Electrical And Controls Engineer
JC Ford Company· Machinery· Oct 16, 2026 · 12d ago
Columbia, TN
In office
Full-time
Mid
$114K–$160K est.
3+ years exp
Job description
JC Ford - Tennessee is seeking top talent to take our organization to the next level! We are actively seeking an Electrical and Controls Engineer to join our team.
Essential Functions:
The Electrical & Controls Engineer coordinates closely with the Engineering and Operations staff to design, validate, commission, and troubleshoot electrical and control systems for automated food processing lines and equipment. The qualified candidate will be involved from initial concept through the entire life cycle of production lines and equipment featuring state of the art PLC-based controls with HMI panels. This position requires a high-energy individual with excellent teamwork. Must demonstrate solid judgment in technical problem-solving and analysis. This is a hands-on engineering position that demands effective collaboration with mechanical engineering, project management, fabrication, assembly, supply chain, sales, and customers.
In this role, you will define, implement, and continuously improve best practices for electrical and controls engineering, including preparation of requirements documents, verification and validation plans, and written procedures. You will prepare risk assessments and take appropriate countermeasures to attain technical and project goals. And you will
translate sales requirements into product specifications in accordance with our company product development process.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, detail orientation and analytical/problem solving skills are required. Must be a highly motivated self-starter with the ability to achieve results with minimal direction in a fast-paced environment.
Requirements
Specific Responsibilities Include:
• Generation of electrical schematics, control panel layouts, IO lists, electrical bills of material, and P&ID diagrams using AutoCAD Electrical
• Programming using Rockwell CompactLogix and development of HMI interfaces using PanelView
• Design, verification and validation of safety circuits and programming of safety PLC’s
• Design and implementation of networked systems
• Troubleshooting electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and combustion control systems
• Verification and validation of designs to assure compliance with product specifications, regulatory requirements, international standards, and best practices
• Application of Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA)
• Development of test procedures, conduct product testing, and validate for production
• Development of Root Cause Analyses and Corrective Action Plans
• Application of FMEA and Risk Analysis to mitigate product risk
• Collaboration with electrical, controls and mechanical engineering team members to grow technical knowledge base and implement best practices
• Recommendation of various technology options or approaches for system, process, facility, or program improvements in terms of safety, performance, efficiency, and cost
• 10-20% travel to domestic and international customer locations as needed to support installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and upgrading of production lines and equipment
• Collaboration with key suppliers to specify components that meet design requirements, diagnose, and resolve issues, and stay current with new technology and product advancements
• Delivery of presentations on technical findings and project status to cross functional teams and management
Experience and Background:
• 3+ years of progressive experience in product development in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously with a high level of autonomy
• Must have solid technical writing and documentation skills
• Ability to analyze complex data
• Strong written and verbal language skills
• Solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, methodologies, and processes
• Experience in automated machinery design and manufacturing
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Expertise in electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical
• Knowledge and application of Ladder logic programming
• Effective use of engineering processes such as ECR/ECN
Preferred Experience and Skills:
• Heavy capital equipment in the food industry
• Preparation of P&ID diagrams
• Communication systems, data logging and analysis
• Control of automated, PLC-controlled food processing equipment
• Designing and developing electromechanical assemblies and conveyor systems
• Design of linear motion driven systems and controls
• Design for Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, risk/hazard analysis and FMEA
• ISO 9001 and/or ISO/TS/ATF 16949 quality management
• ERP and PDM, preferably Autodesk Vault
• Communication in Spanish
Education:
• B.S. in Electrical Engineering from ABET accredited university
Physical Requirements
The majority of the job function is performed in an office setting requiring normal safety precautions, but the job will also require from time to time to visit the production floor or customer job sites. Please see RU 91 attached.
JC Ford Company is an equal opportunity employer and drug-free workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability (mental or physical), pregnancy, status as a parent, family medical history, genetic information, political affiliation, military service/protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. We will consider for employment, qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, or local agencies.
Application prep
Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.
- Platform
- paylocity
- Effort
- medium