Senior Electrical & Controls Engineer

Cruz Associates Inc. of Yorktown, VA has an open position and is looking for qualified candidates for an Senior Electrical & Controls Engineer . The job location is at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head MD. Scope of Performance: We are seeking a skilled Electrical & Controls Engineer with a strong background in industrial electrical systems, automation, and process controls.

This position combines electrical engineering principles with hands-on controls engineering, including the design, programming, troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of industrial control systems. The ideal candidate will have experience working with Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Automation platforms, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, industrial networks, and associated control hardware.

This individual will play an important role in improving equipment reliability, increasing production efficiency, supporting capital projects, and developing automation solutions throughout the facility. The successful candidate should be equally comfortable working with electrical schematics and control panel designs as they are troubleshooting PLC logic, modifying programs, and supporting automated equipment on the production floor.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain industrial electrical systems and control panels. Read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts. Specify electrical components, instrumentation, sensors, motors, drives, and control devices. Support electrical installations, equipment upgrades, and capital improvement projects.

Ensure electrical systems comply with applicable electrical codes, safety standards, and industry best practices. Troubleshoot electrical issues involving motors, relays, contactors, sensors, power distribution, and control circuits. Develop, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems. Work with Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Automation platforms, including: ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs.

Studio 5000 Logix Designer. RSLogix 500 and RSLogix 5000. FactoryTalk View ME and SE. PanelView operator interfaces. PowerFlex variable frequency drives. Develop and modify HMI applications, operator interfaces, alarms, and process control screens. Troubleshoot PLC logic, I/O systems, communication networks, and automated equipment.

Integrate new machinery, equipment, instrumentation, and automation systems into existing production environments. Support industrial communication protocols, including Ethernet/IP and other common industrial networking platforms. Develop and maintain PLC backups, program documentation, and controls system standards. Provide technical support for production equipment, manufacturing systems, and facility automation.

Diagnose and resolve recurring electrical and controls-related equipment failures. Identify opportunities to improve equipment uptime, productivity, safety, and operational efficiency. Work alongside maintenance technicians, production personnel, and engineering teams to resolve equipment issues. Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives.

Assist with commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment and automated systems. Develop preventative maintenance strategies for electrical and automation systems.

Education and Experience

– Required: Bachelors’ Degree or higher in Electrical or Controls Engineering 10 years of experience in industrial electrical systems, automation, and controls engineering Experience troubleshooting manufacturing processes and industrial equipment. Experience developing technical documentation and standard operating procedures.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to work effectively with operators, technicians, engineers, maintenance personnel, and management. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering/data-analysis tools. Must be able to successfully complete required background checks and drug screening.

Ability to receive and maintain a secret security clearance