Associate Drives Engineer
Launch and grow your engineering career in a practical, project-driven environment. As an Associate Drives Engineer, you’ll support the design, commissioning, and troubleshooting of drive control systems (including VFDs), while learning directly from experienced engineers and gaining exposure to industrial systems used globally.
Headquartered in Monroeville, PA, Premier Automation designs and manufactures advanced drive and automation control systems, with a strong focus on VFD applications and integrated automation solutions for industrial customers across North America. Our projects span multiple industries and technologies, giving our engineers exposure to new challenges and continuous learning opportunities. We offer a collaborative environment where your technical contributions directly impact project success—and where teamwork, innovation, and professional growth are valued every day.
Our Benefits Package: Invested in Your Success
We believe in taking care of our team. Here’s how we do it:
- Comprehensive medical coverage with a 100% company-paid deductible
- Dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting
- Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability coverage
- Paid time off package with PTO, 10 company holidays, sick leave, and parental leave for growing families
- Overtime compensation
- Company-provided tools and boot allowance
- Education assistance for ongoing professional development
- $1,000 employee referral bonuses
- Employee wellness programs
Your Experience at Premier
Here’s what you can expect from the role, the team, and our culture:
- Position Type: Full-time, salaried position (based on experience), plus overtime eligibility
- Schedule & Travel: Monday–Friday, daylight hours with flexibility; travel up to 25% for field support, commissioning, service, and occasional on-call support, including some evenings or weekends; eligible for overtime compensation
- Interview & Onboarding Process: Virtual interview, on-site interview, and facility tour, reference checks, and pre-employment screening
- Location & Work Environment: Based out of our Monroeville and Murrysville, PA facilities (10 minutes apart); engineers balance time between office work and being hands-on in the shop or at customer facilities, supporting integration from concept to completion
- Reporting Structure: Report to the Drives Systems Department Managers and work under the guidance of senior and lead engineers. Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams and customers to support system design, commissioning, and field execution throughout the project lifecycle.
- Growth & Exposure: Gain hands-on experience with drive and automation control systems, including VFD applications, while collaborating across disciplines such as controls, electrical design, manufacturing, and project management; work alongside senior and lead engineers who provide mentorship as you build technical expertise and take on increasing project responsibility
- Team Culture & Appreciation: Join a supportive team that values communication, problem-solving, and collaboration; enjoy company snacks and lunches, recognition events, branded apparel, and team-building activities such as sports leagues, volunteer activities, and seasonal celebrations
Duties and Responsibilities
As an Associate Drives Engineer, you will:
- Participating in field installations, on-site servicing, and commissioning of drive control systems
- Managing project commissioning to ensure systems are fully operational, safe, and reliable for client use
- Coordinating with project teams, site personnel, and customers to align on commissioning plans and execution
- Reviewing designs and supporting project implementation activities to confirm readiness for commissioning
- Establishing and approving commissioning plans based on project requirements and safety standards
- Preparing and maintaining detailed records of commissioning steps, test results, and system parameters
- Compiling and summarizing commissioning report data for internal and customer documentation
- Contributing to manufacturing checkout and supporting customer shop tests as needed
- Collaborating with project managers, lead engineers, sales team members, and customers to ensure clear communication and alignment throughout the project
- Traveling to customer sites for field support and service (approximately 20–25%)
Experience and Qualifications
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology (EET), Electro-Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Working knowledge of AC/DC drives, servo drives, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and motor control theory
- Proficiency with PLC programming (preferably Siemens) and understanding of control systems and PID loop tuning
- Hands-on experience with automation hardware, including sensors, actuators, and related components
- Familiarity with troubleshooting and diagnostic tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and relevant engineering software
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong problem-solving abilities with attention to detail
- Experience with Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work both independently and collaboratively
- Willingness to travel and support on-call needs as required
- Must have or obtain valid travel documents (Real ID and passport)
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform hands-on work in a variety of environments and situations requiring moderate physical activity
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Premier Automation does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
Employment is conditional on passing a background check and drug screening, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
At Premier Automation, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our team and our inclusive culture that respects, values, and embraces the unique experiences and perspectives of each individual. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission to foster a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.
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