Description
Summary:
The Electrical Design Engineer plays a crucial role in supporting our purpose of creating lasting value to those we serve by serving as a technical expert in electrical and control systems, with proficiency in software platforms such as E-Plan to develop electrical layouts, configure motor control centers (MCCs), and support packaged drive solutions. This role partners closely with sales to evaluate customer requirements and motor lists, determine the appropriate equipment and configurations, develop accurate solutions using internal design tools, and support pricing through supplier engagement and margin guidance.
This position focuses on front-end solution development, including making recommendations on new or existing electrical systems, equipment selection, and cost development to ensure electrical design proposals align with customer needs, application requirements, and company standards. The role also serves as an internal subject matter expert, supporting standardization, product optimization, and continuous improvement across packaged power offerings. This individual displays behaviors that support our culture, our 5 P's, and our purpose to create lasting value to those we serve.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:
Evaluate customer requirements, electrical drawings, motor lists, and specifications to determine appropriate equipment, configurations, and design approaches
Develop accurate bills of material (BOMs) and equipment layouts for MCCs, packaged drive solutions, control panels, and mechatronic systems using internal design tools
Support solution-selling efforts by helping identify, position, and communicate value-added offerings such as control panel design, kitting, and assembly solutions that align with customer needs and project requirements
Assess customer requests to identify gaps, risks, or non-standard requirements and translate them into practical, buildable solutions
Partner with sales to develop competitive proposals that balance technical requirements, cost, and gross profit objectives
Coordinate with suppliers to obtain accurate and competitive pricing, lead times, and technical clarifications
Provide guidance on margin (GP%) and cost optimization opportunities during solution development
Identify and communicate non-standard options, potential lead time impacts, and technical risks early in the quoting process
Ensure all designs align with applicable industry certification standards, safety requirements, and customer-specific specifications, including short-circuit rating
Develop and maintain a strong understanding of packaged power solutions, including MCCs, VFDs, power distribution, and industrial controls
Support the development and maintenance of customer standards and internal design standards
Contribute to continuous improvement efforts related to quoting accuracy, design consistency, and overall team efficiency
Provide clear and complete design handoff information to implementation and delivery teams
Support technical clarification efforts during project execution, as needed, without ownership of implementation activities
Participate in internal training, knowledge sharing, and standardization initiatives across the team
Requirements
Critical Success Factors:
Excellent internal and external customer service
Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task
Ability to identify, analyze & solve issues effectively
Self-motivated
Strong team orientation
Collaborative
Growth Mindset
Ability to analyze workload and establish priorities with time sensitive deadlines
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills related to electrical design software (i.e. EPLAN), system configuration, and technical issue resolution
Positive attitude
Excellent interpersonal skills
Strong communication skills, including written and oral communication
Drive for continuous improvement
Strong attention to detail
Dependable
Job Requirements/Specifications:
Minimum two-year degree or equivalent experience required
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills via phone, email and in person required
Proficiency in Microsoft suite, including Teams, required
Experience with software platforms such as EPLAN preferred
Industrial automation or manufacturing experience preferred, with knowledge of control circuitry and electrical principles
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
- Consistently work indoors and in the office
- Frequently sitting, working with hands, working with fingers, talking, hearing, and works with others
- Some standing, walking, works alone, and customer contact
- Occasionally lifting, carrying, rushing, bending at the waist, twisting upper body, kneeling, crouching, reaching, driving, on-standard shift work, extended day, and travel
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities, duties or responsibilities. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities
Several factors are considered in making compensation decisions at Van Meter; including but not limited to education, skill sets, work experience and training, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation may be below the lower end of the range when the minimum requirements of the role are not met and the higher end is reserved for candidates with extensive experience and qualifications that exceed the requirements of the role.