Design / project engineer - industrial automation

Job Description

Insight Global is seeking a Design/Project Engineer responsible for designing and building control panels, developing and troubleshooting PLC programs, and integrating variable frequency drives (VFDs) into automated systems. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, safe, and efficient automation solutions for industrial applications. This position requires approximately 50% travel for customer meetings, system commissioning, and field service as needed.

This is an organization in which our Engineers will see their project through from cradle to grave - the engineer who designs the system will also commission and see all the way through maintenance

Preferred Experience (not all required depending on level of experience)

Candidates should have prior experience with one or more of the following:

• Coordinated web handling machines (e.g., paper machines, secondary metals, converting, building products)

• Motion control applications utilizing electronic gear

• Ability to describe various VFD components and topologies

• High-level understanding of control theory

• Commercial and technical project management

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Key Responsibilities

Panel Design & Fabrication

• Design electrical control panels in compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., NFPA 70, UL 508A)

• Create detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials

• Oversee panel assembly, wiring, and factory acceptance testing

PLC Programming

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or other platforms)

• Configure HMI/SCADA interfaces for operator usability and system monitoring

• Implement structured programming practices for scalability and reliability

Drives & Motion Control

• Specify, configure, and commission VFDs and servo systems

• Integrate drives into control systems for motor speed, torque, and position control

• Optimize drive parameters for performance and energy efficiency

System Integration & Commissioning

• Collaborate with mechanical, process, and electrical engineers to ensure seamless system operation

• Conduct on-site installation, startup, and commissioning of automation systems

• Provide technical support, troubleshooting, and documentation for delivered systems

Strategic & Commercial Responsibilities - Project Management

• Project Management: Kick off meetings, procure materials, project timelines, act as critical stakeholder, etc.

? All projects are scored and if it's determined that the project is large enough then a PM will be aligned as a dedicated resource for support

• Support strategic planning and growth initiatives for the vertical market segment

• Collaborate with finance and leadership teams on project pricing, risk assessment, and margin management

• Identify opportunities for productization, standardization, and scalability of solutions

• Act as a critical stakeholder in the commercial success of assigned projects:

o Ensure job hours and material costs align with project scope and budgets

o Seek adders as required with the project team

• Timely entry of administrative tasks (e.g., time and expense entry)

Operational Responsibility

• Adhere to all Quad Plus operational safety standards and practices:

o Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

o Pre-Task Plan (PTP)

o All relevant operational safety training and certifications (e.g., OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR)

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected] learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy:

Skills and Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years in industrial automation, controls engineering, or a related role

• Technical Skills:

o Proficiency in PLC programming

? We are agnostic on brands - all customer driven - siemens is most common we have, followed by rockwell, others: Allen-Bradley RSLogix/Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, etc.

o Experience with HMI/SCADA development and communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, etc.)

? We are agnostic on brands - all customer driven - Ignition, wonderwhere, rockwell, seimens

? Candidates with a higher level of experience we will require higher level of proficiency

o Strong knowledge of motor control, VFDs, and electrical power distribution

? Less than 600V low voltage, mostly 480 or 690 here and there - 4160, 1380 in medium world - keep it low voltage for these roles

? Someone more senior - VFD theory - describe components/topology in VFD - diodes, DC bust capacitors, - vector control algorithms

• Soft Skills:

o Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities -

? We view all our engineering staff as our own mini entrepreneurs within the business

? We have a loose management structure, and the expectation is to be assigned a project and see it through to completion and servicing (cradle to grave)

? We've seen people be unsuccessful in the past that come from very structured and large corporations

? For more junior candidates: More grace/mentorship/guidance for more junior candidates, If they have the right attitude we are all in, we don't mind investing/guiding them

o Strong communication and collaboration skills

• Other Requirements:

o Willingness and experience traveling - for commissioning and support - 50% - Drives /drive control theory -

o Coordinated web handling: torque reference passing, load sharing, electronic gearing

o Okay with teaching that - no one else teaches this

• Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical or similar CAD software

• Knowledge of safety standards (NFPA 79, IEC 60204, ISO 13849, TÜV Certification in Safety of Machinery, SIL/PL assessments).

• Experience with industrial networks and IIoT solutions.

• Hands-on panel building and wiring experience.

• Strong project management and documentation skills.