Junior Electrical Engineer

Junior Electrical Engineer – Beckhoff Controls, Circuits & 3‑Phase Motor Systems

Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Employment Type: Full-time, On-site
Team: Electrical Engineering / Automation

About the Role

We're looking for a motivated Junior Electrical Engineer who's excited to work hands-on with Beckhoff hardware, EtherCAT I/O, low‑voltage control circuits, and 3‑phase motor systems. This role is ideal for someone early in their career who wants to learn modern industrial automation practices while contributing directly to real products and systems.

You'll support the design, documentation, testing, and troubleshooting of electrical circuits built around Beckhoff EL/EP terminals, motion components, sensors, and safety devices — including systems that drive and protect 3‑phase motors.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and drafting of electrical schematics for Beckhoff-based control systems (TwinCAT, EL/EP terminals, EtherCAT topology).
• Support wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and cable routing for control cabinets and motor power distribution.
• Help integrate and test 3‑phase motors, motor starters, VFDs, and overload protection.
• Perform bench testing, validation, and troubleshooting of analog/digital I/O circuits, including ±10 V, 4–20 mA, IEPE/ICP sensors, encoders, and safety inputs.
• Assist with motor direction verification, current measurements, and safe lockout/tagout procedures during commissioning.
• Work with senior engineers to ensure designs meet UL, NEC, and internal safety standards, especially around 3‑phase power.
• Participate in prototype builds, wiring, labeling, and hardware bring-up.
• Document test results, design changes, and configuration details.
• Collaborate with software engineers to support I/O mapping, signal verification, and system commissioning.
• Maintain organized project files, BOMs, and revision-controlled documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• Foundational understanding of:
• Analog and digital circuits
• Sensors and signal conditioning
• Industrial wiring practices
• Basic control system concepts
• 3‑phase power fundamentals (voltage, current, phasing, rotation)
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics (EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar).
• Strong troubleshooting mindset and comfort using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and basic test equipment.
• Clear communication skills and willingness to ask questions and learn quickly.

Preferred (Nice-to-Have) Skills

• Exposure to Beckhoff TwinCAT, EtherCAT, or PLC-based control systems.
• Experience with 3‑phase motor wiring, VFDs, soft starters, or motor protection circuits.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, Modbus, CANopen).
• Hands-on experience wiring panels, assembling prototypes, or working in a lab environment.
• Understanding of grounding, shielding, and noise mitigation in mixed-signal systems.

What We Offer

• Mentorship from senior engineers and opportunities to grow into controls design, automation, or system architecture.
• A collaborative environment where electrical, mechanical, and software teams work closely together.
• Exposure to modern automation tools, real hardware, and meaningful engineering challenges.
• Competitive compensation and benefits

Pay: $70, $84,686.86 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person