Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in Virginia

DESCRIPTION

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Electrical & Controls Engineer to serve as a technical contributor for electrical power systems and controls engineering within One MHS (One Material Handling Systems). This role will be responsible for the complete design, development, and implementation of electrical power distribution and control systems for material handling projects, focusing on safety, scalability, and operational excellence. As part of OneMHS, you will contribute to how we design, build, and operate material handling capabilities through advanced electrical and controls engineering.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in electrical power system design, controls engineering, industrial communication protocols, and automation platforms for complex material handling systems including conveyance and sortation. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including mechanical engineering, software, and project management to deliver robust electrical and controls solutions while ensuring compliance with NEC code and industry standards.

This role requires deep technical expertise spanning both electrical power design and controls engineering — as well as the tactical execution to deliver high-quality, standardized designs that promote excellence in project delivery.

Key job responsibilities

Power Systems Design & Distribution

• Design all power and controls systems related to MH projects, including 3-phase and single-phase power distribution systems
• Develop electrical layouts, schematics, control architectures, and panel standardization for material handling applications
• Design modular and scalable power distribution systems that prioritize reliability, maintainability, and performance
• Establish best practices for panel placement, grounding, and safety circuit design
• Develop single-line diagrams, power distribution schematics, and panel schedules to support facility and equipment power needs

Controls Engineering & Communication Protocols

• Design and implement industrial communication networks utilizing EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and PROFINET protocols
• Develop control system architectures incorporating IPCs (Industrial PCs), PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and SCADA systems
• Specify, configure, and integrate Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and their associated interfaces within material handling systems
• Select, specify, and integrate sensors, encoders, safety circuits, and all safety devices in accordance with applicable safety standards
• Design and implement safety systems including light curtains, safety relays, E-stops, and safety PLCs

In-Field Installation Audits & Compliance

• Conduct in-field installation audits to verify compliance with design specifications, quality standards, and NEC code requirements
• Review and approve electrical and controls drawings, specifications, and submittals
• Audit electrical system designs to identify opportunities and develop superior solutions
• Ensure all designs and installations comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) / NFPA 70 and other applicable standards
• Stay current with NEC code revisions, NFPA updates, and industry regulatory changes

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, software, and project management to deliver fully integrated solutions
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior electrical and controls engineers
• Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and startup activities as needed
• Develop and maintain electrical and controls design standards and best practices
• Support development of electrical implementation documentation and ensure effective knowledge transfer

A day in the life

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and deliver electrical and controls solutions for material handling projects with industry-leading performance in reliability, safety, and scalability. Design power distribution systems and control architectures while specifying VFDs, sensors, encoders, and safety devices to ensure optimal system performance. Implement industrial communication networks using EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and PROFINET protocols while developing PLC and SCADA-based control systems. Conduct in-field installation audits to verify NEC code compliance and design integrity. Provide mentorship to junior engineers while driving continuous improvement in design standards and documentation processes across the OneMHS program.

Amazon offers a full range of benefits that support you and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. Benefits can vary by location, the number of regularly scheduled hours you work, length of employment, and job status such as seasonal or temporary employment. The benefits that generally apply to regular, full-time employees include:

1. Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
2. Maternity and Parental Leave Options
3. Paid Time Off (PTO)
4. 401(k) Plan

If you are not sure that every qualification on the list above describes you exactly, we'd still love to hear from you! At Amazon, we value people with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets. If you’re passionate about this role and want to make an impact on a global scale, please apply!

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or above in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent
• 4+ years of experience in electrical and controls design for industrial or material handling systems
• Deep understanding of EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and PROFINET communication protocols
• Strong knowledge of VFD selection, programming, and interface design
• Proficiency with IPCs, PLC programming, and SCADA system design
• Extensive experience with sensor technologies, encoders, safety circuits, and safety devices (e.g., light curtains, safety relays, E-stops, safety PLCs)
• Thorough understanding of NEC (National Electrical Code) and its application to industrial installations
• Experience with 3-phase and single-phase power distribution system design
• Proven ability to conduct in-field installation audits and ensure code compliance
• Proficiency in electrical design software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, equivalent)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong organizational skills
• Ability to handle multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with material handling systems (conveyors, sortation, AS/RS, etc.)
• Knowledge of UL 508A panel design standards
• Familiarity with NFPA 70E and arc flash analysis
• Experience with energy management and power quality analysis
• Experience with cross-belt sorters and complex material handling electrical systems
• Familiarity with IoT platforms and Industry 4.0 concepts for predictive maintenance

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

LOCATION

USA, GA, ATLANTA - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually

USA, GA, Atlanta - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually

USA, MA, WESTBOROUGH - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually

USA, MA, Westborough - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually

USA, OH, CINCINNATI - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually

USA, OH, Cincinnati - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually

USA, TN, NASHVILLE - 111,500.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually

USA, TN, Nashville - 111,500.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually

USA, VA, ARLINGTON - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually

USA, VA, Arlington - 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually