Entry Level Controls Engineer Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

Description

ENTEK is seeking a skilled UL 508A Panel Builder to join a dynamic and growing manufacturing company. The ideal candidate will assemble, wire, and test industrial control panels in strict accordance with UL 508A standards, electrical schematics, and company quality procedures. This hands-on role requires strong attention to detail, electrical knowledge, and experience building compliant control panels for industrial machinery and automation systems

• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, point-to-point drawings, layouts, and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Layout and mount electrical components (such as PLCs, contactors, relays, motor drives, circuit breakers, terminal blocks, transformers, sensors, and power supplies) onto back panels and enclosures.
• Perform precise point-to-point wiring, cable routing, bundling, labeling, and termination following UL 508A and NFPA 79 guidelines.
• Ensure proper wire sizing, color coding, grounding, spacing, and component selection per UL 508A requirements.
• Fabricate and modify enclosures (drilling, punching, tapping, bending) as needed while maintaining UL compliance.
• Conduct thorough testing, including continuity checks and point-to-point verification of panels.
• Calculate or verify short-circuit current ratings (SCCR) and apply proper labeling, nameplates, and UL 508A certification marks.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while adhering to all safety protocols and quality standards.
• Collaborate with engineers, quality inspectors, and other team members to resolve build issues or design clarifications.
• Prepare completed panels for inspection, packaging, and shipment.

Advanced Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and on-the-job training to entry-level panel builders and assemblers.
• Lead complex panel builds, including multi-section enclosures, high-power systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo controls, and integrated PLC/HMI systems.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics on control circuits, motor controls, and field wiring interfaces during build, testing, or post-installation support.
• Oversee compliance with UL 508A, NFPA 79, NEC/NFPA 70, and other applicable codes; review component selections, SCCR calculations, and grounding/bonding for final approval.
• Interpret and resolve discrepancies in schematics, engineering changes, or redlines; recommend improvements for manufacturability, safety, or efficiency.
• Support field installation, startup, commissioning, or modifications of panels at customer sites when required (including conduit bending, termination, and system integration).
• Inspect and quality-assure work performed by team members to ensure consistent adherence to UL 508A standards and company workmanship guidelines.
• Assist in maintaining UL shop certification processes, including documentation, audit preparation, and interaction with UL representatives or inspectors.
• Delegate tasks, monitor production workflow, and help meet deadlines while upholding high standards of electrical safety and code compliance

The position accomplishes these responsibilities through a respectful, constructive, and energetic style, guided by ENTEK's Core Values, strategic objectives, and Servant Leadership. This position will represent ENTEK with the highest standard of professional conduct when interacting with partners, suppliers, and customers.

This position does not have Supervisory Duties.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational training in electrical technology or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience building or wiring industrial control panels, with demonstrated experience in UL 508A-compliant shops strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of UL 508A standards, NEC/NFPA 70, NFPA 79, and industrial electrical practices.
• Proficiency in reading andinterpreting complex electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings.
• Experience with common industrial components (PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, relays, contactors, etc.).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity for precise assembly work.

• Prior work in a UL-certified panel shop or as a qualified Manufacturer's Technical Representative (MTR).
• Experience with engraving/labeling systems or basic panel design software.
• Knowledge of industrial automation systems and field wiring practices.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision while meeting production

About ENTEK

ENTEK's DNA is based on a set of core values, which drive everything we do: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, and Commitment. Stop by our website at www.entek.com to learn more about our company and the opportunities that await you.

ENTEK is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

ENTEK's locations are non-smoking. Please inquire if you have questions.