Automation & Controls Specialist II

GAF is the North American leader in residential roofing materials and is constructing a new shingle manufacturing facility in Newton, Kansas. We are building our initial plant leadership team and need an Automation and Controls Specialist to lead electrical projects, provide technical expertise, and support reliable plant operation.

The Automation and Controls Specialist provides leadership and technical expertise to support safe and reliable operation of the manufacturing plant. The 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 the production operations and take appropriate action to correct these problems.
• Assist and train maintenance, production, or other technicians as needed with technical or troubleshooting‑related 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.

• Associate’s Degree in industrial automation or related field with 5+ years of experience OR a High School Diploma 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 different types 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, 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.

• 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.

• Health insurance options that include medical, dental, and vision for employees and families.
• Family‑building benefits supporting fertility and parenthood journeys.
• Robust 401K plan with employer match contributions.
• Programs and perks that support work‑life balance, such as a wellness program, free financial coaching, referral program, and employee primary‑residence product rebates.
• Professional growth and development opportunities, including internal training programs, courses, and generous tuition reimbursement.
• Culture that reflects values of connection, empowerment, evolution, and inspiration, with Employee Resource Groups for education and allyship.

Base Salary Range: $88,000 – $121,000. Compensation offers will consider location, experience, education, and qualifications.

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