Electrical Control Panel Designer
π Job Overview
- Job Title: Electrical Control Panel Designer
- Company: LAPORTE L.C.C.
- Location: Rochester, New York, United States
- Job Type: Hybrid
- Category: Electrical Engineering
- Date Posted: 2025-08-01
- Experience Level: 5-10 years
- Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimal travel required)
π Role Summary
- Design and develop comprehensive control panel and motor control panel designs using AutoCAD (not AutoCAD Electrical)
- Collaborate with engineers, panel shops, and project managers to deliver high-quality, UL508A-compliant solutions for automation systems in the food and beverage sector
- Contribute to LAPORTE's mission of providing process engineering and process automation solutions for clients across North America and Europe
π Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for experienced electrical engineers to apply their skills in a specialized, industry-specific context, collaborating with diverse teams to deliver critical electrical solutions.
π» Primary Responsibilities
- Design and Documentation: Develop detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, layout drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs) for control panels, ensuring compliance with UL508A standards and customer requirements
- Engineering Calculations: Perform power requirements, voltage drop, circuit sizing, SCCR, heating, and cooling calculations, selecting appropriate components for AC/DC circuits, motor circuits, VFDs, PLCs, and industrial networks
- Design Review and Support: Review designs for compliance, accuracy, and constructability, providing technical support to the control panel shop during assembly and wiring to ensure design accuracy
- Estimation and Pricing: Estimate control panel pricing based on design scope and component selection, adhering to electrical safety standards (NEC, NFPA, UL)
- Collaboration: Work closely with engineers, panel shops, and project managers to ensure high-quality, compliant solutions, with minimal travel required (0-5%)
π Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a remote, collaborative environment, balancing efficiency and creativity.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Associateβs degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field, or equivalent industry experience
Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical design using AutoCAD, with a focus on UL508A-compliant control panels
- Experience in food & beverage, CPG, oil & gas, or heavy industry environments is an asset
Required Skills:
- Strong understanding of electrical theory, power distribution, industrial automation, and control systems
- Proficiency with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70, NFPA 79, and UL508A
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with electrical design software other than AutoCAD Electrical
- Knowledge of PLC programming and industrial networks
- Familiarity with food and beverage manufacturing processes
π Enhancement Note: Candidates with a proven track record in electrical design and a passion for continuous learning will thrive in this role, driving innovation and excellence in LAPORTE's electrical engineering team.
π Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
- Portfolio Essentials: Showcase your electrical design projects, highlighting your proficiency in AutoCAD, understanding of UL508A standards, and ability to create detailed, accurate electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
- Technical Documentation: Demonstrate your ability to generate bills of materials (BOMs), conduct engineering calculations, and estimate control panel pricing
- Case Studies: Present case studies illustrating your experience in collaborating with diverse teams to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions in a remote environment
π Enhancement Note: Your portfolio should emphasize your attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to balance technical excellence with efficient, creative design approaches.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 per year (USD), dependent upon relevant experience
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and compensatory PTO
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Professional growth opportunities in a supportive work environment
- Flexible working environment that values work-life balance and encourages efficiency and creativity
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with minimal travel required (0-5%)
π Enhancement Note: LAPORTE offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, reflecting the company's commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in the electrical engineering industry.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Process engineering and process automation, specializing in food and beverage manufacturing
Company Size: 25 offices across North America and Europe, with over 500 employees
Founded: 1999
Team Structure:
- Collaborative, remote electrical engineering team, working closely with engineers, panel shops, and project managers
- Flat organizational structure, with a focus on open communication and cross-functional collaboration
Development Methodology:
- Agile project management, with a focus on delivering high-quality, compliant solutions efficiently and creatively
- Regular design reviews and technical support to ensure accuracy and constructability
Company Website: LAPORTE
π Enhancement Note: LAPORTE's company culture emphasizes professional growth, work-life balance, and a flexible working environment that values efficiency and creativity, making it an attractive choice for experienced electrical engineers seeking to advance their careers in a specialized, industry-specific context.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Electrical Control Panel Designer Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with a focus on designing and developing comprehensive control panel and motor control panel designs using AutoCAD, collaborating with diverse teams to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Electrical Engineering Manager, working closely with engineers, panel shops, and project managers to ensure high-quality, compliant solutions
Technical Impact: Designs and develops electrical control panels and documentation that power automation systems in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, contributing to LAPORTE's mission of providing process engineering and process automation solutions for clients across North America and Europe
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical leadership and mentoring opportunities, driving innovation and excellence in LAPORTE's electrical engineering team
- Career progression to Senior Electrical Control Panel Designer or Electrical Engineering Manager roles, with increased responsibility and leadership opportunities
π Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement, with a focus on driving innovation and excellence in LAPORTE's electrical engineering team.
π Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with minimal travel required (0-5%)
Office Location(s): Rochester, New York, United States
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative, remote work environment, with a focus on open communication and cross-functional collaboration
- Access to AutoCAD and other relevant software tools for electrical design and documentation
- Supportive work environment that emphasizes professional growth and work-life balance
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with minimal travel required (0-5%)
π Enhancement Note: LAPORTE's hybrid work environment offers a unique balance between remote collaboration and on-site interaction, fostering a supportive, innovative, and efficient work culture for experienced electrical engineers.
π Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Resume Review: Thorough evaluation of your resume, focusing on your electrical design experience, proficiency in AutoCAD, and understanding of UL508A standards
- Phone/Video Screen: Brief conversation to assess your communication skills, attention to detail, and cultural fit
- Technical Interview: In-depth discussion of your electrical design experience, engineering calculations, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on your ability to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions in a remote environment
- Final Interview: Meeting with the Electrical Engineering Manager to discuss your career goals, growth opportunities, and fit within LAPORTE's electrical engineering team
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight your proficiency in AutoCAD, understanding of UL508A standards, and ability to create detailed, accurate electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
- Showcase your experience in collaborating with diverse teams to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions in a remote environment
- Demonstrate your attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to balance technical excellence with efficient, creative design approaches
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on your electrical theory, power distribution, industrial automation, and control systems knowledge
- Familiarize yourself with NEC, NFPA 70, NFPA 79, and UL508A standards
- Prepare for engineering calculations, including power requirements, voltage drop, circuit sizing, SCCR, heating, and cooling calculations
ATS Keywords: Electrical Design, AutoCAD, UL508A Compliance, Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Power Distribution, Industrial Automation, Control Systems, NEC Familiarity, Microsoft Office, Attention to Detail, Communication Skills, Organization Skills, Collaboration Skills
π Enhancement Note: LAPORTE's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, attention to detail, and cultural fit, providing a comprehensive evaluation of your qualifications for the Electrical Control Panel Designer role.
π Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Design Software:
- AutoCAD (not AutoCAD Electrical)
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Standards and Regulations:
- NEC, NFPA 70, NFPA 79, and UL508A
Industry-Specific Knowledge:
- Food and beverage manufacturing processes
- Control panel design and assembly
- Electrical safety standards and best practices
π Enhancement Note: Familiarity with these design software tools, standards, and industry-specific knowledge is essential for success in the Electrical Control Panel Designer role at LAPORTE.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Electrical Engineering Values:
- Technical excellence and innovation
- Collaboration and open communication
- Attention to detail and quality assurance
- Continuous learning and professional growth
- Work-life balance and flexibility
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional integration between electrical engineers, engineers, panel shops, and project managers
- Regular design reviews and technical support to ensure accuracy and constructability
- A supportive, inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages creativity and innovation
π Enhancement Note: LAPORTE's electrical engineering team values technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning, fostering a supportive, innovative, and efficient work culture for experienced electrical engineers.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Designing and developing comprehensive control panel and motor control panel designs using AutoCAD, ensuring compliance with UL508A standards and customer requirements
- Collaborating with diverse teams to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions in a remote environment, with minimal travel required (0-5%)
- Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in electrical design and automation
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical leadership and mentoring opportunities, driving innovation and excellence in LAPORTE's electrical engineering team
- Career progression to Senior Electrical Control Panel Designer or Electrical Engineering Manager roles, with increased responsibility and leadership opportunities
- Continuous learning and professional development opportunities, with a focus on driving innovation and excellence in LAPORTE's electrical engineering team
π Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement, with a focus on driving innovation and excellence in LAPORTE's electrical engineering team.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Electrical Design: Describe your experience with electrical design software, focusing on AutoCAD, and explain how you ensure compliance with UL508A standards and customer requirements
- Engineering Calculations: Walk through your process for conducting power requirements, voltage drop, circuit sizing, SCCR, heating, and cooling calculations, and selecting appropriate components for AC/DC circuits, motor circuits, VFDs, PLCs, and industrial networks
- Collaboration: Discuss your experience working with diverse teams in a remote environment, and explain how you ensure high-quality, compliant solutions are delivered efficiently and creatively
Company & Culture Questions:
- Company Culture: Describe what attracts you to LAPORTE's company culture, and how you believe you can contribute to the team's success
