Controls Engineer

Stryten Energy is hiring a Controls Engineer for our state-of-the-art, cutting-edge, 9-year-old plant in Kansas City, MO. The facility runs two machines at 20 tons per hour — the fastest production speed of its kind in the United States — producing the grids that go into batteries used nationwide. Located near the airport in the Kansas City suburbs, the plant employs 45 operations staff and reports to the Maintenance and Engineering Manager. As the subject matter expert, you will share knowledge across the team and receive direct manufacturer training on proprietary rolling mill and punch press equipment. With five U.S. manufacturing facilities, advancement and internal mobility opportunities are available. Beyond troubleshooting and preventative maintenance, you will play a key role in upcoming initiatives such as adding a new vision system to the plant.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) programs
• Contribute to the team responsible for specifying, designing, acquiring, and validating manufacturing equipment and tooling
• Interface with equipment suppliers and Operations to assure new machinery is built, integrated, delivered, and will run to Stryten Energy's controls and programming standards
• Work with factory-level engineers and technicians to standardize controls and programming
• Design, develop, and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, equipment layouts, and electrical schematics using drafting tools and computer-aided design (CAD)/drafting equipment and software
• Recommend controls and programming modifications to eliminate machine and system malfunctions, minimize operator errors, eliminate recurring equipment issues, increase efficiency, increase output, decrease set-up time, and decrease cost
• Configure HMI systems (touch screen)
• Research suppliers for assembly components and create an electrical bill of materials for existing or new projects
• Advise EHS, Operations, Engineering, and suppliers on OSHA compliance and safe operating procedures for machinery and programming
• Utilize lean concepts on projects throughout the plant to achieve goals
• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the team and company goals

Requirements

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience as an industrial controls engineer in support of engineering/maintenance of plant operations preferred
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and create PLC programming, including Ladder Diagram (LD), Sequential Function Charts (FC), Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST), and Instruction List (IL)
• Allen-Bradley experience required
• Experience powering up electrical systems, troubleshooting, and hardware configuration
• Experience with servo motors, power drives, and overhead cranes
• Familiar with UL standards and motion controls

Skills

• Strong Allen-Bradley software programming experience, including RS Logix 5000/Studio 5000 Logix Designer
• Experience programming VFDs, HMIs, servo drives, robotics, and other controllers
• Experience with the creation, administration, troubleshooting, and internal/external interface of Ethernet machine networks
• Working knowledge of Inductive Automation's Ignition software is a plus
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Windows-based programs, Autodesk CAD software (AutoCAD, Inventor, etc.), MS Office, and MS Project
• Exposure to Cognex or Keyence is preferred

Physical Demands

Able to see, hear, and speak; able to sit, stand for at least two hours at a time, bend, crawl, squat, kneel, and climb; able to use both arms and hands to use a computer and peripherals and lift 40 pounds from floor level; able to work below ground level in confined spaces and on stationary or mobile elevated platforms; able to wear respirator and other PPE as required; able to climb stairs. Able to work extended shifts and weekends as needed. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

Potential for exposure to lead, acid fumes, dirt, and noise. Personal protective equipment and supplies are required and provided.

Travel

Minimal travel for this position.