Associate Drives Engineer

As an Associate Drives Engineer at Premier Automation, you’ll play a hands-on role in designing, commissioning, and troubleshooting drive control systems—including VFDs—that power industrial operations across North America. Working side-by-side with experienced engineers, you’ll gain practical experience on real projects while growing your technical expertise and professional confidence.

Located 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
• Generous paid time off package including PTO, 10 company holidays, sick leave, and parental leave
• Company-provided tooling program and work boot stipend
• 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, and service
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Drives Systems Department Manager, collaborating closely with senior engineers, project managers, and customers throughout each project phase
• Interview & Onboarding Process: Combination of virtual and on-site interviews, followed by reference checks, pre-employment screening, and a physical (if applicable) before hire
• Work Environment: Primarily office-based with a strong mix of hands-on project execution in our production shop and occasional on-site work at customer facilities
• Culture & Values in Action: Premier is driven by teamwork, innovation, and passion, fostering an environment of continuous improvement that recognizes every contribution. We’re proud to celebrate our people through team-building and special events, employee recognition programs, volunteer opportunities, and a collaborative, supportive workplace.

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.