Electrical & Control Panel Designer

Quest Global
Full_time$65k-90k/year (USD)Wilmington, United States

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: Electrical & Control Panel Designer
  • Company: Quest Global
  • Location: Wilmington, North Carolina, United States & Greenville, South Carolina, United States
  • Job Type: On-site, Full-time
  • Category: Electrical Engineering
  • Date Posted: 2025-07-29

🚀 Role Summary

  • Design and develop electrical control panels for industrial automation systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer specifications.
  • Collaborate with software developers, platform, and manufacturing teams to ensure accurate and timely delivery.
  • Generate bills of materials (BOMs) and documentation packages for production and customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong technical skills in electrical engineering, with a focus on control panel design and industrial automation systems. Candidates should have a solid understanding of CAD software, component selection, and code compliance.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • Design Electrical Control Panels: Design and develop electrical control panels, including power distribution, DCS/PLC/SCADA, HMIs, motor control, and safety systems.
  • Plan Panel Layout: Plan DIN rail, terminal block, and assembly for logical signal flow and clean wiring.
  • Create Detailed Drawings: Create detailed electrical schematics, panel layout drawings, and wiring diagrams using CAD software.
  • Evaluate Installation Environments: Evaluate installation environments (indoor, outdoor, washdown, hazardous) to ensure proper panel protection.
  • Design Custom Enclosures: Design and specification of custom sheet metal enclosures and back panels.
  • HVAC System Planning: Application-specific HVAC system planning and oversight.
  • Manage Heat Dissipation: Design enclosure layouts and cooling solutions to manage heat dissipation for solid-state devices.
  • Route Wiring: Route power and control wiring to minimize interference and maintain code compliance.
  • Select Components: Select appropriate components (relays, circuit breakers, terminal blocks, etc.) based on application and standards.
  • Collaborate with Teams: Collaborate with control software developers, platform, and manufacturing teams to ensure accurate and timely delivery.
  • Generate Documentation: Generate bills of materials (BOMs) and documentation packages for production and customers.
  • Ensure Code Compliance: Ensure designs comply with relevant codes and standards (UL508A, NEC, CE, IEC, etc.).
  • Support Panel Fabrication: Support panel fabrication, testing, and troubleshooting during production and commissioning.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate, Bachelor, or Master's degree in Mechatronics, CAD/CAM, or Electrical Engineering.

Experience: 3+ years of experience in electrical/control panel design.

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency with CAD tools (Autodesk Inventor, CREO, Pro-panel).
  • Experience with ERP systems for BOM management.
  • PLM, PDM, ERP: CAD File Management, Document Control, BOM management, and Engineering Change Management.
  • Strong knowledge of electrical control panels, components, and standards.
  • Familiarity with industrial automation systems and HVAC systems.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with specific CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor).
  • Knowledge of specific industry standards (e.g., UL508A, NEC, CE, IEC).
  • Familiarity with specific electrical components or systems.
  • Experience with specific ERP or PLM systems.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Detailed electrical schematics, panel layout drawings, and wiring diagrams demonstrating your design skills and understanding of electrical control panels.
  • Examples of custom enclosure designs and back panels you have created.
  • Documentation packages and BOMs showcasing your attention to detail and ability to generate accurate and comprehensive project documentation.
  • Photographs or videos of control panels you have designed and fabricated, highlighting your ability to translate your designs into physical products.

Technical Documentation:

  • Code comments and documentation explaining your design choices, assumptions, and any relevant background information.
  • Version control, deployment processes, and server configuration details demonstrating your ability to manage projects and collaborate with teams.
  • Testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques showcasing your commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an electrical and control panel designer, your portfolio should emphasize your technical skills, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. Include projects that demonstrate your understanding of electrical control panels, industrial automation systems, and relevant industry standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $90,000 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k) and 401(k) matching.
  • Dental, health, life, and vision insurance.
  • Paid time off and referral program.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this role is based on industry standards for electrical engineers and control panel designers in the United States. Benefits are typical for a full-time position in the engineering industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Quest Global operates in the engineering services industry, providing end-to-end engineering solutions to various industries, including aerospace & defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail, and semiconductor.

Company Size: Quest Global is a large company with a global presence, employing over 16,000 professionals across 37 locations in 14 countries. As an electrical and control panel designer at Quest Global, you will be part of a large and diverse engineering team, working on complex projects for Fortune 500 customers.

Founded: Quest Global was founded in 1987 and has since grown into a leading engineering services provider, with a strong focus on innovation, technology, and customer satisfaction.

Team Structure:

  • Electrical Engineering Team: You will be part of the electrical engineering team, working alongside other electrical engineers, control system engineers, and software developers.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will collaborate with teams from various disciplines, including mechanical engineering, software development, and manufacturing, to deliver comprehensive engineering solutions to customers.
  • Project-Based Organization: Quest Global operates on a project-based organizational structure, with teams formed around specific customer projects. As an electrical and control panel designer, you will be assigned to projects based on your skills and experience.