- Growth Opportunities: Explain how you see yourself growing professionally within LAPORTE's electrical engineering team, and what specific goals you have for your career development
- Industry Trends: Discuss your understanding of industry trends in electrical design and automation, and how you stay up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Highlight your proficiency in AutoCAD, understanding of UL508A standards, and ability to create detailed, accurate electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
- Showcase your experience in collaborating with diverse teams to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions in a remote environment
- Demonstrate your attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to balance technical excellence with efficient, creative design approaches
π Enhancement Note: LAPORTE's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, attention to detail, cultural fit, and career goals, providing a comprehensive evaluation of your qualifications for the Electrical Control Panel Designer role.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Electrical Control Panel Designer position:
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your electrical design experience, proficiency in AutoCAD, and understanding of UL508A standards, emphasizing your attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate with diverse teams in a remote environment
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your electrical design projects, highlighting your proficiency in AutoCAD, understanding of UL508A standards, and ability to create detailed, accurate electrical schematics and wiring diagrams, with a focus on your experience in collaborating with diverse teams to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions in a remote environment
- Research LAPORTE: Familiarize yourself with LAPORTE's company culture, values, and growth opportunities, and prepare thoughtful responses to company and culture questions during the interview process
- Practice Technical Questions: Brush up on your electrical theory, power distribution, industrial automation, and control systems knowledge, and prepare for engineering calculations, including power requirements, voltage drop, circuit sizing, SCCR, heating, and cooling calculations, with a focus on your ability to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions in a remote environment
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with LAPORTE L.C.C. before making application decisions.
Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)
Electrical Engineering-Specific Focus:
- Tailor every section specifically to electrical engineering roles, with a focus on electrical design, power distribution, industrial automation, and control systems
- Include electrical design software tools, standards, and industry-specific knowledge relevant to the role
- Address electrical safety standards, engineering calculations, and compliance with relevant regulations (NEC, NFPA, UL)
- Emphasize attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams in a remote environment
Quality Standards:
- Ensure no content overlap between sections - each section must contain unique information
- Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about electrical design processes, engineering calculations, or team structure
- Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text
- Strategically distribute electrical engineering and industry-specific keywords throughout all sections naturally
- Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and electrical engineering specialization
Industry Expertise:
- Include specific electrical design software tools, standards, and industry-specific knowledge relevant to the role
- Address electrical safety standards, engineering calculations, and compliance with relevant regulations (NEC, NFPA, UL)
- Provide tactical advice for electrical design portfolio development, live demonstrations, and project case studies
- Include electrical engineering interview preparation and coding challenge guidance
- Emphasize attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams in a remote environment
Professional Standards:
- Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout
- Use electrical engineering and industry terminology appropriately and accurately
- Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to electrical engineering professionals
- Provide actionable insights that give electrical engineering candidates a competitive advantage
- Focus on electrical engineering team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and user impact measurement
Electrical Design & Engineering Emphasis:
- Emphasize electrical design software tools, standards, and industry-specific knowledge relevant to the role
- Address electrical safety standards, engineering calculations, and compliance with relevant regulations (NEC, NFPA, UL)
- Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to the electrical engineering discipline and role level
- Address browser compatibility, accessibility standards, and user experience design principles relevant to electrical engineering projects
- Focus on problem-solving methods, performance optimization, and scalable electrical architecture
- Include technical presentation skills and stakeholder communication for electrical engineering projects
Avoid:
- Generic business jargon not relevant to electrical engineering roles
- Placeholder text or incomplete sections
- Repetitive content across different sections
- Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific electrical engineering role
- Marketing language unrelated to electrical engineering, electrical design, or user experience
Generate comprehensive, electrical engineering-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for electrical engineering professionals evaluating career opportunities and preparing for technical interviews in the electrical engineering industry.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have an Associateβs degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent experience, with a minimum of 5 years in electrical design focused on UL508A-compliant control panels. Proficiency in AutoCAD and a strong understanding of electrical theory and industrial automation are essential.