Electrical Engineer R&D Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

The Electrical/Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and sustainment of electrical and control systems for custom manufacturing equipment and optical metrology systems used in infrared lens manufacturing and R&D. This role focuses on control system architecture spanning motion control, temperature control, sensors, safety systems, and system-level integration. The position supports both internally developed tools and externally supplied systems, ensuring they are understood, documented, integrated, and maintainable within LightPath’s environment. 

This is an onsite role that works closely with mechanical, optical, software, and manufacturing engineers to deliver robust, reliable, and extensible automation solutions for precision fabrication and measurement systems.

• Design electrical and controls architectures for custom manufacturing and metrology equipment, including motion control, temperature control, interlocks, and safety systems. 

• Develop control systems for multi-axis motion platforms using servo drives, encoders, and linear or rotary motors. 

• Design and implement temperature control systems for heaters, ovens, thermal plates, and environmental control subsystems, including sensor selection, control loops, and safety limits. 

• Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and bills of material for custom equipment. 

• Select and integrate PLCs, motion controllers, power supplies, sensors, and fieldbus networks (e.g., EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, CAN). 

• Program and debug control software using PLC environments, motion controller platforms, and/or industrial PCs, as appropriate. 

• Integrate sensor output into SQL database repository 

• Support integration and technical oversight of third-party automation and camera calibration systems, including review of electrical designs, control architectures, and software interfaces. 

• Troubleshoot electrical, motion, and control system issues during development, commissioning, and production use. 

• Participate in system bring-up, commissioning, FAT/SAT, and validation activities. 

• Document control system architectures, operating modes, and maintenance procedures. 

• Collaborate with mechanical and systems engineers to ensure control system designs meet performance, precision, and reliability requirements. 

• Support continuous improvement of existing tools and systems deployed in production and R&D. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Experience/Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.

• 5+ years of experience designing and implementing industrial control systems for custom equipment or automation.

• Hands-on experience with motion controllerssuch asACS, Galil, or Omron Delta Tau

• Experienceinterfacing toSQL databases

• Experience designing temperature control systems using PID or advanced control techniques.

• Proficiencywith PLC-based or industrial control platforms and associated programming environments.

• Experience creating electrical documentation, including schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.

• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical hardware, control software, and system integration.

• Mustbe authorized towork andresidein the US and must be eligible for any required authorizations from the U.S. Government to conform with but not limited to U.S. export control regulations (ITAR).

Preferred

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineeringor related field.

• Experience with precision manufacturing equipment, metrology systems, or optical instrumentation.

• Familiarity with industrial safety standards, machine interlocks, and risk mitigation.

• Experience with vision systems or camera-based calibration and measurement platforms.

• Experience integrating control systems with higher-level software (Python, LabVIEW, C#, or similar).

• Background in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

• Familiarity with AS9100 or similar quality systems.

Knowledge, ability and skills:

• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical hardware, control software, and system integration.
• Proficiencywith PLC-based or industrial control platforms and associated programming environments.