Controls Engineer (PLC/Estimator Position)

Accountabilities:

• Consult with industrial customers to understand operational requirements and develop appropriate control system architectures from limited initial information.
• Prepare comprehensive estimates for turnkey systems integration projects, including engineering, control panel fabrication, desktop HMI configuration, PLC programming, field installation, and commissioning.
• Review proposal specifications, construction drawings, and technical documentation to estimate industrial electrical and automation projects.
• Estimate costs for both new construction projects and retrofit upgrades.
• Identify opportunities to modernize aging industrial infrastructure, including migrating legacy Allen-Bradley PLC-5 systems, to improve reliability and reduce operational downtime.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct job site visits when necessary to verify project requirements and complete accurate material and labor takeoffs.
• Prepare project takeoffs, submittals, proposals, and other required documentation within established deadlines.
• Request and evaluate vendor quotations for equipment and materials, with particular attention to selecting and sizing appropriate PLC and HMI hardware and software.
• Define estimate scope inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, and clarifications to ensure accurate and transparent proposals.
• Maintain organized supporting documentation for estimates, including supplier pricing, quotations, product literature, price lists, and software-related records.
• Identify customer needs and expectations while maintaining professional relationships with clients, contractors, owners, vendors, equipment suppliers, and colleagues.
• Interpret and resolve discrepancies in specifications, drawing inaccuracies, and other technical questions, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Support other department personnel as needed, including assisting with estimates in other disciplines.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements:

• At least 5 years of experience in the industrial electrical industry.
• At least 2 years of construction estimating experience.
• Journeyman Electrician license preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical systems, applicable codes, and industry standards.
• Strong functional understanding of different PLC platforms and their integration within broader industrial networks.
• Proven ability to conceptualize and specify complete PLC and HMI hardware and software solutions based on limited customer requirements.
• Experience in industrial automation and controls, including PLCs, instrumentation, valves, mechanical control panels, and electrical control panels, is an advantage.
• Familiarity with NECA labor rates, pricing structures, and their limitations.
• Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and NFPA 70E standards.
• Understanding of material quotation processes, requests for quotation (RFQs), vendor communications, and equipment sourcing.
• Ability to interpret and work with electrical and automation construction drawings, wiring diagrams, installation details, P&IDs, layout drawings, panel drawings, and bills of materials.
• Ability to interpret complex construction specifications related to electrical systems, automation, and control-related mechanical installation methods.
• Familiarity with estimating and installing electrical raceways, including cable tray, EMT, rigid conduit, IMC, Plastibond, and associated fittings and accessories.
• Advanced or expert-level experience with Accubid, including database configuration, project setup, custom assemblies, labor rates, difficulty modifiers, and LiveCount.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, as well as Microsoft Teams.
• Experience using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT and Adobe Acrobat or Bluebeam.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, contractors, owners, and specialty equipment suppliers to determine project scope and required materials and equipment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize competing demands, and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Self-motivation, initiative, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively and independently in a remote environment.
• A commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.

Benefits:

• Annual salary range of $100,000–$155,000 USD.
• Remote work opportunity within the United States.
• Opportunity to work on industrial electrical, automation, and systems integration projects.
• Exposure to control system modernization, PLC and HMI technologies, and turnkey engineering solutions.