Development Methodology:

  • Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Quest Global uses Agile and Scrum methodologies for project management, with regular sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and sprint reviews.
  • Code Review and Testing: Quest Global emphasizes code review, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure the delivery of high-quality engineering solutions.
  • Deployment Strategies: Quest Global uses CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies to streamline the software development lifecycle and ensure efficient delivery of engineering solutions.

Company Website: https://www.quest-global.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Quest Global's company culture is characterized by its focus on innovation, technology, and customer satisfaction. As an electrical and control panel designer, you will be part of a large and diverse engineering team, working on complex projects for Fortune 500 customers. Quest Global's development methodologies and team structure are designed to foster collaboration, continuous learning, and high-quality engineering solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Electrical & Control Panel Designer Career Level: This role is at the mid-level career stage, requiring a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, control panel design, and industrial automation systems. As an electrical and control panel designer at Quest Global, you will be responsible for designing and developing electrical control panels, ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer specifications.

Reporting Structure: You will report directly to the Electrical Engineering Manager or a similar role, depending on the specific project you are assigned to. You will collaborate with control software developers, platform, and manufacturing teams to ensure accurate and timely delivery.

Technical Impact: As an electrical and control panel designer, you will have a significant impact on the performance, reliability, and safety of industrial automation systems. Your designs will directly influence the user experience, system functionality, and overall project success.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Senior Electrical Engineer: With experience and demonstrated expertise, you can progress to a senior electrical engineer role, taking on more complex projects and mentoring junior team members.
  • Technical Specialist: Pursue a technical specialist role, focusing on a specific area of electrical engineering or control panel design, and becoming a subject matter expert within the organization.
  • Project Manager: Transition into a project management role, overseeing the delivery of engineering projects and managing cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an electrical and control panel designer at Quest Global, you will have ample opportunities for career growth and development. With experience and demonstrated expertise, you can progress to senior roles, technical specialist roles, or project management roles, depending on your interests and career goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Quest Global operates in a modern, collaborative office environment, designed to facilitate cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Office Location(s): Quest Global has offices in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina, with additional locations worldwide. As an electrical and control panel designer, you will be based in one of these offices, with opportunities for remote work or travel depending on specific projects.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Workspace: Quest Global's offices feature open-plan workspaces, designed to encourage collaboration and communication between team members.
  • Development Tools: Quest Global provides access to industry-standard CAD software, ERP systems, and other development tools required for electrical and control panel design.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: As an electrical and control panel designer, you will work closely with mechanical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing teams, sharing workspaces and collaborating on projects.

Work Schedule: Quest Global offers a flexible work schedule, with core hours between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. As an electrical and control panel designer, you will be expected to work these core hours, with opportunities for flexible scheduling around deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Quest Global's work environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. As an electrical and control panel designer, you will work in a modern, collaborative office environment, with access to industry-standard development tools and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Phone Screen: A brief phone screen to assess your communication skills and technical background.
  2. Technical Assessment: A technical assessment, focusing on your electrical engineering knowledge, control panel design skills, and problem-solving abilities.
  3. On-site Interview: An on-site interview, including a tour of the Quest Global office, meetings with team members, and a discussion of the company culture and growth opportunities.
  4. Final Decision: A final decision, based on your technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with Quest Global's career growth opportunities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight your electrical and control panel design projects, demonstrating your understanding of electrical engineering principles, component selection, and industry standards.
  • Include photographs or videos of control panels you have designed and fabricated, showcasing your ability to translate your designs into physical products.
  • Provide detailed documentation, including electrical schematics, panel layout drawings, and wiring diagrams, to demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Brush up on your electrical engineering fundamentals, focusing on control panel design, industrial automation systems, and relevant industry standards.
  • Practice problem-solving exercises, focusing on electrical circuit analysis, component selection, and system design.
  • Familiarize yourself with Quest Global's development methodologies, team structure, and company culture, to ensure a strong cultural fit and alignment with the organization's values.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an electrical and control panel designer, your interview process will focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with Quest Global's organization. Prepare for a comprehensive technical assessment, portfolio review, and on-site interview, demonstrating your understanding of electrical engineering principles, control panel design, and industry standards.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

CAD Software:

  • Autodesk Inventor
  • CREO
  • Pro-panel

ERP Systems:

  • SAP
  • Oracle
  • Microsoft Dynamics 365

Industry Standards:

  • UL508A
  • NEC
  • CE
  • IEC

Electrical Components:

  • Relays
  • Circuit breakers
  • Terminal blocks
  • Motor control devices
  • Safety systems
  • Power distribution equipment

HVAC Systems:

  • Air conditioning units
  • Heating systems
  • Ventilation systems
  • Air filtration systems

📝 Enhancement Note: As an electrical and control panel designer at Quest Global, you will work with industry-standard CAD software, ERP systems, and electrical components, ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards and customer specifications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Electrical Engineering Values:

