Controls Engineer

About the role

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 — no other plant in the United States operates at this speed. You will be the subject matter expert (SME) for Allen-Bradley PLC systems, ensuring production of the battery grids our customers depend on nationwide. Reporting to the Maintenance and Engineering Manager, you’ll share knowledge with 45 operations employees at a site located near the airport in the Kansas City suburbs. As the only U.S. facility running at this pace, you’ll 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. Upcoming initiatives include integrating a new vision system and other key projects.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future.

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 runs 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 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

Qualifications

Experience & Education

• 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

Software Knowledge

• 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 Windows-based programs, Autodesk CAD software (AutoCAD, Inventor, etc.), MS Office, and MS Project
• Exposure to Cognex or Keyence is preferred

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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 operate 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

Work Environment

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

Travel

Minimal travel required for this position.

About Our Company

Stryten Energy is a leading battery manufacturer and energy storage company providing one of the industry’s most comprehensive portfolios of battery technologies and energy storage solutions. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes advanced lead, lithium, and vanadium redox flow batteries for automotive, commercial vehicle, golf cart, material handling, specialty motive, aerial work platforms, floor care, data center, telecommunications, utility, industrial, military, and government applications. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Stryten Energy operates 15 manufacturing and component facilities across the United States, with additional manufacturing operations in Mexico and China and commercial offices throughout Europe and Asia. The company’s portfolio includes the Stryten Energy, C&D Technologies, and Trojan Battery product brands, serving customers worldwide with reliable energy storage solutions for critical infrastructure, mobility, and national security applications. Learn more at www.stryten.com.