Electrical Control Panel Designer at LAPORTE L.C.C.

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Electrical Control Panel Designer
Company: LAPORTE L.C.C.
Location: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States
Job Type: Hybrid
Category: Electrical Engineering
Date Posted: August 1, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimal travel anticipated)

🚀 Role Summary

Design and develop control panel and motor control panel designs using AutoCAD for food and beverage manufacturing automation systems
Collaborate with engineers, panel shops, and project managers to deliver high-quality, UL508A-compliant solutions
Contribute to LAPORTE's mission of providing professional growth and a supportive work environment that values work-life balance

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of electrical theory, power distribution, and industrial automation, with a focus on UL508A-compliant control panels. Candidates should be comfortable working in a remote, collaborative environment and have excellent attention to detail.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Develop comprehensive control panel and motor control panel designs using AutoCAD (not AutoCAD Electrical)
Create detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and layout drawings in accordance with UL508A standards
Generate accurate bills of materials (BOMs) for control panel components
Interpret project specifications, I/O lists, electrical codes, and customer requirements to design suitable panels
Perform engineering calculations for power requirements, voltage drop, and circuit sizing
Select appropriate components for AC/DC circuits, motor circuits, VFDs, PLCs, and industrial networks
Design panels for hazardous (Class I Div 2) locations in compliance with industry standards
Conduct SCCR, heating, and cooling calculations and select related components accordingly
Develop field wiring diagrams, including conduit sizes, wire sizes, and cable schedules
Provide technical support to the control panel shop during assembly and wiring to ensure design accuracy
Review designs for compliance, accuracy, and constructability
Estimate control panel pricing based on design scope and component selection
Adhere to electrical safety standards (NEC, NFPA, UL)
Minimal travel (0-5%) is anticipated for this position

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a high level of detail and accuracy in electrical design, as well as strong communication and collaboration skills in a remote environment. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and as part of a team to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field. Industry experience is acceptable in lieu of post-secondary education.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical design with a focus on UL508A-compliant control panels

Required Skills:

Strong understanding of electrical theory, power distribution, industrial automation, and control systems
Experience in food & beverage, CPG, oil & gas, or heavy industry environments is an asset
Proficiency with AutoCAD
Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70, NFPA 79, and UL508A
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Excellent attention to detail, with a high level of design accuracy
Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills in a remote environment

Preferred Skills:

Experience with electrical design software other than AutoCAD
Knowledge of PLC programming languages (e.g., ladder logic, function block diagram)
Familiarity with electrical CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN)

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, candidates with experience in electrical design software other than AutoCAD, knowledge of PLC programming languages, and familiarity with electrical CAD software may have an advantage in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrations of control panel designs and electrical schematics using AutoCAD
Examples of bills of materials (BOMs) and field wiring diagrams
Case studies showcasing successful control panel projects, highlighting design challenges and solutions
Evidence of compliance with relevant electrical safety standards (NEC, NFPA, UL)

Technical Documentation:

Documentation of engineering calculations for power requirements, voltage drop, and circuit sizing
Records of SCCR, heating, and cooling calculations
Examples of design reviews and quality assurance processes
Evidence of collaboration with engineers, panel shops, and project managers

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to create accurate, detailed, and compliant electrical designs, as well as their capacity to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 per year (Based on the provided salary range and regional market data for electrical control panel designers in the United States)

Benefits:

Competitive salary
Compensatory PTO
Comprehensive benefits package
Professional growth opportunities
Flexible working environment that values work-life balance

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with minimal travel anticipated (0-5%)

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is based on regional market data for electrical control panel designers with 5-10 years of experience in the United States. Benefits and working hours are based on the information provided in the job listing.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consulting engineering, specializing in process engineering and process automation

Company Size: 25 offices across North America and Europe, with over 500 employees

Founded: 1997

Team Structure:

Collaborative, remote working environment
Close collaboration with engineers, panel shops, and project managers
Supportive work environment that emphasizes professional growth

Development Methodology:

Project-based work with a focus on delivering high-quality, compliant solutions
Collaboration and communication are key to success in this role

Company Website: laporteconsultants.com

📝 Enhancement Note: LAPORTE is a well-established consulting engineering firm with a strong focus on process engineering and process automation. The company values collaboration, communication, and professional growth, making it an attractive option for electrical control panel designers seeking to advance their careers in a supportive environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Electrical Control Panel Designer Career Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years of experience) with a focus on electrical design and compliance with relevant industry standards

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the engineering team and works closely with panel shops and project managers to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions

Technical Impact: Electrical control panel designers in this role have a significant impact on the functionality and safety of automation systems in the food and beverage manufacturing sector. Their work ensures that control panels meet relevant electrical safety standards and perform as intended in their respective environments

