Exploring Careers, Innovations, and Growth in Electrical Automation
Last Updated: 2026-05-28T15:38:55.381-04:00
Chariho Electrical Technology Students Explore Careers in Industrial Automation
Students from the Chariho Career and Technical Center’s Electrical Technology class recently visited ProSystems Integration, an automation company in Westerly, to learn about career opportunities in the industrial sector of the electrical field. The students toured the production floor and were introduced to a variety of equipment and machines used in industrial automation. Jesse Brunelle, a Chariho alumnus and engineer at ProSystems, along with his father, John, the company's president and owner, guided the students, explaining the functions of different machines.
The tour highlighted the customer-driven nature of the industry and showcased projects ranging from medical tubing equipment to automated systems for major brands like Hershey Chocolate and Krispy Kreme. The students also had the opportunity to interact with other engineers, who provided insights into system design and the daily operations at the company. A live demonstration of an extrusion line for medical tubing was a key part of the tour.
Jesse Brunelle, who organized the visit, emphasized the importance of exposing students to the industrial side of the electrical industry, which is often overlooked in traditional curricula that focus more on residential and commercial applications. He noted the vast career opportunities available in automation, a field he believes is underrepresented in student career explorations. John Brunelle highlighted the rapid technological advancements in the industry, particularly in control systems, and the high demand for young talent proficient in modern computer and tablet technologies.
Ryan Northup, the instructor for the Electrical Technology class, praised the visit for providing students with a real-world application of their classroom learning, particularly in industrial motor controls. He believes that such experiences can inspire students to pursue careers in specialized fields like industrial automation.
Siemens Simplifies Migration to New Control System
Level Automation recently upgraded its automation cabinets from the Simatic S7-1200 to the next-generation Simatic S7-1200 G2 control system, a process that proved to be much faster and simpler than anticipated. According to Martin Ozols, the company's owner, the migration was completed in just two minutes.
The decision to upgrade was made after a workshop with Siemens, where the benefits of the new system were discussed. Ozols was initially hesitant due to the time-consuming nature of a previous upgrade from the S7-200 to the S7-1200. However, the new migration tool, an add-in to the TIA Portal automation platform, has streamlined the process significantly. The tool automates the readiness check and provides reports on hardware compatibility and program migration, eliminating the need for manual lookups and saving a substantial amount of time.
The new Simatic S7-1200 G2 family is certified according to the IEC 62443 cybersecurity standard, making it compliant with the increased requirements of the NIS2 Directive. This is a crucial feature for Level Automation, as many of their clients, including municipalities, are beginning to implement NIS2 standards.
Level Automation specializes in designing, building, and programming electrical and automation cabinets for various industries, including water and wastewater, machine building, and industrial processes. The company's small size allows for flexibility and quick adaptation to customer needs, which Ozols sees as a major competitive advantage. The long-standing partnership with Siemens has also been beneficial, providing access to a broad market and reliable support. The new S7-1200 G2 system offers several advantages, including cost-effective I/O cards, a more compact design, and increased power.
Following the successful PLC migration, Level Automation plans to upgrade its HMI panels to Simatic WinCC Unified, utilizing another migration tool called Data2Unified.
Top Companies Hiring Electrical Engineers
The demand for electrical engineers is on the rise, driven by advancements in AI, electrification, and automation. With a median annual salary of approximately $118,000, electrical engineers are sought after by major companies to build and manage the power systems behind cutting-edge technologies. Here are some of the top companies currently hiring electrical engineers:
- Tesla: Electrical engineers at Tesla are crucial for developing the energy systems for its self-driving electric vehicles, Supercharger stations, and Optimus humanoid robots. They work on battery-management systems, motor controls, and power electronics.
- Intel: Intel offers opportunities for electrical engineers in both chip development and manufacturing. Roles range from validating silicon to supporting the equipment and processes in their fabrication plants.
- Siemens: As a leader in industrial automation, electrification, and infrastructure, Siemens hires electrical engineers to work on power systems for factories and rail networks, focusing on drives, controls, and power distribution.
