Automation & Controls Specialist II

Location

The new manufacturing plant is located in Newton, Kansas.

The Automation and Controls Specialist provides leadership and technical expertise in support of safe and reliable operation of the manufacturing plant. Their primary focus is on electrical projects involving controls, data acquisition, and related issues.

• Manage the design and installation of electrical/electronic equipment.
• Plan and perform work requiring a thorough knowledge of electrical/electronic and mechanical theories and principles.
• Partner with the maintenance planner to ensure electrical projects are properly scheduled on PMDs, and partner with the maintenance engineer to develop a good electrical/electronic preventative maintenance system.
• Perform design calculations and prepare equipment or material specifications for electrical and electronic PLC‑based systems.
• Periodically investigate and analyze electrical or electronic‑based problems associated with production operations and take appropriate action to correct these problems.
• Assist and train maintenance, production, or other technicians on technical or troubleshooting matters.
• Contribute to capital projects initiated by on‑site engineering resources or the corporate Controls Team.
• Direct the work of outside contractors and maintenance staff during project installation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required:

• An Associate’s Degree in industrial automation or a related field with 5+ years of experience OR a High School Diploma coupled with 7+ years of demonstrated experience in an industrial continuous process environment.
• Deep understanding of basic electrical theory.
• Knowledge of electrical/electromechanical devices.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and how to calibrate them: pressure, temperature, flow.
• Proficiency with Rockwell Automation software – Studio 5000, RSLogix 500, FTView, CCW, and FTAC.
• Proficiency in configuring and troubleshooting Allen Bradley Power Flex variable frequency drives.
• Expertise focused on electrical components, electrical power distribution systems, PLCs, instrumentation, and variable speed AC drives.
• HMI development experience.
• Experience maintaining production networks, including servers and managed switches.
• Demonstrated process control experience in defining, designing, installing, and maintaining control logic systems and equipment in a continuous process manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to use trending and other analytical tools to troubleshoot process issues.
• Effective communication skills.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship requirements.

Preferred:

• Proficiency in configuring and troubleshooting Allen‑Bradley Kinetix servo drives.
• Controls experience with a continuous web handling operation.
• Experience with DC drives.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting Allen‑Bradley safety PLCs, I/O, and STO hardware.

Base Salary Range: $88,000–$121,000.

• Health insurance options including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family.
• Family‑building benefits supporting fertility and parenthood journeys.
• Robust 401(k) plan with employer match and pre‑tax/Roth contributions.
• Work‑life balance programs such as wellness program, free financial coaching, referral program, and product rebates for primary residence purchases.
• Professional growth and development through internal training, courses, and tuition reimbursement.
• Culture support via Employee Resource Groups focused on education and allyship.

GAF complies with federal, state, and local disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR Services at 833‑HR‑XPERT. GAF is an equal opportunity workplace and is committed to equal employment opportunity on the basis of each candidate’s qualifications, experience, and merit, without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status.

If applying for positions in the U.S., you must be eligible to work in the U.S. without an employer‑sponsored visa.