Senior Electrical and Controls Engineer opportunity supporting capital projects and manufacturing automation across multiple U.S. locations. Hybrid role with $120,000–$160,000 salary and 40–60% travel.
Industrial Electrician | PLC, VFD & 480V Maintenance | Chicago, IL
Industrial Electrician
📍 Location: Chicago, IL (Onsite)
🏭 Industry: Manufacturing / Food Production
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time (4 Openings)
⏰ Shift: Must be flexible to work 2nd or 3rd Shift
🚫 Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Not Available
💰 Compensation: $43.69/hour ($85,000 – $90,668 annually) + Union Benefits
Overview
A leading food manufacturing organization is seeking Industrial Electricians to support operations at a high-volume bakery manufacturing facility in Chicago.
This role is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing industrial electrical systems and production equipment to maximize uptime, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement initiatives while working in a fast-paced production environment.
Key Responsibilities
Electrical Maintenance
Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial electrical equipment.
Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on manufacturing equipment.
Diagnose and resolve electrical faults to minimize production downtime.
Maintain plant electrical infrastructure supporting continuous operations.
Equipment Troubleshooting
Troubleshoot production equipment, PLCs, VFDs, motors, and electrical systems.
Read and interpret electrical blueprints, wiring diagrams, and schematics.
Identify root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
Support equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
Production Support
Execute Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Preventive Maintenance (PM) activities.
Respond quickly to production breakdowns.
Identify and report equipment losses and improvement opportunities.
Support continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.
Safety & Quality
Follow all electrical safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).
Adhere to Arc Flash and electrical safety standards.
Ensure compliance with quality and food manufacturing requirements.
Maintain a safe and organized work environment.
Required Qualifications
Education
High School Diploma or GED required.
Associate Degree or certification in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering preferred.
Experience
✔ 7+ years of industrial electrical maintenance experience.
✔ Experience maintaining electrical systems within a manufacturing environment.
✔ Experience troubleshooting complex industrial production equipment.
Technical Requirements
Electrical Systems
480V Industrial Electrical Systems
Electrical Troubleshooting
Industrial Motors & Controls
Electrical Preventive Maintenance
Automation
PLC Troubleshooting
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
Industrial Control Systems
Drawings & Documentation
Electrical Blueprints
Wiring Diagrams
Technical Schematics
Safety
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Arc Flash Safety
Industrial Safety Procedures
Preferred Qualifications
PLC programming and logic modification experience.
Experience working within food manufacturing or bakery operations.
Knowledge of industrial automation systems.
Strong understanding of production reliability and preventive maintenance.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an experienced industrial electrician who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex electrical and automation issues.
They will possess:
Strong industrial troubleshooting skills.
Hands-on experience with 480V systems, PLCs, and VFDs.
Excellent schematic reading and diagnostic abilities.
Strong commitment to safety and quality.
Ability to work collaboratively across production and maintenance teams.
Flexibility to support 2nd or 3rd shift operations.
Candidate Snapshot
Requirement
Details
Experience
7+ Years Industrial Electrical Maintenance
Electrical Systems
480V Industrial Power
Automation
PLC & VFD Troubleshooting
Drawings
Electrical Schematics & Blueprints
Safety
LOTO & Arc Flash
Industry
Manufacturing / Food Production
Shift
2nd or 3rd Shift
Location
Chicago, IL
Openings
4
Compensation
$43.69/hour ($85K–$90.7K annually)
Relocation
None
Screening Questions
Do you have at least seven years of industrial electrical maintenance experience?
Do you have hands-on experience working with 480V electrical systems?
Have you professionally troubleshot and maintained PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment?
Do you have experience working with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)?
Are you able to read and interpret electrical schematics and blueprints?
Do you have experience working within a manufacturing or food production environment?
Are you familiar with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Arc Flash safety procedures?
Have you performed preventive and predictive electrical maintenance on production equipment?
Are you willing to work 2nd or 3rd shift on a full-time basis?
When would you be available to start?
What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?
Strong troubleshooting skills that minimize production downtime.
Extensive experience with industrial electrical systems, PLCs, and VFDs.
Ability to quickly diagnose and resolve complex equipment failures.
Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Strong communication and teamwork in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to proactively identify equipment issues before they impact production.
Dependability and flexibility to support critical production operations across multiple shifts.
Senior Electrical & Controls Engineer – PLC, Automation, Capital Projects | Hybrid USA (Travel Required)
Senior Electrical & Controls Engineer
📍 Location: Multiple U.S. Locations (must be near a manufacturing site)
🏠 Work Model: Hybrid (flexibility when not traveling)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering required
📈 Experience Level: Mid-Senior
🕒 Experience Required: 5–7+ years
✈️ Travel: 50–75% (North America)
🌎 Visa Sponsorship: Not available
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Possible
Role Overview
We are seeking a Senior Electrical & Controls Engineer to lead and support capital projects across multiple manufacturing facilities.
This role is responsible for delivering end-to-end electrical and control systems engineering, from concept and design through installation, commissioning, and handover. You will play a key role in executing large-scale industrial projects and ensuring systems are safe, efficient, and aligned with operational goals.
