Senior Electrical Project Engineer
Patten CAT
Working Hours/Days
Position is exempt. Hours/days as needed.
Overview
Power the data centers, hospitals, and other mission-critical facilities of tomorrow—designing both rugged rental products and stationary generator-set packages that keep them online. As our Senior Electrical Project Engineer, you’ll work in a unique manufacturing and dealer environment, leveraging expert-level AutoCAD and Inventor skills to craft low- and medium-voltage AC layouts, DC controls, and the logic that ties multiple gensets into advanced paralleling switchgear and smart control panels. Juggle multiple high-impact projects, troubleshoot in the test cell, and serve as the go-to authority for production teams and customers alike—making an outsized impact alongside a collaborative squad of engineers, sales pros, and suppliers.
Basic Duties
+ Develop exact electrical documentation
+ Produce comprehensive wiring schematics, conduit schedules, and panel layouts in AutoCAD and Inventor for diesel and natural gas gensets, ensuring every reference, layer, and legend is unambiguous.
+ Engineer control panel and breaker assemblies
+ Size and specify breakers, relays, PLC/HMI hardware, and interface circuits that integrate seamlessly with low to medium-voltage paralleling switchgear and DC control systems.
+ Verify compliance—line-by-line
+ Audit project drawings, vendor prints, and specifications against UL, NFPA 70/110, ISO, and customer standards; log variances and close them before release.
+ Provide data-driven field support
+ Diagnose elusive startup, commissioning, and controls problems for technicians through root-cause-based recommendations that feed back into design libraries to improve the product.
+ Serve as the technical reference for customers
+ Translate application questions into concise recommendations and solutions and document in formal engineering notes.
+ Maintain production continuity
+ Follow standard protocols and proven design protocols to ensure consistent high-quality products that meet or exceed customer requirements.
+ Manage the submittal dossier
+ Assemble, index, and track all drawings, studies, and data sheets through the approval cycle; document every revision for full traceability.
+ Leverage Caterpillar engineering resources
+ Retrieve and interpret factory application guides, PID data, and software updates; ensure the latest revisions are embedded in each project.
+ Enable precise estimating
+ Deliver dimensioned one-lines, BOMs, and labor take-offs to the Sales team so quotes reflect real scope, margin, and risk.
+ Design for the exceptional case
+ Apply first-principles analysis to bespoke components or control sequences required by unique site conditions or regulatory environments.
+ Control the critical path
+ Use tools and milestone checklists to keep engineering actions on time, document slippage causes, and propose corrective actions proactively.
+ Adapt as requirements evolve
+ When priorities shift, re-baseline drawings, calculations, designs, and priorities so the entire team works from a single source of truth.
If precision, thorough documentation, and methodical problem-solving are how you create value, this role will let you practice your craft at a high level of electrical engineering discipline.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
+ B.S. in Electrical (preferred) — or at least ten years of hands-on experience in the engine-driven power-generation industry or a closely related technology field with design engineering experience for 5+ years.
+ Military veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
Technical Expertise
+ Proven proficiency with Caterpillar toolsets (CAT® ET, CAT® Monitoring Software, SIS Web, TMI, EDDC) is highly desirable.
+ Working knowledge of diesel- and natural-gas generator sets is essential; familiarity with lithium-ion energy-storage systems is a plus.
+ Thorough understanding of relevant codes and standards—NFPA 70/110, NEC, NEMA, UL, IEEE.
+ Expert-level 2D drafting in AutoCAD; 3D modeling experiencerequired(Inventor preferred, or comparable platforms accepted).
+ Exposure to generator paralleling switchgear, remote-fuel supply, and remote-cooling systems is preferred.
Other Requirements
+ Valid driver’s license with a clean record (no more than two minor violations in the last three years and no major violations in the last five years).A motor vehicle driving record check will be conducted for the final candidate.
Altorfer Inc. offers an industry leading compensation and benefit package:
+ Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
+ 401(k)
+ Paid Holidays
+ Paid Parental Leave and Funeral Leave
+ Paid Time Off: Prorated 80 hours of PTO + 1 Floating Holiday
+ Education Assistance
+ Personal Tool Insurance, and Safety Equipment Reimbursement
+ Voluntary Benefits: Supplemental Insurance, Accident, Critical and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Assistance and Identity & Fraud Protection
Salary Range: $80K to $120K annually
Posted Min
USD $80,000.00/Yr.
Posted Max
USD $120,000.00/Yr.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
Work is normally performed both indoors and outdoors with moderate noise conditions. Limited exposure to all weather conditions is associated with this position. Physical requirements may include speaking, listening, writing, typing, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, sitting for extended periods, and managing stress. Occasionally required to walk or stand for short durations on manufacturing floors or job sites. Job hazards may include tripping, slipping, falling, jobsite hazards, hand injuries, driving related hazards, equipment movement, overexertion due to stress and fatigue. Required to follow all safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment depending on the environment or location. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. The noise level in the office environment is usually moderate to low. Must be flexible to work varying schedules and hours as needed. Occasional travel may be required. The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Why Work for Altorfer?
At Altorfer, our iron is just the beginning. Our people make our company successful, and we would not be who we are without them. As a third-generation, family-owned company created in 1957, we bring our values into how we do business. Everyone from technicians, sales representatives, administrative professionals, or somewhere in between is part of the “A-Team” and is critical to our success. Here at Altorfer, we have over 35 locations and 1300 employees with long tenure for you to learn from. We have a collaborative, family-valued culture, with a great reputation in the industry. A company that offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a remarkable team of people to work with.
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Req No.2025-5265
CategoryEngineering
LocationUS-IL-Bartonville
TypeRegular Full-Time
Union or Non-UnionNon-Union
DivisionPower Systems
CompanyAltorfer Inc
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