The Supervisor – Panel Technician (PLC/MCC Panels) is responsible for overseeing the fabrication, testing, and commissioning of electrical control panels – including Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) panels and Motor Control Center (MCC) panels – both in the workshop and in the field. This role ensures that control panels are built to specifications and industry standards, and that they are properly installed and functioning at client sites. The supervisor will manage day-to-day operations of the panel fabrication workshop, coordinate Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and lead site installation and commissioning activities. A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining quality standards, enforcing safety protocols, and effectively managing a team of technicians to deliver projects for industries ranging from oil & gas and water treatment to power generation and manufacturing. The language and approach in this role are highly professional and technical, requiring familiarity with standard industrial terminology and practices.
Workshop Supervision & Panel Fabrication: Oversee the assembly and wiring of PLC and MCC control panels in the workshop, ensuring compliance with design drawings, electrical schematics, and quality standards. This includes supervising the mounting of components, routing of wiring, and any necessary panel modifications or fabrication tasksmgnewell.com. Ensure that all panel build activities (layout, drilling, cutting, wiring) adhere to company standards and relevant electrical codes (e.g. IEC, NEC, UL508A). Coordinate with the inventory and procurement teams to ensure all necessary components (circuit breakers, contactors, PLC modules, drives, etc.) are available for timely panel construction.
Testing & Quality Assurance (FAT/SAT): Plan and conduct Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) in the workshop, verifying that assembled panels operate according to specifications and client requirements before delivery. Document and oversee all test procedures, simulating field conditions as needed to validate functionality. Coordinate Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) at the client’s location, ensuring the installed panels integrate correctly with onsite equipment and systems. Identify and resolve any issues discovered during FAT/SAT, implementing corrective actions and design modifications in coordination with engineering. Maintain rigorous quality checks and ensure all test records and QA/QC documentation are completed accurately.
Site Installation & Commissioning: Lead and supervise on-site installation of control panels and associated electrical works. This includes planning installation activities, guiding technicians in mounting panels at site, pulling cables, making final terminations, and interconnecting panels with field devices and motors. Oversee commissioning of the panels and control systems, working closely with clients and project engineers to power up systems, perform functional tests, and tune system parameters. Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during startup and commissioning, ensuring systems are fully operational and meet performance criteria. As needed, travel to customer sites to support panel installation, execute wiring terminations, and inspect or install field instruments during startupmgnewell.com.
Safety Compliance: Enforce strict adherence to all electrical safety and HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) regulations in both workshop and field environments. Ensure the team uses proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and follows safe work practices (lockout/tagout, electrical isolation procedures, etc.) during panel fabrication, testing, and installation. Conduct regular safety briefings and training for technicians, and maintain safety records, tool/equipment inspection logs, and relevant certificationsmgnewell.com. Proactively identify and mitigate hazards, creating a culture of safety where all team members stop work to address unsafe conditions.
Team Leadership & Management: Supervise a team of panel technicians and electricians, providing clear direction, training, and mentorship. Plan and assign daily work tasks in the panel shop, monitor workflow, and adjust resources to meet project deadlines. Evaluate team performance and provide feedback, coaching, and technical guidance to improve skillsets. Foster a collaborative work environment, encouraging adherence to best practices and continuous improvement. Handle staffing decisions such as task delegation and assist in hiring or training new technicians as required. Ensure effective communication between the workshop team and other departments (engineering, project management, procurement) to facilitate smooth project executionmgnewell.com.
Project Coordination & Communication: Act as a liaison between the panel fabrication team and project engineers/management. Review engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and project documents with the team to clarify technical requirements. Communicate any design issues or required modifications to the engineering/design department, and coordinate timely resolution. Keep project managers informed of fabrication progress, testing outcomes, and any risks or delays. During field work, coordinate with client representatives and other contractors on site to align installation and commissioning activities with overall project schedules. Maintain a professional demeanor and clear communication to ensure customer satisfaction and successful project handover.
