Electrical Controls Engineer

Location: Sterling, MA

Compensation: Wide range intended to reflect considerations for varied level of experience

About the Role

Live Automation, Inc. is a growing Automation Systems Integrator specializing in custom machine building and systems integration. We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to join our team in Sterling, MA. This is a high-impact role for a professional who thrives in a project-driven environment — someone who can own electrical design and programming from concept through commissioning while managing schedules, budgets, and vendor relationships with confidence.

Key Responsibilities

Programming Proficiency: Program and configure PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) systems as well as safety controllers, motion control and visions systems using industry-standard software tools including Allen-Bradley, Cognex, Keyence, SICK, Siemens, Bosch, Omron, CoDeSys, and Mitsubishi.

Electrical Design: Develop overall system architecture, industrial electrical schematics, and electrical control panel layouts based on industry standard best practices and utilizing 2D CAD systems.

BOM Management: Create, maintain, and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs) for active projects across all phases — from concept through build and commissioning. Ensure accuracy and version control throughout the project lifecycle.

Design Standards: Apply and uphold Live Automation and industry standard best practices relative to engineering design across electrical control systems, including material selection and vendor component specifications. Contribute to the ongoing refinement of internal standards documentation.

Budget and Schedule Execution: Execute projects to planned budget and schedule. Track electrical hours and material spent against estimates, flag variances early, and actively participate in project reviews and corrective planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with mechanical engineers, assembly technicians, and project managers to ensure designs are integration-ready and support on-time machine delivery.

Customer Site Support: Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and, as needed, support field installation and commissioning at customer sites.

System Analysis and Troubleshooting: Conduct thorough system analysis, testing, and troubleshooting to guarantee optimal operation and performance of automation systems.

Technical Support and Training: Provide expert technical support and training to Engineers, Technicians, and Customers, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and tools to operate systems effectively.

Compliance and Safety: Ensure that all projects meet regulatory standards and adhere to strict safety requirements.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or computer science or equivalent technical discipline required.

Experience: Minimum 3 years of electrical engineering experience, ideally in an industrial or manufacturing-centric environment. Broad exposure across multiple industries or experience within automation equipment building companies is a strong plus.

Technical Proficiency: Proficient in PLC programming and configuration, with experience in Allen-Bradley, Siemens, CoDeSys, or Mitsubishi platforms. Familiarity with motion control, vision systems, sensor integration, and data acquisition systems preferred.

BOM & Documentation: Experience created structured BOMs and electrical drawing packages throughout the full project lifecycle preferred.

Vendor & Procurement Knowledge: Experience working with and reading vendor quotes critically, and managing supplier relationships preferred.

Project Execution: Track record of delivering work on time and within budget in a project-based or job-shop environment. Familiarity with change order processes is a plus.

Small-Shop Mindset: Comfort in a lean, fast-moving environment where engineers are self-directed, wear multiple hats, and take ownership of outcomes. Prior experience working at a small integrator or custom machine builder is strongly preferred.

Communication: Clear, direct communication with both internal teams and external customers and vendors.

Work Environment

Daily work performed in an office or shop floor environment

Occasional field or service work at customer locations may require overnight travel, longer days, and nights or weekends work in a production or manufacturing environment

Core Values

Champion the Customer: Build partnerships, do what’s right, win together.

Own It: Take accountability, figure it out, and drive results

Deliver Excellence: Take pride in our work, bring expertise, and attention to detail.

Spark Innovation: Stay curious, embrace challenges, and never stop growing.

Stronger Together: Respect, support, and care for your teammates.

Our Partnership with Ondex Automation

Live Automation, Inc. is proud to be part of Ondex Automation, a Shore Capital Partners platform company built to serve North American manufacturers with adv