  • Innovation: Quest Global values innovation and encourages electrical engineers to explore new technologies, tools, and design approaches to improve control panel design and industrial automation systems.
  • Collaboration: Quest Global fosters a culture of collaboration, encouraging electrical engineers to work closely with other disciplines, including mechanical engineering, software development, and manufacturing, to deliver comprehensive engineering solutions.
  • Quality: Quest Global is committed to delivering high-quality engineering solutions, with a focus on attention to detail, code compliance, and customer satisfaction.
  • Continuous Learning: Quest Global encourages continuous learning and professional development, providing opportunities for electrical engineers to expand their skills and advance their careers.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Quest Global's collaboration style emphasizes cross-functional integration between electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing teams, ensuring comprehensive engineering solutions and efficient project delivery.
  • Code Review Culture: Quest Global fosters a code review culture, with regular peer reviews and feedback to ensure high-quality engineering solutions and continuous learning.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Quest Global encourages knowledge sharing, with regular team meetings, workshops, and training sessions to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Quest Global's electrical engineering values and collaboration style are designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. As an electrical and control panel designer, you will be part of a diverse and collaborative engineering team, working on complex projects for Fortune 500 customers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Designing for Extreme Environments: Design electrical control panels for extreme environments, including outdoor, washdown, and hazardous locations, ensuring proper panel protection and component selection.
  • Managing Complex Systems: Design electrical control panels for complex industrial automation systems, integrating power distribution, DCS/PLC/SCADA, HMIs, motor control, and safety systems.
  • Optimizing Performance: Design electrical control panels with a focus on performance optimization, minimizing power consumption, and maximizing system efficiency.
  • Ensuring Compliance: Design electrical control panels that comply with relevant industry standards, customer specifications, and internal quality requirements, ensuring code compliance and regulatory approval.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Electrical Engineering Courses: Pursue electrical engineering courses, focusing on control panel design, industrial automation systems, and relevant industry standards, to expand your technical skills and knowledge.
  • Conferences and Workshops: Attend industry conferences and workshops, such as the IEEE Industrial Applications Society Conference or the Control Systems Integrators Association (CSIA) Executive Conference, to network with industry professionals and learn about emerging technologies and best practices.
  • Mentorship Programs: Participate in mentorship programs, both as a mentee and mentor, to expand your knowledge, develop your leadership skills, and contribute to the growth of other electrical engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an electrical and control panel designer at Quest Global, you will face technical challenges related to extreme environments, complex systems, performance optimization, and compliance with industry standards. You will have ample opportunities for learning and development, through electrical engineering courses, industry conferences, and mentorship programs.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Prepare for questions on electrical engineering fundamentals, including circuit analysis, component selection, and system design, with a focus on control panel design and industrial automation systems.
  • Industry Standards: Familiarize yourself with relevant industry standards, such as UL508A, NEC, CE, and IEC, and be prepared to discuss their application in control panel design and industrial automation systems.
  • Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice problem-solving scenarios, focusing on electrical circuit analysis, component selection, and system design, to demonstrate your ability to tackle technical challenges and deliver innovative solutions.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Quest Global Culture: Research Quest Global's company culture, values, and development methodologies, and be prepared to discuss how your skills, experiences, and career goals align with the organization's mission and vision.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Prepare for questions about your experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment, and be ready to discuss your ability to work effectively with other disciplines, including mechanical engineering, software development, and manufacturing.
  • Career Growth: Be prepared to discuss your long-term career goals and how you see yourself growing within Quest Global's organization, including potential roles in senior electrical engineering, technical specialization, or project management.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Highlight Relevant Projects: Highlight your electrical and control panel design projects, demonstrating your understanding of electrical engineering principles, component selection, and industry standards.
  • Demonstrate Attention to Detail: Include detailed documentation, such as electrical schematics, panel layout drawings, and wiring diagrams, to showcase your commitment to quality and attention to detail.
  • Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Prepare a live demonstration or case study, focusing on a complex electrical control panel design challenge and your approach to solving it, to highlight your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an electrical and control panel designer, your interview preparation should focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with Quest Global's organization. Prepare for comprehensive technical questions, company and culture questions, and a portfolio presentation, demonstrating your understanding of electrical engineering principles, control panel design, and industry standards.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this electrical and control panel designer position at Quest Global:

  1. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume, highlighting your electrical engineering skills, control panel design experience, and relevant industry knowledge.
  2. Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your portfolio, showcasing your electrical and control panel design projects, with a focus on attention to detail, quality, and compliance with industry standards.
  3. Research Quest Global: Thoroughly research Quest Global's company culture, values, and development methodologies, and prepare for company and culture questions during your interview.
  4. Practice Technical Interview Questions: Prepare for technical interview questions, focusing on electrical engineering fundamentals, industry standards, and problem-solving scenarios, and practice your responses to ensure confidence and clarity.
  5. Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Develop a live demonstration or case study, focusing on a complex electrical control panel design challenge and your approach to solving it, to showcase your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and electrical engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Quest Global before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates should have an Associate, Bachelor, or Master's degree in Mechatronics, CAD/CAM, or Electrical Engineering. A minimum of 3 years of experience in electrical/control panel design is required, along with proficiency in CAD tools.