Electrical Engineer - Control Systems
Company: Astec Industries
Location: Chattanooga
Posted on: February 11, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description:\n\nBUILT TO CONNECT Astec is a
global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing
company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our
mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the
industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and
technologies, we serve customers all over the world. ABOUT THE
POSITION At Astec, we are building a world-class electrical
hardware and controls software engineering team. A team that values
free thought for innovative idea generation and disciplined
engineering for the realization of those ideas to drive solutions
for our customers. By freeing our creative minds, we bring
solutions our customers haven’t even realized they need yet.
Through disciplined engineering we ensure the solutions we provide
are effective, simple to use, reliable, and cost effective. The
Electrical Engineer will be a part of a dynamic team of engineers
working on the development of control/automation systems for heavy
construction equipment, ranging from road pavers, road mills,
woodchippers, wood grinders, etc. The engineer will be involved in
the creation of product requirements, decomposition to electrical
hardware and software requirements, design calculations, schematic
generation, PCB designs, junction box designs, wiring harness
routings and designs, and electrical design reviews of the same;
all with an eye toward Design for Reliability (DfR). The engineer
may also work on structured software decomposition, code
development, software design reviews, and software unit and
integration testing. The engineer will move from project to project
as required and may be working on multiple projects within a given
timeframe. All project work will be scheduled by the New Product
Development Manager(s) and the Continuous Improvement Manager(s)
such that the engineer will not be over allocated but will have
definite deadlines and visibility into upcoming work. Electrical
designs will be based on embedded controller and HMI displays. The
designs will predominately be composed of 24VDC control of motors,
valves, pumps, actuators, relays, etc. with sensor inputs in the
same or similar range. Control outputs may be DC voltage or
current, PWM, or PID control loop signals. Some designs will
require AC power control using VFDs, soft starters, etc. Software
will be developed on PLCs, embedded controllers, and HMI displays.
Some legacy systems are coded in Ladder Logic, but all new systems
will be coded in either CodeSys or C/C++. The Control Software
Engineer will work with the Electrical Engineer(s) on a project to
map I/O, define necessary configurations, understand sensor input
requirements as well as device output drive requirements. The
Electrical and Control Software Engineers will work cooperatively
with the Mechanical Engineer(s) to develop the appropriate control
controls hardware design as well as controls algorithms to produce
the equipment functionality required by the customer and Product
Management. The Electrical Engineer will also work with other
cross-functional teams, including but not limited to sales,
manufacturing, purchasing, and service to ensure the successful
completion of projects and launch of equipment. Electrical Engineer
may at times be asked to travel for project testing and system
integration testing, as well as to develop business relationships
with customers, dealers, and suppliers. They may also participate
in product focus groups to gain critical customer application and
design suggestions to assist in the development of product lines.
Travel may also be required at times to troubleshoot and resolve
customer equipment issues in the field. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but not limited to) · Works with the
cross-functional Product Management Team to produce a complete and
well-defined Product Functional Specification before product design
is started. · Follow Structured System Design techniques to
decompose the product function requirements into an effective
control strategy for heavy construction equipment. · Uses knowledge
of sensor technologies, control device technologies and process
automation techniques to advance the simplicity of operation and
troubleshooting of equipment to maximize productivity by enhancing
operator functionality and the minimization of equipment downtime.
· Uses knowledge of domestic as well as international electrical
standards to design equipment with the widest market breadth
without redesigning to minimize the number of models required to be
manufactured. · Apply Design for Reliability processes and
principles to realize desired equipment reliability and Total Cost
of Ownership requirements. · Uses structured system design
techniques to produce electrical hardware designs that are modular
in nature, easy to test, easy to diagnose and simple to replace
should field service repairs be required. · Develops and executes
bench tests with the Controls Software Engineer on design modules
and code units to ensure proper functionality before integration
into the complete equipment design to ensure project success. ·
Uses computer-aided engineering design software and equipment to
develop electrical / electronic design drawings and schematics. ·
Develop PCB layout designs for panels. · Develops 3D Junction Box
designs with plug-and-play functionality that allow manufacturing
to simply plug in all harnesses and requires no landing of
conductors in equipment assembly. · Create 3D routed wiring
harnesses for all wires and cables required for a system design.