Documentation & Technical Support: Ensure all project documentation is up to date and properly handled. This includes maintaining red-line drawings or as-built schematics reflecting any changes made during fabrication or commissioningpanelcontrolinc.com. Prepare comprehensive test reports for FAT/SAT, installation checklists, and commissioning reports for client sign-off. Verify that control panel nameplates, labels, and wire markings are accurate and correspond to documentation. Provide technical support and troubleshooting expertise to resolve any electrical or control issues that arise in fabricated panels, both in-house and after installation. Assist in developing and updating standard operating procedures for panel building and testing, and contribute to continuous improvement of panel fabrication and commissioning processes.
Education: Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a related field. A trade school certificate in industrial electrical technology or instrumentation, combined with extensive experience, may be considered. Additional training or certification in control panel assembly or industrial automation is an advantage.
Experience: Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in electrical panel fabrication, assembly, and wiring of industrial control systems, with a strong focus on PLC-based control panels and MCC panels. At least 2-3 years of experience in a supervisory or lead technician role overseeing panel building and/or electrical installation teams is required. Experience in both workshop and field (site installation/commissioning) environments is highly desired, especially within industries like oil & gas, water treatment, power, or manufacturing. Familiarity with Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) processes is essential.
Technical Proficiencies: Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and layout drawings. Proficient with electrical components and systems including PLC hardware (processors, I/O modules), HMI interfaces, motor starters, VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), and related control circuitry. Solid understanding of Motor Control Centers and power distribution for motor control. Knowledge of industrial electrical standards and codes (e.g. IEC, NEC) and panel fabrication standards (such as UL 508A for control panels) is required. Hands-on experience with electrical testing instruments (multimeter, megohmmeter, etc.) for troubleshooting and verification. Basic computer skills are necessary, including proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word) for documentation and familiarity with any PLC programming or configuration software is a plus (e.g. ability to download PLC programs or perform basic troubleshooting in PLCs). Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to project sites as needed.
Certifications: Any relevant certifications such as a Master Electrician license, OSHA or other safety training certifications, or manufacturer-specific trainings (e.g. PLC programming certificate, VFD commissioning course) will be considered an asset.
Leadership & Team Management: Demonstrated ability to lead a team effectively, including planning work, setting expectations, and motivating team members. Strong leadership skills to train and mentor junior technicians, while fostering a positive and productive work environment. Capable of managing multiple projects or panel builds simultaneously, ensuring teams remain focused and deadlines are met.
Technical Problem-Solving: Excellent troubleshooting skills in electrical and control systems. Able to systematically diagnose and resolve wiring errors, equipment malfunctions, and integration issues both in the panel shop and during on-site commissioning. A proactive mindset to identify potential problems early and recommend practical solutionsmgnewell.com. Strong analytical skills to interpret test results and make data-driven decisions to ensure panel functionality and reliability.
Communication & Coordination: Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential. Able to clearly convey technical information to team members, engineers, project managers, and clients. Proficient in writing technical reports, test documentation, and updating drawings. Good listener who can work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and client representatives. Skilled in coordinating activities between the workshop and field, and scheduling FAT/SAT with clients.
Organization & Attention to Detail: High level of attention to detail in all aspects of work – from verifying wiring connections to reviewing drawings – ensuring that no detail is overlooked in panel construction or testing. Strong organizational skills to maintain documentation, track project progress, and manage inventory of parts. Ability to prioritize tasks and handle the pressures of tight deadlines while maintaining quality standards.
Safety & Compliance Orientation: Deep commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance. Thorough knowledge of electrical safety practices and the ability to enforce them within the team. Ensures all work is performed in accordance with company policies, safety standards, and industry regulations. Promotes a safety-first culture and leads by example in following all safety procedures.
Adaptability & Continuous Improvement: Flexible and adaptive to project needs – willing to be hands-on in the workshop or at site as necessary. Open to new technologies and methods in panel fabrication and automation; eager to learn and implement improvements. A problem-solving attitude and continuous improvement mindset to optimize panel building processes, improve efficiency, and enhance quality over time.