Systems Engineer (Electrical Controls)

Role Overview - Systems Engineer
We are seeking a hands-on Systems Engineer to design, implement, and support automation and electromechanical systems across diverse industrial applications. This role combines electrical and controls engineering expertise with collaboration across production, maintenance, and project teams.
Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain industrial control systems including electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics.
  
• Program, debug, and optimize PLCs and safety PLCs for complex automated processes.
  
• Develop HMI screens that provide clear operator feedback and facilitate troubleshooting.
  
• Integrate machinery with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and other plant-wide systems.
  
• Implement safety systems compliant with relevant industrial standards to protect equipment and personnel.
  
• Support installation, wiring, and testing of electrical cabinets, field devices, and automation hardware.
  
• Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to deploy automated systems and provide post-deployment support.
  
• Troubleshoot and optimize electromechanical systems to ensure reliability and process efficiency.

Requirements

• 5-15 years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or electromechanical system design.
  
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
  
• Proficiency with industrial PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Fanuc, or equivalent) and safety PLCs.
  
• Experience developing HMI interfaces and integrating machinery with MES or similar systems.
  
• Strong understanding of industrial electrical and safety standards (NFPA, UL, ANSI, ISO, OSHA).
  
• Ability to read and create electrical, pneumatic, and fluid schematics; CAD experience preferred.
  
• Nice to have: experience with robotics, vision systems, LabView, variable frequency drives, and industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet).
  
• Willingness to travel up to 10% and perform hands-on tasks in indoor and outdoor manufacturing environments.

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice
Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact .
Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal .
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
Privacy Notice
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

• California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here .
• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here .
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here .
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here .
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here .

Pay Transparency Notice
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

• the individual's skill sets, experience and training;
• licensure and certification requirements;
• office location and other geographic considerations;
• other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.