Senior Electrical Design Engineer
Job description
About the role
In this position, you will play a key role in designing and evaluating electrical control systems for Redwood Materials' facilities. You will collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, including electrical, mechanical, process, and controls engineers, to develop innovative solutions that meet company standards and project requirements. Your responsibilities will include establishing design standards, conducting design reviews, mentoring junior engineers, and improving overall system reliability and efficiency. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge manufacturing processes and help shape the electrical infrastructure of Redwood Materials' operations. You will be involved in both the conceptual and detailed design phases, ensuring that electrical systems are safe, reliable, and scalable to support the company's growth.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Develop and design advanced electrical control systems, including industrial control panels, motion control systems, wiring harnesses, network architectures, and I/O interfaces that align with project specifications and company goals.
- Create detailed specifications, standards, and design philosophies to guide the development of electrical systems, ensuring consistency and quality across projects.
- Develop and maintain symbol libraries, templates, and quality assurance procedures to facilitate scalable and repeatable automation solutions.
- Lead design review sessions with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure electrical systems meet safety, performance, and compliance standards.
- Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative engineering environment.
- Analyze Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) to generate I/O lists, define system requirements, and produce detailed panels and loop diagrams for plant construction.
- Utilize CAD software to generate schematics, assemblies, and layouts, performing necessary engineering calculations to verify system performance and safety.
- Support equipment commissioning activities, including system validation, troubleshooting, and wiring in both laboratory and field environments.
- Assist in the qualification and assessment of electrical components and technologies in collaboration with external suppliers to ensure compliance with industry standards and project specifications.
- Conduct risk assessments and ensure electrical designs adhere to safety standards, including hazardous area classifications where applicable.
- Document design processes, specifications, and test procedures to ensure traceability and facilitate future maintenance and upgrades.
- Collaborate with project managers, process engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure electrical systems integrate seamlessly with mechanical and control systems.
- Participate in safety reviews and ensure all electrical designs comply with relevant industry standards such as NEC, NFPA 79, UL 508A, UL 698A, IEC 61511, and ISO 13849.
- Stay updated on emerging electrical technologies and industry best practices to continuously improve design quality and efficiency.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience in control system design.
- A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in industrial controls, control system design, or electrical engineering within manufacturing or automation environments.
- Proficiency with electrical CAD software, with SolidWorks Electrical preferred; familiarity with other major platforms is acceptable.
- Strong knowledge of motion controls, motor drives, power electronics, and signal transmission standards.
- Experience designing industrial control panels, including wiring, component selection, and layout.
- Understanding of Hazardous Area electrical requirements and standards for electrical equipment in potentially explosive environments.
- Familiarity with industry standards such as NEC (National Electrical Code), NFPA 79, UL 508A, UL 698A, IEC 61511, and ISO 13849.
- Ability to perform engineering calculations related to power distribution, control, and safety systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear documentation and present technical information effectively.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot electrical systems in both laboratory and field settings.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and adapt to changing project needs.
- Attention to detail and a commitment to safety and quality standards.
Nice to have
- Experience with PLC programming and automation software such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider Electric platforms.
- Knowledge of industrial networking protocols such as Ethernet/IP, ProfiNet, or Modbus.
- Experience with control system validation, commissioning, and startup activities.
- Familiarity with environmental and safety regulations related to electrical systems in manufacturing facilities.
- Background in designing systems for renewable energy or battery manufacturing environments.
- Ability to develop and implement testing procedures for electrical systems and components.
Skills & tools
- Electrical CAD software (SolidWorks Electrical preferred)
- Control system design and analysis
- Power electronics and motor control knowledge
- Wiring and panel layout design
- Engineering calculations and specifications development
- Documentation and reporting skills
- Collaboration and communication skills
Practical notes
This is a full-time position based in McCarran, NV. Compensation will be determined based on experience and qualifications. The role involves a combination of office work and on-site activities within industrial and manufacturing environments. Candidates should be prepared to work in conditions that may include exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes, with appropriate PPE provided. The position may require occasional travel, including visits to supplier facilities or other project sites. Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings or weekends, may be necessary to meet project deadlines or support commissioning activities. The company values safety, quality, and innovation, and encourages continuous learning and professional development.