Control Panel Design Engineer at Barry-Wehmiller

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Control Panel Design Engineer
Company: Barry-Wehmiller
Location: Maryland Heights, Missouri, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Manufacturing
Date Posted: July 24, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

🚀 Role Summary

Lead industrial control panel design efforts, ensuring compliance with UL508A standards and supporting quoting and fabrication processes.
Manage multiple design projects, create electrical schematics, and collaborate with internal teams to deliver cost-effective solutions.
Apply knowledge of NEC and NFPA 79 codes, and demonstrate proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in electrical engineering and control panel design, with a focus on UL508A compliance and electrical code standards. Familiarity with manufacturing processes and PLC-based systems is a plus.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Design and Document Industrial Control Panels: Create complete electrical schematics, panel layouts, and bills of materials using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar software, ensuring compliance with UL508A standards and NEC/NFPA 79 codes.
Perform Load Calculations and Thermal Analysis: Conduct load calculations, short circuit current ratings (SCCR), and thermal analysis to ensure panel designs meet performance and safety requirements.
Select and Specify Components: Choose appropriate industrial control hardware, including circuit breakers, contactors, PLCs, VFDs, and other components, based on project needs and industry standards.
Prepare Technical Quotes and Cost Estimates: Develop accurate technical quotes and cost estimates, including breakdowns of materials, labor, and engineering hours, to support sales efforts and project budgeting.
Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams: Work closely with internal engineering, sales, and production teams to ensure build quality, cost-effective design solutions, and timely project delivery.
Provide Redlined Drawings and Fabrication Support: Offer technical guidance and support during the panel build and troubleshooting phases, ensuring design intent is maintained and any issues are resolved promptly.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and coordinate with various teams. Excellent communication skills are essential for success in this position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.

Experience:

Minimum of 3+ years of experience in industrial control panel design.
Proven knowledge of UL508A standards, demonstrated through previous compliant designs.
Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or comparable electrical CAD software.
Applied understanding of NEC and NFPA 79 electrical codes, with specific examples of compliant designs.
Minimum 2 years of experience designing motor control circuits, PLC-based systems, and VFD applications.
Documented experience preparing technical quotes and performing cost estimation for control panel projects.
Demonstrated ability to manage design projects, meet deadlines, and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with examples of resolving design or fabrication challenges.
Proven ability to read, interpret, and create detailed electrical schematics and technical documentation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with prior collaboration across engineering, sales, or production teams.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with manufacturing processes and PLC-based systems.
Familiarity with control panel fabrication and assembly processes.
Knowledge of programming languages such as Ladder Logic (LLC), Function Block Diagram (FBD), or Structured Text (ST).
Experience with PLCs from major manufacturers (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric).

📝 Enhancement Note: While not required, experience with manufacturing processes and PLC-based systems can be beneficial for this role, as it may involve working on projects for production facilities and systems integrators.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Include examples of industrial control panel designs, demonstrating compliance with UL508A standards and NEC/NFPA 79 codes.
Showcase your proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar software, with well-organized and clearly labeled electrical schematics and panel layouts.
Highlight your ability to perform load calculations, short circuit current ratings (SCCR), and thermal analysis, with examples of how you ensured panel designs met performance and safety requirements.
Provide examples of technical quotes and cost estimates, demonstrating your ability to prepare accurate and detailed project budgets.

Technical Documentation:

Include detailed electrical schematics, panel layouts, and bills of materials for your control panel projects.
Showcase your understanding of NEC and NFPA 79 codes, with examples of how you ensured your designs complied with relevant electrical codes.
Provide examples of how you collaborated with cross-functional teams, such as engineering, sales, or production, to deliver successful control panel projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on industrial control panel design, your portfolio should emphasize your technical skills and ability to create compliant, cost-effective designs for manufacturing. Include examples of your best work and any challenges you overcame during the design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000 per year (Based on industry standards for mid-level electrical engineers with control panel design experience in the St. Louis, Missouri area)

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Employee assistance program (EAP) for work-life balance and mental health support.
Tuition reimbursement for continued education and professional development.
Opportunities for career growth and advancement within the Barry-Wehmiller organization.

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While Barry-Wehmiller does not provide a salary range for this position, the estimated range is based on industry standards for mid-level electrical engineers with control panel design experience in the St. Louis, Missouri area. Benefits and working hours are based on typical industry offerings and company information.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting, and paper-converting industries. As a division of Barry-Wehmiller Design Group, ControlTech Automation (CTA) specializes in control panel integration and fabrication for process, packaging, utility, and other industries.

Company Size: Barry-Wehmiller is a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members worldwide, providing a large and diverse work environment for employees. As a division of Barry-Wehmiller Design Group, CTA offers the resources and support of a large organization while maintaining a more intimate and collaborative team culture.

Founded: Barry-Wehmiller was founded in 1911, and Barry-Wehmiller Design Group was established as an independent division in 2018. CTA has been providing control solutions since 2003, with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Team Structure:

ControlTech Automation (CTA) is a division of Barry-Wehmiller Design Group, Inc., with a dedicated team of control panel engineers, designers, and fabricators.
The control panel design team works closely with internal sales, engineering, and production teams to ensure build quality, cost-effective design solutions, and timely project delivery.
CTA serves clients throughout the United States, with a focus on process, packaging, utility, and other industries.

