Controls Engineer (Estimator Position)

Overview:

Shermco US is hiring a remote Systems Integration Sales Engineer. In this role, you will evaluate and estimate industrial electrical and automation projects, with a primary focus on general systems integration. A critical component of this position is the ability to take high-level or minimal customer information and conceptualize a complete control system architecture. You will specify the necessary PLC platforms, HMI hardware, and software required to deliver a comprehensive, turnkey solution—encompassing Engineering, Control Panels, Desktop HMI, Programming, Installation, and Commissioning.

Responsibilities:

• Consult with industrial clients to gather operational requirements, effectively interpreting minimal initial information to conceptualize and determine the appropriate control system architecture.
• Develop comprehensive estimates for complete turnkey integration solutions, including upfront Engineering, Control Panel fabrication, Desktop HMI setup, PLC Programming, Field Installation, and final Commissioning.
• Review proposal specifications and drawings to determine estimates for industrial electrical projects.
• Estimate new construction and retrofit upgrades.
• Proactively identify opportunities during the estimation process to modernize aging industrial infrastructure (such as migrating legacy Allen-Bradley PLC-5 platforms) to mitigate customer downtime and improve system reliability.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and/or tour job sites to confirm requisite take-offs.
• Prepare project takeoffs, submittals, and proposals.
• Request quotes from vendors for equipment and materials, particularly focusing on accurately sizing and sourcing PLC and HMI hardware/software.
• Responsible for the timely completion of all client-required documents.
• Draft scope inclusions, exclusions, and clarifications for estimates.
• Identify and meet customers’ needs, expectations, and requirements.
• Interact effectively and professionally with all levels of employees, vendors, clients, and others.
• Maintain files of working documents as back-up for estimate figures, including information on pricing from suppliers obtained through direct contact, sales brochures, price lists, software uploads, etc.
• Support other department personnel as required; may include assisting with estimates in other disciplines.
• Perform additional assignments per supervisor’s direction.

Qualifications:

• Strong functional understanding of various PLC platforms and how they operate within a broader industrial network.
• Proven ability to conceptualize and specify complete PLC/HMI hardware and software solutions from limited customer inputs.
• Background in automation and controls, including PLC’s, instrumentation, valves, mechanical control panels, electrical control panels is a plus.
• Demonstrated innate drive for continuous learning and professional growth; we highly value hungry, adaptable mindsets over resumes strictly matched to keywords.
• Familiar with NECA rates, structures and their shortcomings.
• Familiar with NEC/NFPA-70E
• Experience in the industrial electrical industry and or contruction estimating
• Journeyman Electrician license preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical systems, codes, and standards.
• Understands the material quoting process, RFQ’s, how to deal with vendors, etc.
• Understands how to address/escalate specification conflicts, drawing inaccuracies or other questions stemming from the drawing package.
• Familiar with estimating/installing all types of electrical raceway, including cable tray, EMT, rigid, IMC & plastibond, and all associated fittings and appurtenances.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical & automation construction drawings, wiring details, installation detail, P&ID’s, layout drawings, panel drawings, BOM’s, etc.
• Ability to read and interpret complex construction specifications as they apply to electrical, automation and control-related mechanical means and methods.
• Software experience in the following:
• Microsoft office suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc…)
• Microsoft Teams
• Autocad/Autocad LT
• Adobe Acrobat/Bluebeam
• Advanced/Expert level experience in Accubid, including setup of databases, projects, custom assemblies, labor rates, difficulty modifiers, LiveCount, etc.
• Must be able to speak, read and write English fluently.
• Must possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess the ability to communicate with customers, contractors, owners and specialty equipment suppliers to determine scopes of work and required materials/equipment.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and change priorities as necessary.
• Ability to be self-motivated, proactive, and an effective team player in a remote position.