Senior Automation Engineer

Architect, program, and commission PLC/HMI/SCADA solutions that keep production moving.
Lead. Mentor. Deliver.

Kansas Electric is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, programming, and support of automation control systems. You will architect PLC/HMI/SCADA solutions, mentor technicians, partner with project managers on bids and delivery, and provide technical oversight for our UL 508A panel shop. This role serves as a subject matter expert across industrial, food & beverage, agricultural, and commercial environments.

Lead automation strategy from design through commissioning.

Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, and SCADA architectures tailored to industrial and commercial processes.

Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric (or equivalent) platforms including RSLogix, Factory Talk View, Ignition.

Collaborate with project managers to deliver custom automation solutions on schedule and budget, including bid strategy and proposal reviews.

Provide advanced technical support and mentorship to automation technicians; maintain vendor and subcontractor relationships.

Guide panel design, build, and installation standards; ensure documentation and compliance with NFPA, NEC, UL 508A, and OSHA requirements.

Lead commissioning, testing, and field service; support process automation improvements and template/standards creation.

• Develop system documentation including control logic, schematics, and operation manuals.
• Shape automation department processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Partner across automation and electrical divisions to evaluate risk, profitability, and competitive pricing.
• Support industrial networking (Ether Net/IP, Profibus, Modbus, Device Net) and OT standards.

What you bring to lead automation delivery.

BS in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls, or equivalent experience.

7+ years in automation engineering, controls design, and PLC/HMI/SCADA programming.

Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric (RSLogix, Factory Talk View, Ignition; Compact Logix/Control Logix/Modicon).

Industrial networking familiarity (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, Device Net).

Field commissioning/startup experience with strong problem-solving and communication.

Knowledge of NFPA 70, UL 508A, and OSHA safety practices; experience in agricultural, food & beverage, or industrial markets.

Expertise with automation and controls software plus estimating tools (McCormick preferred) and construction tools like Bluebeam.

Subject-matter expert experience leading technical teams; design-build or design-assist project experience.

Deep understanding of NEC, construction sequencing, and commercial/industrial installations.

Strong business acumen with ability to evaluate risk, profitability, and vendor/subcontractor pricing; knowledge of local labor markets.

Rockwell Automation badges or similar credentials; template and standards creation (AutoCAD, PLC programming, Ignition).

Industrial networking depth across Ether Net/IP, Modbus, Device Net, and Profibus.

Competitive package plus growth and leadership opportunities.

Competitive salary with leadership growth path.

401(k) with company match.

Paid time off and holidays.

Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.

Field commissioning exposure across high-impact automation projects.

Join the team building mission-critical automation and controls across the Midwest.