Growth Opportunities:

Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company
Exposure to a variety of projects and industries, allowing for the development of a diverse skill set
The chance to work with experienced engineers and learn from their expertise

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company. Candidates with a strong work ethic, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant solutions will thrive in this environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with minimal travel anticipated (0-5%)

Office Location(s): King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States

Workspace Context:

Collaborative, remote working environment
Close collaboration with engineers, panel shops, and project managers
Supportive work environment that emphasizes professional growth

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with minimal travel anticipated (0-5%)

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment allows for flexibility and a better work-life balance, while still fostering collaboration and communication among team members.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Initial phone or video screen to assess communication skills and basic qualifications
Technical interview focused on electrical design, AutoCAD proficiency, and understanding of relevant industry standards
On-site or virtual tour of LAPORTE's facilities to assess cultural fit and understanding of the company's mission and values
Final interview with the hiring manager to discuss career goals, expectations, and fit within the team

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight control panel designs and electrical schematics that demonstrate a strong understanding of electrical theory, power distribution, and industrial automation
Showcase case studies that illustrate successful control panel projects, highlighting design challenges and solutions
Emphasize compliance with relevant electrical safety standards (NEC, NFPA, UL) and attention to detail in electrical design

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on electrical theory, power distribution, and industrial automation concepts
Familiarize yourself with AutoCAD and relevant industry standards (NEC, NFPA, UL)
Prepare examples of engineering calculations for power requirements, voltage drop, and circuit sizing
Practice explaining design decisions and trade-offs in a clear and concise manner

ATS Keywords: Electrical Design, AutoCAD, UL508A Compliance, Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Power Distribution, Industrial Automation, Control Systems, Engineering Calculations, Component Selection, Technical Support, Attention to Detail, Communication Skills, Organization Skills, Collaboration Skills

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency in electrical design, AutoCAD, and relevant industry standards, as well as their ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Design Software:

AutoCAD (not AutoCAD Electrical)

Electrical Standards:

NEC (National Electrical Code)
NFPA 70, NFPA 79
UL508A

Electrical CAD Software (Preferred):

AutoCAD Electrical
EPLAN

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with electrical CAD software such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN may be beneficial in this role. Candidates with experience in these tools may have an advantage in the application process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Electrical Control Panel Designer Values:

Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant solutions
Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills in a remote environment
A commitment to professional growth and continuous learning

Collaboration Style:

Close collaboration with engineers, panel shops, and project managers to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions
A supportive work environment that emphasizes professional growth and work-life balance

📝 Enhancement Note: LAPORTE values collaboration, communication, and professional growth, making it an attractive option for electrical control panel designers seeking to advance their careers in a supportive environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Designing control panels that meet relevant electrical safety standards and perform as intended in their respective environments
Working effectively in a remote, collaborative environment
Keeping up with emerging technologies and industry trends in electrical design and automation

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company
Exposure to a variety of projects and industries, allowing for the development of a diverse skill set
The chance to work with experienced engineers and learn from their expertise

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company. Candidates with a strong work ethic, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant solutions will thrive in this environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Can you walk me through your process for designing a control panel, from initial requirements to final delivery?
How do you ensure that your designs meet relevant electrical safety standards (NEC, NFPA, UL)?
Can you describe a challenging control panel project you've worked on and how you overcame any obstacles?
How do you approach collaboration with engineers, panel shops, and project managers to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions?

Company & Culture Questions:

What attracts you to the Electrical Control Panel Designer role at LAPORTE?
How do you see yourself contributing to LAPORTE's mission and values?
How do you approach work-life balance in a hybrid work environment?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight control panel designs and electrical schematics that demonstrate a strong understanding of electrical theory, power distribution, and industrial automation
Showcase case studies that illustrate successful control panel projects, highlighting design challenges and solutions
Emphasize compliance with relevant electrical safety standards (NEC, NFPA, UL) and attention to detail in electrical design
Be prepared to discuss your design decisions and trade-offs in a clear and concise manner

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency in electrical design, AutoCAD, and relevant industry standards, as well as their ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Electrical Control Panel Designer position:

Submit your application through the application link provided
Customize your portfolio with live demos and responsive examples of your control panel designs and electrical schematics using AutoCAD
Optimize your resume for electrical design roles with a focus on project highlighting and technical skills emphasis
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on electrical theory, power distribution, and industrial automation concepts, and practicing your design explanations
Research LAPORTE's company culture, mission, and values to demonstrate your fit within the team

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

Electrical Control Panel Designer