About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering (Industrial Automation).

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Position Overview

Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Junior Electrical Controls Engineer to join a growing industrial automation team in Fort Smith, AR. This role offers hands-on experience across electrical design, PLC/HMI programming, testing, and commissioning on custom automation projects. Ideal for recent engineering graduates or early-career engineers who want mentorship and practical, on-the-job training.

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Key Responsibilities

• Assist with controls design and electrical hardware development for industrial automation projects
• Create and revise electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams (AutoCAD experience a plus)
• Support component selection, panel build documentation, and technical specifications
• Assist with PLC and HMI programming, configuration, and troubleshooting
• Help integrate sensors, motor drives, industrial networks, and other automation components
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), system debugging, and commissioning
• Coordinate with project managers, engineering teams, production, and field personnel
• Maintain accurate engineering drawings, test reports, and project documentation
• Build technical skills through training, mentorship, and on-site assignments

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Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Recent graduates and candidates with limited professional experience are encouraged to apply
• Basic understanding of electrical systems, control theory, or industrial automation
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• Ability or willingness to read and learn to interpret technical drawings
• Effective written and verbal communication and ability to work collaboratively
• Willingness to travel to customer sites for testing and commissioning as needed
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (Green Card) — requirement per client project scope

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Helpful Technical Skills (beneficial but not required)

• PLCs and HMI platforms (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley experience is advantageous)
• AutoCAD or other electrical drafting tools
• Industrial robotics (FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa) and machine vision (Keyence)
• SCADA platforms (Ignition) and industrial networking
• Variable frequency drives (VFDs), sensors, and troubleshooting industrial I/O
• SolidWorks or other 3D CAD modeling software

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Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $60,000 to $80,000 per year
• Project performance bonus potential
• Potential overtime/additional compensation for approved hours beyond standard pay period rules
• Travel bonus eligibility and reimbursement for eligible business travel (mileage, meals, lodging) per company policy

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Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Hands-on exposure to industrial automation projects from design through commissioning
• Mentorship from experienced controls engineers and technical teams
• Opportunity to build a strong foundation in electrical design, PLC/HMI programming, and system integration
• Career growth potential within a client organization focused on custom engineering solutions for manufacturing environments

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.