All harnesses shall be terminated in a connector to allow for a
plug-and-play assembly. · Develops detailed drawings for new
designs and modifications to existing designs. · Leads
cross-functional electrical design reviews, including Design for
Manufacturability and Design for Reliability. · Contributes to the
development of product documentation, including production work
instructions, training manuals, troubleshooting guides, and product
test plans. · Identifies improvement opportunities and enhancements
for product enhancements and/or cost reductions. · Contributes to
project teams by championing the successful completion of project
objectives, including schedule, budget, and feature set. ·
Contributes to the development of new processes and procedures to
enhance the software and hardware design capabilities and work
products of the engineering team. · Develops the electrical and
software test plans for new designs and changes to existing designs
and coordinates the testing and validation using these plans. ·
Participates in cross-functional software and HMI design reviews. ·
Participates in software design reviews for developed control
software. · Assists customers, via telephone or on site, to resolve
function and/or application issues. · Works with the Manufacturing
department to resolve production issues. · Works with the Service
Department to resolve field and warranty issues. · Works with the
Purchasing Department and suppliers on new or existing component
issues. · Works with the Technical Publications Department to
develop and update operation/parts/service manuals. · Adheres to
all Astec design and coding standards. · Performs engineering
calculations as required during design cycle. · Follows proper
safety procedures. · Performs other duties as assigned. MINIMUM
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED · Bachelor of Science (4-year)
degree in Electrical/Electronic/Computer Engineering or related
field from an accredited institution. · Minimum of five (5) years
of experience in the design and development of industrial or mobile
equipment controls. SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED Job-related
Skills and Abilities · Knowledgeable of structured system design
techniques. · Knowledge of Design for Reliability is highly
desired. · Knowledge of design for safety standards such as CE,
AS3000, SIL, HRN, etc. · Proficient with computer-aided design
software. · Knowledge of network protocols such as CAN, Ethernet,
Wireless 802.11, etc. · Proficient in the development, reading, and
interpretation of electrical engineering drawings. · Proficient in
electrical engineering systems design and troubleshooting, D/C
controls design required, A/C design highly desired. · Ability to
think creatively and propose innovative solutions to engineering
challenges. · Ability to show competence in assessing, managing,
and mitigating risks within a project and design. · Ability to work
satisfactorily as a team member. · Good communication skills (both
verbal and written). · Good organization and time-management
skills. · Willingness to accept responsibility and take on new
challenges. · Ability to exercise discretion and independent
judgment on a customary and regular basis. · Proficiency with
personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite software applications.
· Proficiency with Electrical CAD software, specifically EPLAN, is
highly desirable. · Adept at problem solving and root-cause
analysis. Leadership Skills · Ability to mentor and lead junior
level engineers in the design and execution of systems controls. ·
Ability to represent the electrical and software design team in
cross-functional meetings by being the voice of good engineering
practice. · Ability to step into a leadership void and lead a team
to proper completion of tasks, projects, and investigations while
encouraging others and moving toward a best solution for all
involved. Language Skills · Ability to write reports, business
correspondence and procedure manuals. · Ability to effectively
present information and respond to questions from groups of
managers, clients, customers, and the public. · Ability to write
routine reports and correspondence and effectively present
information to customers and/or employees of organization and
respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers,
and the public. Reasoning Ability Skills · Ability to define
problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid
conclusions. · Ability to interpret an extensive variety of
technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal
with several abstract and concrete variables. · Must have strong
analytical and troubleshooting skills. OTHER REQUIREMENTS ·
Pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check. ·
Flexibility to work additional hours as required. · Occasional
travel (including international). · Valid driver's license and
ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. PREFERENCES ·
Proficiency with Solidworks, EPLAN. · Experience with CodeSys, C++,
Telematics, hydraulic circuits, 12V/24V DC electric circuits and/or
control systems for off-road construction equipment or heavy
industrial equipment. · Knowledge of manufacturing processes. ·
Experience in the design and manufacture of off-road construction
equipment. · Experience with Design for Reliability. SAFETY Astec
is dedicated to a culture of Behavior Based SAFETY and a Healthy
Environment! · Proficient in promoting safe and healthy work
environment. · Notify area supervisor of product discrepancies or
equipment malfunctions. · Adhere to established company policies
and procedures paying special attention to safety regulations. ·
Report defective materials, equipment, or questionable conditions
to the area supervisor/manager to identify and correct the root
cause. · Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance
with training guidelines. 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 remain in a stationary position a minimum of 50% of the
time, move and frequently operate a computer and other office
equipment and occasionally properly employ objects, tools and/or
controls. The employee is frequently required to communicate and
exchange accurate information. The employee is regularly required
to reach and occasionally attain non-standard physical positions
for varying amounts of time. Specific vision abilities include
close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus. The employee must regularly transport
up to 10 pounds and occasionally transport up to 25 pounds. Lifting
devices must be used or help must be requested for anything over 25
pounds. Required to occasionally ascend/descend, balance and work
at various heights. Ability to travel by land and/or air for
extended periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by
this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision,
depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Our Culture and
Values Employees that become part of Astec embody the values below
throughout their work. · Continuous devotion to meeting the needs
of our customers. · Honesty and integrity in all aspects of
business. · Respect for all individuals. · Preserving
entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. · Safety, quality and
productivity as means to ensure success. 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is
regularly exposed to a climate-controlled office environment and is
occasionally exposed to a shop manufacturing environment. Office
environment exposures include frequent and extensive telephone and
computer use. The noise level in the office setting is usually
moderate consistent with an office environment. Shop manufacturing
environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts,
machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne
particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations,
outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric
shock. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels
of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very
chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud
at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may
require hearing protection. Mines, road construction and forestry
job site exposures include exposure to climate conditions
indicative of the geographic location and the season. Field duties
require that the employee work in close proximity to heavy
roadbuilding and construction equipment (dump trucks, loaders,
cranes, crushers, pavers, cold planers, material transfer vehicles,
stabilizers, wheel loaders, excavators, skidders, feller buncher,
chippers, grinders etc.) and traffic associated with mines, road
construction, forestry and recycling sites. T
Keywords: Astec Industries, Smyrna , Electrical Engineer - Control Systems, Engineering , Chattanooga, Georgia