- ABB: ABB specializes in robotics and electrification systems for various sectors. Electrical engineers at ABB work on motor-control systems, switchgear, and high-voltage equipment to ensure the safe and efficient operation of machinery.
- Apple: With billions of active devices, Apple's in-house hardware design team requires electrical engineers for chip-level performance tuning, power management, and sensor systems for products like the iPhone, Mac, and Vision Pro.
- NVIDIA: A key player in the AI economy, NVIDIA hires electrical engineers to work on its hardware stack, focusing on power delivery, high-speed connections, and systems that integrate thousands of GPUs.
- RTX: With a vast presence in the aviation industry, RTX needs electrical engineers for embedded hardware, circuit design, and testing equipment for flight systems, radar, and satellite communications.
- Lockheed Martin: As a top defense contractor, Lockheed Martin employs electrical engineers to build radar and communications hardware for military aircraft, spacecraft, and missile defense systems.
- Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric focuses on energy management and automation systems for data centers and utilities. Their electrical engineers are tasked with managing power loads and ensuring system reliability, especially with the increasing strain from AI infrastructure.
- TSMC: The world’s largest independent chip foundry, TSMC, hires electrical engineers to work in its highly automated fabs, where they are responsible for equipment, processes, and yield improvement for next-generation chip hardware.
Post Electric Expands Home Automation and Smart Technology Services
Post Electric, a licensed electrical contractor in Southwest Missouri, has expanded its residential services to include comprehensive home automation and smart technology integration. This move is in response to the growing demand from homeowners looking to modernize their electrical systems and incorporate connected home technologies.
Over the past 18 months, Post Electric has seen a surge in requests for electrical upgrades and smart home installations. To meet this demand, the company has invested in advanced diagnostic equipment and expanded its technical expertise, particularly for older homes that require significant electrical updates.
The expanded services include whole-home electrical assessments, panel upgrades, dedicated circuit installations, and the integration of smart home devices such as lighting controls, programmable thermostats, and security systems. The company has also enhanced its capabilities in circuit capacity assessments and safety evaluations.
Ryan, the Master Electrician at Post Electric, stated that the expansion is designed to provide homeowners with customized solutions that meet the demands of modern households. The company aims to be a trusted partner for both traditional electrical work and emerging smart home technologies.
These new services are now available throughout Post Electric's service area, which includes several cities in Southwest Missouri. The company continues to offer emergency electrical services and a one-year workmanship warranty on all installations.
Wago Embraces Matter for Smart Home Automation
Wago, a German electrical engineering manufacturer, is launching its first Matter-enabled products, aiming to empower electricians in the residential construction sector. According to Manfred Lehmann, Strategic Product Manager at Wago, the Matter standard is set to revolutionize the electrical industry, and it is crucial for electricians to adapt to this trend.
The new product line, WAGO Home Automation, is designed to bridge the gap between consumer electronics and professional building installations. Lehmann notes a shift away from rigid, pre-programmed smart home systems towards more flexible solutions that electricians can install as a base, which homeowners can then expand upon themselves.
Wago's product range will be available in both Wi-Fi and Thread versions, although the company is placing a strong emphasis on Thread as the future of smart home communication due to its mesh network capabilities, range, and low energy consumption.
Lehmann acknowledges that the adoption of Matter will require electricians to have a better understanding of IP and home networks. However, he also points out that the commissioning process is simpler than traditional systems, mainly involving the scanning of QR codes. To support electricians, Wago is providing smartphone apps for both technicians and end-users, as well as online tutorials and training courses.
Wago's modules are VDE-certified and designed for easy installation with lever terminals. A unique feature of their modules is that the input can be used independently of the output, allowing a switch to trigger Matter scenes while the actuator controls a connected device.
Wago plans to continue developing its Matter product line, with a focus on open, manufacturer-independent systems. The company is forming a dedicated team to expand its smart home offerings, with the electrical cabinet being a logical next step for integration.
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