The Senior Electrical Engineer will design, direct, and coordinate instrumentation and controls electrical engineering across Hawkins WaterSurplus products, including new equipment, rental fleet, surplus assets, and investment recovery. This onsite role in Loves Park, IL collaborates with customers and internal teams to meet project specifications, develop plans, and support installation and startup.
Responsibilities
- Review and shape customer specifications to ensure alignment with Hawkins capabilities and project requirements.
- Develop electrical engineering designs and manage PLC programming, hardware selection, HMI development, wiring, and cabinet design.
- Engineer projects by selecting appropriate electrical hardware and software, crafting detailed execution plans, and supporting integration.
- Negotiate design changes with customers and present proposals, progress reports, and findings.
- Coordinate with functional areas and production staff to satisfy customer requirements and project specifications.
- Prepare sales estimates for new, rental, service, and surplus contracts; handle inquiries regarding electrical controls and instrumentation.
- Assist the Electrical Engineering Manager with training, workload planning, and assignments for junior design staff.
- Perform administrative duties including report review and drafting, purchase requisitions, and approving material or service purchases.
- Produce CAD drawings for wiring and cabinet layouts or provide sketches/details for CAD staff as needed.
- Support rental startup services, including installation, follow-up service calls, customer training, and system startup to meet contract requirements for electrical design and programming.
- Prepare budgets, cost estimates, bids, and contracts related to controls and electrical/instrumentation for new and existing customers.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High school diploma required; a B.S. in Electrical Engineering is preferred.
- Minimum of two years of training or experience in automation systems, mechatronics, or electrical technology is preferred.
- Experience in a process industry is desired, with a preference for water and wastewater sectors.
- Strong technical knowledge of Hawkins products and services.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for developing and maintaining internal and external customer relationships.
- Ability to contribute to business strategy and make recommendations within the scope of the role.
- Practical applications of engineering principles for designing and delivering goods and services.
- Solid foundation in mathematics and physical principles relevant to fluid, material, atmospheric, mechanical, and electrical processes.
- Proficiency with tools and equipment such as power tools, meters, hand tools, computers, current sources, and power supplies.
- Knowledge of design techniques and processes for creating precise plans, drawings, and models.
- Understanding of circuit boards, processors, electronic hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Awareness of business and management concepts including strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, and production methods.
- Familiarity with customer service principles, needs assessment, quality standards, and satisfaction evaluation.
- Knowledge of production processes, quality control, cost management, and efficient manufacturing/distribution.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, controls programming software, and general PC troubleshooting.
- Experience with Winman ERP.
- Experience with PLC programming (Allen Bradley Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View Studio ME/SE, PlantPAx DCS), along with Siemens, Red Lion, Maple Systems; familiarity with Fieldbus protocols (Ethernet/IP, IO-Link, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, HART, AS-i).
- Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, Pro-E, and SolidWorks.
- Experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro for document management.
- Project management experience with Microsoft Project or Primavera.
Technologies
- Winman ERP
- Allen Bradley Studio 5000
- FactoryTalk View Studio ME/SE
- PlantPAx DCS
- Siemens, Red Lion, Maple Systems
- Ethernet/IP, IO-Link, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, HART, AS-i
- AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, Pro-E, SolidWorks
- Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Microsoft Project, Primavera
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life insurance
- LTD/STD
- 401(k) match
- Employee Stock Purchase program ESPP
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
About the job
The Senior Electrical Engineer is responsible for designing, directing, and coordinating instrumentation and controls electrical engineering across all Hawkins WaterSurplus offerings, including new equipment, rental fleet, surplus assets, and investment recovery.
Physical requirements
Physical duties include frequent talking and hearing, regular walking, use of hands for manipulation, and reaching with arms. Visual capabilities required include near and far vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The role may involve lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.
Travel
Approximately 30 to 35 percent monthly travel is expected, with potential international trips lasting three or more days each month.
Compensation
Salary range is $100,000 to $130,000 per year, DOE, plus eligibility for a 10 percent bonus.
