Job Description

Electrical Engineer – Industrial Automation

Stockton, CA | Onsite | Full-Time, Exempt

About the Opportunity

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is seeking a hands-on Electrical Controls Engineer to join our Systems Division in Stockton.

This role designs and supports industrial control panels, automated equipment, and integrated electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. You will work across the full project lifecycle—from customer requirements and electrical design through fabrication, testing, troubleshooting, startup, and commissioning.

The position is well suited for an engineer who enjoys practical problem-solving, working directly with equipment and production teams, and turning technical requirements into reliable, manufacturable solutions.

An important initial priority will be helping HCI strengthen its electrical engineering standards and advance its UL 508A certification-readiness efforts.

What You’ll Do

• Design industrial control panels, electrical systems, and automated machine-control solutions.
• Develop electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, bills of material, and production documentation.
• Support PLC-based automation systems, including system design, troubleshooting, modifications, startup, and commissioning.
• Select and apply industrial controls, sensors, relays, motor controls, and related electrical components.
• Integrate electrical controls with hydraulic, pneumatic, and other automated equipment systems.
• Work with Engineering, Fabrication, Sales, Operations, suppliers, and customers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support panel assembly, system testing, troubleshooting, and corrective-action activities.
• Improve design consistency, manufacturability, testing processes, documentation, and product quality.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards, work instructions, and technical documentation.
• Support UL 508A readiness, NEC compliance, SCCR evaluation, inspection preparation, and related electrical-compliance activities.

Initial Priorities

During the first several months, this position will evaluate HCI’s current UL 508A readiness, identify gaps, develop a practical certification roadmap, and begin implementing the standards, procedures, documentation, and corrective actions needed to move the organization toward inspection readiness.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Three or more years of experience in industrial electrical engineering, controls engineering, automation, or control-system design.
• Experience designing industrial control panels and producing electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and bills of material.
• Working knowledge of PLC-based systems, industrial controls, sensors, relays, and motor controls.
• Proficiency with CAD or electrical-design software.
• Strong electrical and systems troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work across engineering, production, sales, operations, supplier, and customer teams.
• Strong organization, project ownership, judgment, and practical problem-solving skills.

Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or similar automation platforms is preferred.

Experience with UL 508A, NEC requirements, SCCR analysis, hydraulic or pneumatic systems, ISO 9001, panel assembly, or field commissioning is also helpful.

Work Location and Travel

This position is based onsite at HCI’s Systems Division facility in Stockton, California. The role includes work in office, engineering, fabrication, production, and customer environments.

Occasional travel may be required for customer projects, commissioning, supplier coordination, or other business needs.

The position may involve standing, walking, bending, kneeling, working around production equipment, and occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Why Join HCI?

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned fluid power distributor and systems provider serving customers throughout the Western United States. For 60 years, our employee-owners and supplier partners have built HCI’s reputation through technical expertise, ethical business practices, responsive service, and practical problem-solving.

HCI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan eligibility
• 401(k) plan with a 4.5% company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

Through HCI’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, eligible employees can build an ownership stake in the company over time at no direct cost to them, subject to plan eligibility and vesting requirements.

Hydraulic Controls, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available during the hiring process and for the performance of essential job functions.