Key Responsibilities
Capital Project Delivery
Lead electrical and controls engineering for capital projects ($1M–$15M range)
Develop:
Scope documents
Engineering designs and calculations
Cost estimates and schedules
Technical specifications
Manage projects from concept through execution, commissioning, and handover
Electrical & Controls Engineering
Design and implement:
Power distribution systems
Control systems and automation solutions
Specify and source equipment such as:
Switchgear, transformers, MCCs
Drives, PLCs, HMIs, relays, circuit breakers
Perform electrical system analysis and calculations
Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety requirements
Project & Contractor Management
Lead and coordinate:
External engineering consultants
Vendors and suppliers
Installation contractors
Manage procurement lifecycle from RFQs to installation and warranty support
Oversee commissioning, startup, and training for plant teams
Manage change control (MOC) processes
Safety & Compliance
Apply and promote NFPA 70E electrical safety standards
Lead safety initiatives related to electrical and control systems
Ensure all systems meet required regulatory and operational standards
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with:
Operations
Maintenance
Engineering teams
Procurement and project management
Provide subject matter expertise (SME) on electrical and controls systems
Support both plant-level projects and enterprise initiatives
Project Ownership (Controls-Focused Projects)
Take full ownership of smaller projects (typically <$5M)
Act as Electrical & Controls Lead on larger initiatives
Manage:
Budgets and forecasts
Schedules and deliverables
Stakeholder communication
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
5+ years of experience in controls/electrical engineering within manufacturing
Strong experience with:
Control systems and automation technologies
Electrical system design
Hands-on expertise with:
Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs (including programming)
Proficiency in AutoCAD
Demonstrated experience managing capital projects ($500K–$2M+)
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with:
480V and 4160V power distribution systems
MCCs, switchgear, and industrial power systems
Background in continuous and/or discrete manufacturing environments
Experience managing multi-site or large-scale industrial projects
Key Competencies
Strong project management and execution skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams
High level of initiative and ownership
Strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will:
Have strong experience delivering electrical and controls projects in manufacturing environments
Be comfortable acting as both:
Technical expert (E&C lead)
Project owner (for smaller projects)
Thrive in a hands-on, plant-facing role
Be capable of managing complex, multi-site capital projects
Be open to frequent travel (50–75%)
Screening Questions
Do you hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering?
Do you have project engineering or project management experience?
Are you open to travel (40–60%+)?
Additional Information
This role supports a high volume of active and upcoming capital projects
Acts as a critical technical resource across multiple manufacturing facilities
Opportunity to lead impactful projects driving operational performance and growth
Electrical Engineer – Capital Projects & Industrial Automation | Pennsylvania
Electrical Engineer – Capital Projects (Manufacturing)
📍 Location: Cressona, Pennsylvania
🏢 Work Model: 100% Onsite
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
💰 Base Salary: $100,000 – $125,000
🚚 Relocation Assistance: Possible for ideal candidate
✈️ Travel: Occasional
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) required
Role Overview
A global industrial manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to lead electrical engineering and capital project execution across large-scale manufacturing operations.
This position will manage capital projects ranging from $1M to $40M, supporting electrical power systems, controls engineering, and automation equipment across heavy manufacturing environments such as extrusion, fabrication, and casting operations.
The successful candidate will drive projects from concept through installation, startup, and operational handoff, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient equipment performance.
Key Responsibilities
Capital Project Leadership
Lead electrical engineering scope for capital projects from concept through execution
Manage project budgets ranging from $1M – $40M
Deliver projects on schedule, within budget, and aligned with safety standards
Coordinate installation, commissioning, and startup activities
Electrical Systems Engineering
Design and oversee electrical systems, primarily 480VAC
Specify equipment, materials, and technical requirements
Perform engineering calculations and review design drawings
Ensure electrical systems meet operational performance standards
Industrial Controls & Automation
Work with PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems (Rockwell preferred)
Support installation and commissioning of mill-grade industrial equipment
Troubleshoot automation and electrical system issues
Work with MCCs, VFDs, and industrial automation systems
Contractor & Vendor Management
Manage contractors and external engineering partners
Oversee safe and productive execution of work
Coordinate with equipment suppliers and installation teams
Manufacturing Optimization
Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability and performance
Implement changes to increase manufacturing efficiency
Ensure production systems meet delivery, safety, and cost targets
Shop Floor Engagement
Spend time on the plant floor supporting equipment installation and troubleshooting
Inspect systems and installations, including accessing elevated equipment areas when necessary
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
Minimum 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
Experience leading capital projects from concept to completion
Hands-on experience with 480VAC electrical systems
Experience installing or commissioning industrial manufacturing equipment
Experience with:
PLC systems
HMI platforms
SCADA systems
Experience with motor control centers (MCCs) and variable frequency drives (VFDs)
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
Preferred Experience
Experience in extrusion, casting, or fabrication operations
Knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, or combustion systems
Familiarity with electrical safety standards including:
NFPA 70E
National Electrical Code (NEC)
Experience managing contractors and construction activities within industrial projects
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a hands-on industrial electrical engineer who:
Has strong experience managing large capital projects
Is comfortable working in heavy manufacturing environments
Has deep expertise in industrial electrical power and controls
Can troubleshoot and optimize real production systems
Works closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams
Demonstrates a strong focus on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement
Benefits Overview
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Retirement savings plan
Education assistance
Referral bonuses
Parental leave
Onsite amenities including gym and café
Interview travel reimbursed