Control Systems Electrician (UL 508A Panel Builder)

A day in the life

You start your shift with a set of engineering drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams. By mid‑morning, you’ve transformed raw enclosures into UL 508A‑compliant control panels—routing cables, landing terminations, and torque‑verifying connections. After lunch, you’re validating continuity and insulation resistance, redlining a print to flag a design tweak, and collaborating with engineering. Before the day wraps, you might jump on a commissioning call or head to a customer site to bring a new machine online.

What you’ll build and do

• Construct industrial control panels end‑to‑end using engineering drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Execute point‑to‑point wiring, cable routing, labeling, and clean terminations of components.
• Mount and integrate electrical devices: PLCs, VFDs, relays, breakers, power supplies, terminal blocks.
• Assemble mechanical elements: enclosures, brackets, actuators, motors, gearboxes, and machine subassemblies.
• Install and align mechanical hardware, pneumatic components, and cable management systems.
• Integrate electrical and mechanical assemblies into complete machines and larger systems.
• Use hand tools, power tools, torque tools, and precision measurement instruments to verify fit and function.
• Ensure builds meet UL 508A, NEC, company standards, and adhere to OSHA and internal safety practices.
• Perform continuity checks, insulation resistance testing, and functional tests on finished panels.
• Verify component selection, wiring accuracy, and compliance with design specifications and BOMs.
• Troubleshoot wiring issues, component failures, and design discrepancies; propose solutions.
• Guide, train, and oversee junior assemblers and technicians to elevate team capability.
• Collaborate with engineering to resolve design issues and recommend improvements; redline drawings when needed.
• Review drawings and bills of materials for accuracy and manufacturability.
• Maintain accurate build logs, test results, and quality documentation; complete regulatory paperwork as required.
• Drive continuous improvement in panel layout, wiring practices, and production efficiency.
• Keep the workspace clean, organized, and safe at all times.
• Assist with inventory control, component selection, and material planning.
• Support field service and installation teams as needed; travel to troubleshoot and repair equipment in the field.
• Commission new machines and ensure smooth hand‑off to customers; interact courteously with customers and coworkers.
• Perform additional tasks or special assignments as designated by your supervisor.

What you bring

• Proficiency with 120/208/240/480 V systems.
• Hands‑on experience with industrial control cabinets and cabinet wiring best practices.

Tools, platforms, and technologies

• Motor Control Centers (MCCs): Allen Bradley, ABB, Schneider Electric
• Industrial Controls: Allen Bradley, ABB, Omron, Schneider Electric
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC): Allen Bradley, Omron, Modicon