Lead System Engineer

About the role

The Automation Engineer is responsible for integrating, automating, and troubleshooting control systems for a diverse range of customers. This role focuses primarily on modifying code in Rockwell platforms, programming controllers, and supporting projects from initial design through to final commissioning. The engineer typically manages one project at a time, with occasional periods of handling up to two or three projects within a short timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Integrate, automate, and troubleshoot control systems for various customer projects from concept through commissioning.
• Participate in design meetings and conference calls to interface directly with clients, understand requirements, and provide technical input.
• Collaborate with the project team, provide guidance to less experienced engineers, and follow direction from the project manager or lead engineer.
• Program controllers using Rockwell and Siemens PLC platforms to meet project specifications and performance requirements.
• Design electrical control cabinets and panels, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and best practices.
• Develop and review electrical design documentation, including panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and related schematics.
• Configure, test, and validate system functionality to verify that all control components and software operate as intended.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues identified during testing and commissioning, making necessary adjustments to code and hardware.
• Travel to client sites for project meetings to support design reviews, technical discussions, and on‑site collaboration.
• Travel to client sites for system commissioning, overseeing installation, startup, and handover of automated systems.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in automation engineering and control systems integration.
• Hands‑on experience working with PLCs and control systems, including programming and troubleshooting.
• Strong proficiency with Rockwell platforms, with at least 2+ years of advanced experience.
• Ability to program controllers using Rockwell and Siemens PLCs.
• Experience designing electrical control cabinets and panels, including panel wiring and layout.
• Solid understanding of electrical design principles related to industrial control systems.
• Ability to test and validate system configurations to verify proper functionality.
• Strong communication skills for interfacing with clients in design meetings and conference calls.
• Ability to work effectively within a project team, leading less experienced engineers while taking direction from project leadership.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% for project meetings and system commissioning.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in a relevant discipline such as electrical, controls, or automation engineering.
• 2–8 years of overall engineering experience in automation or controls environments.
• Experience with Siemens PLC platforms in addition to Rockwell systems.
• Experience in panel design and panel wiring for industrial control applications.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments and bringing automated products and systems to life.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail in both software and hardware design.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a short time frame while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.

Work environment

The role is primarily based in a clean office environment, with regular collaboration in design meetings and conference calls. The Automation Engineer occasionally works in manufacturing settings where automated products and systems are built and commissioned, providing hands‑on exposure to equipment and real‑world applications. Travel to client sites, up to approximately 25% of the time, is required for project meetings and system commissioning activities.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $48.08 – $62.50 per hour. Individual compensation within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, vacation or sick leave)

Location

This is a contract‑to‑hire position based out of Cincinnati, OH. The role is fully onsite.

Application deadline

Anticipated closing date: October 7, 2026.