of tight timelines and demanding projects. You will primarily sit in an engineering center, with the main plant located across the parking lot and an additional plant located about 15 minutes away. Work centers around custom automation and factory automation projects using modern engineering tools such as AutoCAD Electrical, with no travel required for this role. The environment is collaborative, technically challenging, and focused on delivering high-quality automation systems that enhance your skills and experience over time.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bridgman, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $41.00 - $50.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Bridgman,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