Development Methodology:

CTA follows a structured design process, ensuring compliance with UL508A standards, NEC, and NFPA 79 codes.
The team uses AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar software for electrical schematic creation and panel layout design.
CTA employs a collaborative approach to project management, with regular team meetings and open lines of communication to ensure project success.

Company Website: https://www.barrywehmiller.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a division of Barry-Wehmiller Design Group, ControlTech Automation (CTA) benefits from the resources and support of a large organization while maintaining a more intimate and collaborative team culture. The company's focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction creates an environment that values technical expertise and continuous improvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Control Panel Design Engineer Career Level: This role is suitable for mid-level electrical engineers with 2-5 years of experience in industrial control panel design. The position offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the Barry-Wehmiller organization, as well as the chance to work on diverse and challenging projects.

Reporting Structure: The Control Panel Design Engineer reports directly to the Control Panel Engineering Manager and works closely with internal sales, engineering, and production teams.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the design and fabrication of industrial control panels, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and codes, and supporting the successful completion of projects for clients in various industries.

Growth Opportunities:

Senior Control Panel Design Engineer: With increased experience and demonstrated leadership, engineers may advance to senior roles, overseeing multiple projects and providing mentorship to junior team members.
Control Panel Engineering Manager: Proven technical expertise and strong leadership skills can lead to management roles, responsible for leading the control panel engineering team and driving strategic initiatives.
Specialization: As engineers gain experience, they may choose to specialize in specific areas, such as motor control, PLC programming, or VFD applications, becoming subject matter experts within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Control Panel Design Engineer role offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the Barry-Wehmiller organization. As engineers gain experience and demonstrate strong technical skills, they may progress to senior roles, management positions, or specialize in specific areas of control panel design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Barry-Wehmiller Design Group's office in Maryland Heights, Missouri, provides a modern and collaborative work environment for employees. The office is designed to facilitate teamwork and communication, with open workspaces, meeting rooms, and break areas.

Office Location(s): The main office for this position is located in Maryland Heights, Missouri. However, Barry-Wehmiller Design Group has offices and facilities throughout the United States, providing opportunities for remote work or relocation for some positions.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Work Environment: The office is designed to encourage collaboration and teamwork, with open workspaces and meeting rooms for brainstorming and project discussions.
Specialized Tools and Equipment: Engineers have access to the latest software tools, such as AutoCAD Electrical and EPLAN, as well as specialized hardware for testing and debugging control panels.
Cross-Functional Interaction: Control panel design engineers work closely with internal sales, engineering, and production teams, as well as external clients, to ensure project success and deliver high-quality control panel solutions.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows. Barry-Wehmiller Design Group offers a generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at Barry-Wehmiller Design Group is designed to be collaborative and supportive, with a focus on teamwork and open communication. The office provides access to specialized tools and equipment, as well as opportunities for cross-functional interaction and professional growth.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone/Screening Interview: A brief phone or video call to discuss your background, experience, and career goals. Be prepared to answer questions about your control panel design experience and familiarity with relevant standards and codes.
Technical Deep Dive: A more in-depth technical interview focused on your control panel design skills, electrical code knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio, walk through your design process, and answer questions about specific projects or challenges you've faced in the past.
Team Fit and Cultural Assessment: A meeting with members of the control panel engineering team to assess your cultural fit and compatibility with the Barry-Wehmiller Design Group work environment. Be prepared to discuss your communication skills, teamwork experience, and how you approach collaboration and problem-solving.
Final Evaluation: A final interview with the Control Panel Engineering Manager or another senior leader within the organization to discuss your qualifications, career goals, and fit within the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your best control panel design projects, demonstrating your ability to create compliant, cost-effective designs for manufacturing.
Include examples of your electrical schematics, panel layouts, and bills of materials, showcasing your proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar software.
Provide examples of your technical quotes and cost estimates, demonstrating your ability to prepare accurate and detailed project budgets.
Be prepared to discuss your design process, load calculations, thermal analysis, and compliance with NEC and NFPA 79 codes.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of UL508A standards, NEC, and NFPA 79 codes, as these will be essential for success in the technical interview.
Review your portfolio and be prepared to discuss your design process, problem-solving skills, and any challenges you've faced in the past.
Familiarize yourself with the Barry-Wehmiller Design Group website and company culture, so you can demonstrate your understanding of the organization and your fit within the team.

ATS Keywords:

Control Panel Design
UL508A Standards
AutoCAD Electrical
EPLAN
NEC Codes
NFPA 79 Codes
Motor Control Circuits
PLC-Based Systems
VFD Applications
Technical Quotes
Cost Estimation
Project Management
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Electrical Schematics
Technical Documentation
Communication Skills

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Control Panel Design Engineer role is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the Barry-Wehmiller Design Group organization. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio, design process, and any challenges you've faced in the past, as well as your understanding of the company and its culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Control Panel Design Engineer position:

Submit your application through the application link provided in the job listing.
Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your control panel design experience, technical skills, and relevant projects.
Prepare for the interview process by reviewing your portfolio, brushing up on your technical skills, and familiarizing yourself with the Barry-Wehmiller Design Group website and company culture.
Research the control panel design industry, relevant standards and codes, and any specific requirements or preferences for this role, as outlined in the job description.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions about control panel design, electrical engineering, and the Barry-Wehmiller Design Group organization. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Control Panel Design Engineer