Harbor Freight Tools · 3 days ago
Electrical Systems Engineer - DC - Joliet, IL
Joliet, IL
Part-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$127K/yr - $190K/yr
8+ years expHarbor Freight Tools is seeking an Electrical Systems Engineer who will serve as the subject matter expert for Material Handling Equipment (MHE) within the Distribution Center. The role focuses on ensuring high availability and performance of MHE systems through maintenance, troubleshooting, and collaboration with various teams to optimize operations.
ManufacturingRetail
Responsibilities
Coordinate and plan work activities for the maintenance team to accomplish goals and objectives of Harbor Freight
Work closely with building Operations, Engineering, Startup Teams, IT, and Safety in supporting MHE systems optimization and project implementation
Understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Profibus, Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems
Monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance for system performance issues and provide analysis across all operations
Act as first level escalation support for the Facilities Team, during and after business hours, troubleshooting locally and remotely
Appropriately escalate downtime situations to vendors or corporate for support to restore equipment operation
Mentor and develop Maintenance Technicians within the network
Facilitate downtime Analysis and Incident Review processes and implement process improvements or retraining to avoid future incidents to assess material handling system performance
Partner with other building Operations leadership, equipment vendors and parts suppliers to plan and coordinate new technology installations. Act as the technical SME for capital projects for the DC network
Communicate MHE breakdown issues and project timelines with building and corporate leadership
Assist with tech skill matrix for tech positions within maintenance teams
Participate in conference calls and coordinate with engineering team to complete all tasks required
Provide weekly site controls reliability information to regional maintenance manager and engineering team
Travel up to 20%; but 50% or more travel requirement during new building launch to complete various training tasks
Ability to work flexible schedules/shifts/areas, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays
Additional job duties as assigned by manager
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering or equivalent degree
Minimum 8 years of relevant field experience in PLC and Facilities & Maintenance
Available to work all days and shifts (24 hours a day, 7 days a week operation, including holidays)
Experience with electrical theory, Robotics, Controls components, MHE equipment
Experience identifying, maintaining, troubleshooting, programming, and designing HMI, control network components, Motor Controls including motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives, DC drives, standard electrical components and both mechanical and electrical drawings
Industrial electrical hands-on experience and troubleshooting, including 480V 3-phase, 110 VAC, and 24VDC systems
Experience identifying, maintaining, and utilizing SCADA systems and KPIs
Experience with programming software such as RSLogix5000 studio, FT View, and other controls software platforms
Experience supporting a wide range of Robotics work cells, different conveyors and sortation systems
Able to lead techs during manager absence and interact with all levels of management
Systems trainer or training experience and the Ability to train others with lesser skills
Excellent written, verbal and customer service skills
Proven history of remote technical phone support
Experience with advanced automation controls systems, industrial robotics, and ASRS systems
Automated conveyor systems and controls
Work order management
Preventive/predictive maintenance procedures
Blueprint and schematic reading
Industrial Electrical
HMI interfaces and programming
Industrial Controls
Industrial Electronics
Programmable Logic Control (PLC) programs
Server based controls
National Electrical Code (NEC)
Must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or others
Stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time
Speak and listen to others in person and over the phone
Use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports
The ability to lift up to 50 lbs
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
401k plan
Paid time off up to 200 hours per year
Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law
Company
Harbor Freight Tools
Harbor Freight Tools is a leader in providing high-quality tools at the lowest prices in the industry.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Harbor Freight Tools has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (2)
2024 (3)
2023 (2)
2022 (6)
2021 (4)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Jean-Michel Kientz
Chief Technology Officer
Tomas Kokko
EVP & Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2025-12-03
2025-11-30
vermontbiz.com
2025-11-10
Company data provided by crunchbase