Lead Controls Engineer

• Location:
  
  Holcomb, KS (100% Onsite)
• Schedule:
  
  Monday-Friday | 1st Shift (6:00 AM-4:00 PM) or 2nd Shift (3:00 PM-12:00 AM)
• Pay Rate:
  Up to $90.00 per hour

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Lead Controls Engineer to support a large-scale manufacturing operation in Holcomb, KS. This is an exceptional opportunity for a technical leader who thrives on solving complex automation challenges, driving modernization initiatives, and improving the reliability of mission-critical production systems.

In this role, you'll serve as a key technical authority, partnering with cross-functional teams to optimize plant automation, lead controls strategy, and support operational excellence across a highly automated manufacturing environment. If you're passionate about industrial technology, continuous improvement, and hands‑on troubleshooting, we want to hear from you.

As the Lead Controls Engineer, you'll provide technical leadership and hands‑on expertise across industrial controls, automation systems, and plant‑floor technologies.

• Lead and support automation, controls, and Information Systems initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Troubleshoot and optimize PLC-based control systems, SCADA platforms, HMIs, and industrial network communications.
• Program, commission, modify, and maintain PLC systems, with a strong focus on Schneider Electric/Modicon environments.
• Diagnose and resolve complex production issues involving conveyors, drives, motors, sensors, scanners, and automated material handling systems.
• Support plant-floor automation equipment while minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams to develop and implement technology solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members and stakeholders.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement improvements, upgrades, and modernization projects for legacy and current automation systems.
• Develop and maintain system standards, specifications, documentation, and best practices.
• Support SCADA and HMI platforms, including Ignition and iFix, to improve visibility and operational performance.
• Troubleshoot communications between PLCs, scanners, field devices, HMIs, and enterprise systems.
• Integrate and support industrial identification technologies, including barcode, scanning, and vision systems.
• Participate in system testing, validation, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Work closely with vendors and technology partners to evaluate emerging solutions and future technology strategies.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

• 6+ years of experience in Information Systems, Controls Engineering, Automation, or a related technical field.
• Proven experience in industrial automation within manufacturing, production, or material handling environments.
• Strong background supporting both modern and legacy control systems.

• Advanced PLC programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience with Schneider Electric / Modicon PLC platforms.
• Knowledge of ladder logic, structured programming, I/O mapping, and HMI integration.
• Experience supporting:
  • Conveyors and material handling systems
  • Motors, VFDs, sensors, and photo eyes
  • Interlocks and sequencing controls
  • Automated production equipment
• Working knowledge of:
  • SCADA systems
  • Ignition and iFix
  • SQL databases
  • Scripting and server-based…