Sr Automation Controls Engineer

This position is located at our Ottumwa, IA facility and offers relocation benefits.

About the Role

The Principal Automation Control Engineer, under minimal supervision, selects hardware, develops software and documentation, and ensures compliance with appropriate codes and in-house standards. This role mentors junior-level technicians and electricians, manages third-party contractors, and recommends technical direction and new technologies. The engineer utilizes both off-the-shelf and custom solutions to solve and improve manufacturing equipment, troubleshoots and debugs automated machines, and leads major projects. Decisions made in this role have long-lasting impacts on the organization and require significant ingenuity and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead PLC/SCADA standardization across the manufacturing network
• Provide technical support to operations and project teams to solve dynamic problems and improve productivity
• Support standardization and continuous improvement of KDP manufacturing data collection and reporting systems
• Work with internal and third-party support teams to drive technical issues to resolution
• Contribute to strategic initiatives such as predictive analytics, IIOT, and advanced automation concepts
• Work with IT teams to ensure seamless patching, updates, and cybersecurity for manufacturing applications and servers
• Maintain controls and automation equipment standards
• Partner with maintenance and operations to provide training and create troubleshooting guides for recurring issues

Requirements

• BS in Engineering or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of industrial automation experience in a manufacturing environment
• Extensive PLC programming experience, preferably with Allen-Bradley systems, including Rockwell FactoryTalk suite, Logix platform, and Allen-Bradley industrial networks
• Good working knowledge of SCADA/HMI systems, preferably GE iFix and/or Ignition
• 5+ years of process and/or packaging automation experience
• Good working knowledge of variable speed and servo drives
• Good working knowledge of robotic control systems, preferably GE-Fanuc
• Strong understanding of computer and industrial networks
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment

Preferred qualifications include experience with GE Plant Applications, Siemens, Bosch & Rexroth, Beckhoff, databases, and familiarity with PM, work order, and asset creation/management.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Disability coverage
• Paid time off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time)
• 401k with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Mileage reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

Benefits are eligible from day one.

Pay

Salary range: $96,800 - $120,000. Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors.