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Applications & Panel Build Lead

About Grace

You’ll be joining Grace Technologies, a global leader in electrical safety and predictive maintenance. We pioneered Permanent Electrical Safety Devices (PESDs) and created GracePort®, the industry-standard panel interface connection that allows technicians to work more safely without opening energized electrical enclosures. Our solutions also include voltage indicators, test points, lockout/tagout, GraceSense™ predictive maintenance for real-time equipment condition monitoring, and Proxxi wearable safety technology—protecting people and equipment in more than 60 countries.

Grace has been named one of Iowa’s Top Workplaces by the Des Moines Register from 2018–2025, reflecting a culture where people are trusted, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Summary

The Hands-on Applications & Panel Build Lead is responsible for the assembly, wiring, and delivery of electrical control panels and application-specific systems used for customer applications, product validation, and commercial demonstrations.

This role ensures that all systems are built in accordance with engineering specifications, applicable standards (including UL508A where applicable), and internal quality procedures, while contributing to the development of repeatable, scalable panel build processes.

Scope
This position supports product development, customer-specific applications, sales demonstrations, and continuous improvement of panel build standards and processes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Panel Build & Assembly

• Build, wire, and assemble electrical control panels and systems using approved schematics, BOMs, and work instructions
• Ensure all builds meet internal quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements

2. Documentation & Interpretation

• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, layout drawings, and concept designs
• Provide feedback to engineering on design clarity, accuracy, and manufacturability

3. Prototyping & Validation Support

• Support development of prototype systems for product validation and testing
• Assist in troubleshooting and iterative design improvements

4. Standards & Process Development

• Establish and maintain wiring, labeling, and panel layout standards
• Contribute to development of controlled work instructions and SOPs

5. Bill of Materials (BOM) & Component Management

• Review and validate BOMs for completeness and accuracy
• Source components in alignment with approved vendors and specifications
• Ensure material availability to meet build schedules

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering, sales, and operations to support builds and application solutions

7. Demo & Trade Show Systems

• Build high-quality demo systems for customer presentations, trade shows, and internal use

Quality & Compliance Responsibilities (ISO 9001 Alignment)

• Follow all applicable Quality Management System (QMS) procedures and work instructions
• Ensure work meets defined specifications, acceptance criteria, and applicable regulatory standards
• Maintain traceability of materials and components where required
• Identify and report nonconformities in accordance with company procedures
• Support corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives
• Use only current, controlled versions of drawings, BOMs, and documents
• Ensure proper use and control of documented information in accordance with ISO 9001 requirements

Required Qualifications

Education / Experience

• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in Electrical, Electromechanical, or related field preferred
• Hands-on experience building and wiring industrial control panels
• Must demonstrate competency through prior experience, training, or certification to perform required tasks in accordance with company procedures.

Technical Skills

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
• Familiarity with UL508A standards (certification preferred or willingness to obtain)
• Experience with wire labeling, terminations, and panel layout
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar tools
• Experience with BOMs and component sourcing

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and workmanship quality
• Ability to work independently
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Continuous improvement mindset

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time completion of panel builds
• First-pass quality (minimal rework)
• Adherence to wiring and documentation standards
• Reduction in variability through standardized processes
• Effective collaboration with engineering and sales

Language Skills

Good verbal and written communication skills are required. Ability to read and interpret documents such as packing slips, procedure manuals, Bill of Materials, and ISO9001:2015 work instructions.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Other Skills

Requires the ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, wiring tools, labeling equipment, and basic electrical test equipment used in panel assembly, as well as standard office equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; talk and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach above shoulders with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and / or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and / or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.