Electrical Engineer Manager

Role overview

Hawkins, Inc. and WaterSurplus are established leaders in the chemical industry, with a history spanning more than eight decades. We are seeking a proactive Electrical Engineering Manager to lead our electrical engineering activities across products, rental fleets, surplus assets, and investment recovery. This position supports our Water Treatment business segment and aligns with a route sales and delivery model that serves customers in over 27 states, delivering exceptional service. Our customer base includes water and wastewater treatment facilities, municipal and commercial swimming pools, industrial process and wastewater operations, and industries such as oil and gas and agriculture. Learn more at www.hawkinsinc.com (NASDAQ: HWKN).

Location

Loves Park, IL 61111

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of electrical designers and engineers, including hiring, assigning, training, evaluating, and developing staff to grow technical proficiency within the design group.
• Plan and oversee projects, creating detailed schedules and ensuring cross-functional integration of technical activities.
• Complete electrical engineering design work, PLC programming, and hardware selection for products and modifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional and production teams to review specifications and procedures that meet customer requirements.
• Consult on and review customer specifications to ensure alignment with company capabilities and standards.
• Direct, review, and approve electrical designs and programming for products and changes.
• Supervise electrical design, instrumentation, and programming procedures, and ensure shop quality assurance processes are followed.
• Maintain electronic files and drawings, and assist field service with control system troubleshooting.
• Develop budgets, schedules, cost estimates, bids, and contracts for both new and existing customers.
• Review financial statements, sales data, and performance metrics to assess productivity and identify opportunities for cost or process improvements.
• Contribute to strategic planning and recommend investments in facilities, workforce, and capital assets.
• Negotiate and secure customer approval for product designs or changes.
• Prepare and present proposals, reports, and findings to customers.
• Perform administrative duties including report preparation, expenditure approvals, policy enforcement, and procurement decisions.
• Prepare budgets, bids, and contracts and lead negotiations for research or project agreements.
• Analyze technology trends, resource needs, and market demand to evaluate project feasibility and alignment with company goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Chemical Engineering.
• 7 to 10 years of experience in the water and wastewater treatment industry is preferred; minimum 2 to 3 years of managing and supervising personnel.
• Comprehensive technical knowledge of company products, systems, and services.
• Team-oriented with a proven ability to collaborate to achieve objectives and organizational goals.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build effective internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to business strategy and provide recommendations within the role’s scope.
• Solid grounding in engineering science and technology applicable to design and production, with proficiency in mathematics and physical principles related to fluid, material, and electrical systems.
• Experience with power tools and measuring instruments, including meters and related equipment.
• Proficiency with programming Rockwell Automation software (RSLogix 500/5000, FactoryTalk View Studio ME, RSLinx); Siemens software knowledge is a plus.
• 2D CAD proficiency with AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD Electrical, PCSchematic or similar electrical drafting tools.
• Strong capabilities in creating detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Extensive knowledge of electronic systems, circuitry, processors, and related software and hardware, with an emphasis on programming.
• Understanding of business and management principles including strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, production methods, and personnel coordination.
• Experience in assessing customer needs, maintaining service quality standards, and evaluating satisfaction to ensure high-quality service.
• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, cost management, and efficient manufacturing and distribution techniques.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computer systems; experience with ERP systems (examples include WinMan, Oracle, SAP, etc.).
• Experience with PLC programming software such as Allen Bradley, Siemens, Red Lion, and Maple Systems; HMI development for PanelView, I3, and Siemens platforms.
• CAD experience with Autodesk AutoCAD, HP Solid Designer, Pro-E, and SolidWorks.
• Familiarity with scheduling and planning tools such as Autodesk Buzzsaw, Microsoft Project, Primavera, or The Gordian Group PROGEN Online is preferred.

Physical requirements

• Must operate standard office equipment, including fax machines and printers, and use a personal computer.
• May stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift frequently, typically 4 to 6 hours per day.
• May be required to move equipment or parts weighing more than 50 pounds with the assistance of lifting devices.
• Close vision is required for this role.

Travel

The position requires approximately 15 to 25 percent travel on a monthly basis.

Benefits

Hawkins and WaterSurplus provide eligible employees and their dependents with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and LTD/STD coverage.

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
• Paid time off and paid holidays

For more information about Hawkins benefits, visit: https://www.hawkinsinc.com/careers/benefits/

Application and workforce policy

All applications must be submitted online. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Hawkins is a Drug Free workplace.