Mid-Level & Sr. Automation Controls Engineers

As a Senior Automation Controls Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of electrical and software systems for advanced manufacturing equipment. This role involves collaborating with internal teams and external partners to build and optimize automation solutions, driving innovation and efficiency. Key responsibilities include designing and supporting electrical systems, developing and testing structured machine software for Allen-Bradley PLCs, enhancing existing equipment, leading projects from specification through validation, partnering with vendors, troubleshooting, and maintaining technical documentation. You will also work alongside maintenance teams to resolve electrical and controls issues.

Must Have

• Design and support electrical systems for process equipment (drives, PLCs, HMIs, schematics, instrumentation, motor controls)
• Develop and test structured machine software for Allen-Bradley PLCs
• Collaborate with process engineers to enhance existing equipment and systems
• Lead projects from specification through installation, commissioning, and validation
• Partner with vendors to source and modify equipment
• Troubleshoot and support existing automation systems
• Maintain and update technical documentation and specifications
• Work alongside maintenance teams to resolve electrical and controls issues
• Perform electrical design and/or support
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related fields
• At least 5+ years of hands-on experience in automation or electromechanical systems
• At least 4+ years of PLC programming experience
• Proven ability to manage multiple technical projects
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to define equipment requirements
• Willingness to travel up to 10%

Good to Have

• Familiarity with industrial drives, controls, and HMI integration
• Experience in regulated industries (Aerospace, Defense, Pharma, Medical Device, Automotive, Semiconductor)
• Allen-Bradley drive programming
• Temperature controllers
• Robotics
• CAD experience for schematics and 3D panel layouts
• Knowledge of industrial electrical codes and safety standards
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Familiarity with NEC and machine safety practices
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical 2D or similar tools for panel design

Perks & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance
• HSA
• FSA
• 401(k)
• Life, disability & ADD insurance
• Paid time off (for salaried personnel)
• Relocation package

As a Senior Automation Controls Engineer, you'll lead the design, development, and deployment of electrical and software systems for advanced manufacturing equipment. You'll collaborate with internal teams and external partners to build and optimize automation solutions that drive innovation and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and support electrical systems for process equipment (drives, PLCs, HMIs, schematics, instrumentation, motor controls)
• Develop and test structured machine software for Allen-Bradley PLCs
• Collaborate with process engineers to enhance existing equipment and systems
• Lead projects from specification through installation, commissioning, and validation
• Partner with vendors to source and modify equipment
• Troubleshoot and support existing automation systems
• Maintain and update technical documentation and specifications
• Work alongside maintenance teams to resolve electrical and controls issues
• Will do some electrical design and/or support

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related fields (e.g., Mechatronics, Robotics, Software Engineering, computer engineering)
• At least 5+ years of hands-on experience in automation or electromechanical systems
• At least 4+ years of PLC programming experience (preferably Allen-Bradley; Wonderware and Schneider or similar will also considered)
• Proven ability to manage multiple technical projects
• Familiarity with industrial drives, controls, and HMI integration is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to define equipment requirements
• Willingness to travel up to 10%
• Experience in regulated industries (Aerospace, Defense, Pharma, Medical Device, Automotive, Semiconductor) is a plus

Nice to have, but not required:

• Allen-Bradley drive programming, temperature controllers, robotics
• CAD experience for schematics and 3D panel layouts
• Knowledge of industrial electrical codes and safety standards
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Familiarity with NEC and machine safety practices
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical 2D or similar tools for panel design is a plus but not required

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

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