The Electrical Department Lead supports the Production Manager by directing the day-to-day electrical build activities of the panel shop, including panel wiring, termination, labeling, and testing. The Lead ensures UL 508A industrial control panels and related assemblies are wired accurately, safely, and on schedule. This role combines hands-on electrical expertise with strong leadership skills to guide a team of electrical assemblers and technicians in producing high-quality products that meet customer and engineering specifications.

The Lead acts as the key link between the Production Manager, the Mechanical Department Lead, Engineering, Quality, and the electrical team, translating schematics, wiring diagrams, and work orders into efficient, organized electrical build activity and verified, test-ready panels.

Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Electrical Production Operations

• Lead daily electrical build activities, including panel wiring, wire routing, termination, labeling, and testing.
• Assign work, set priorities, and balance workload across the electrical team to meet production schedules.
• Monitor workflow and productivity, addressing bottlenecks, delays, material shortages, or rework promptly.
• Monitor actual labor progress against estimated or planned job hours and communicate significant variances, productivity concerns, or anticipated overruns to the Production Manager.
• Maintain accurate production records, timesheets, and job progress updates.

2. Technical & Standards Oversight

• Interpret and apply electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layout drawings, and bills of material (BOM) to support accurate builds.
• Verify the electrical team is working from current approved schematics, drawings, revisions, work instructions, and job documentation before work begins and when changes are issued.
• Verify wire size, type, insulation rating, and color coding against drawings and UL 508A requirements.
• Ensure terminations are made per manufacturer specifications, including proper stripping, ferrule and crimp use, and terminal torque with torque verification marking.
• Verify proper separation and routing of power, control, and low-voltage/Class 2 circuits, and correct wire identification and component labeling.
• Verify branch circuit protection, overcurrent devices, and field wiring terminals against drawings, and support documentation and marking of short-circuit current rating (SCCR).
• Lead or support panel testing, including point-to-point continuity checks, ground bond checks, dielectric withstand testing as required, and functional power-up testing, and ensure results are recorded.
• Troubleshoot electrical build and test issues, including wiring, termination, component, and schematic discrepancies, and coordinate with Engineering when design or programming support is required.
• Support loading and verification of PLC, HMI, and drive programs in coordination with Engineering.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to resolve schematic errors, design changes, and deviations, and ensure as-built redlines are documented.
• Enforce electrical safety practices, including lockout/tagout and NFPA 70E requirements for any work on or near energized equipment.

3. Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Review completed electrical work prior to formal QC inspection to identify workmanship issues, recurring errors, and skill gaps. Use findings to provide timely coaching and identify individual or team training opportunities to improve first-pass quality and reduce rework.
• Stop or hold electrical work when safety, workmanship, drawing, or quality requirements are not met, and coordinate with the appropriate personnel to resolve issues before work resumes.
• Uphold quality standards through in-process inspections, workmanship audits, and pre-shipment verification.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements in wiring methods, wire preparation, workflow layout, and component handling.
• Participate in root cause analysis and support corrective actions for defects, rework, and recurring workmanship issues within the electrical department.
• Ensure identified corrective actions, process changes, and training requirements are communicated to the electrical team and incorporated into daily work practices.
• Support lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives to improve productivity, organization, and safety.
• Ensure test equipment and tooling, such as multimeters, crimpers, and torque drivers, are maintained and calibrated as required.

4. Leadership & Team Development

• Direct and motivate electrical team members, promoting teamwork, accountability, and respect.
• Train and mentor team members in panel wiring, schematic reading, testing procedures, workmanship standards, and safe work practices.
• Promote and enforce safe work practices, including PPE use, electrical safety, and housekeeping.
• Provide input on hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations as directed by the Production Manager.

5. Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate daily with the Mechanical Department Lead to confirm panels are received ready for wiring and to resolve fit or layout issues quickly.
• Work closely with the Production Manager to plan schedules, prioritize builds, and allocate resources effectively.
• Coordinate with Purchasing, Engineering, and Quality Control to ensure components, wire, documentation, and approvals are available as needed.
• Communicate project status, production issues, and resource needs to the Production Manager daily.

Education & Experience

• Technical diploma or Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline preferred; equivalent hands-on manufacturing or industrial control panel experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.
• 5+ years of experience in control panel wiring, electrical manufacturing, or industrial automation, preferably in a UL 508A environment.
• Minimum 1 year in a lead, supervisory, or team lead role in a manufacturing environment.
• UL 508A panel shop training or MTR certification (preferred).

Technical Skills

• Strong ability to interpret and troubleshoot electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and layout drawings.
• Proficient in panel wiring, wire routing, termination, labeling, and testing.
• Familiarity with industrial components: PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, relays, contactors, terminal blocks, breakers, power supplies, etc.
• Working knowledge of UL 508A (MTR preferred), NEC, and NFPA 70E standards.
• Proficient with tools such as wire strippers, crimpers, torque drivers, and multimeters.
• Basic computer literacy for ERP/MRP systems, production tracking, and technical documentation.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and safety.
• Able to multi-task and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Capable of coaching and developing team members with varying technical skill levels.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Primarily on the production floor environment with exposure to electrical and mechanical assembly processes.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and work with hands for extended periods, and distinguish wire colors and small markings.
• Occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
• Required to wear PPE and follow all company and electrical safety policies.