Automation Controls Engineer — PLC, Vision & HMI Expert

Piston Automotive; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays & vacation

Medical & Rx plans

Dental & Vision plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

401K with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Vehicle and product discounts

Job summary

Piston Automotive in Kansas City, KS is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, document and improve control systems for production processes. You will coordinate projects from sourcing through SOP, transfer equipment docs, and support cost estimations for capital and tooling.

The role requires PLC programming, vision system integration, HMI programming, and collaboration with automation vendors. You will drive lean initiatives, support maintenance, and help ensure reliable, scalable control

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years of experience as a Controls Engineer or Maintenance Technician.
• 2-4 years of experience in PLC programming for various assembly and conveyor systems.
• 2-4 years programming Vision Systems (Cognex, DVT, Keyence).
• 2-4 years of experience in HMI programming (PanelView).
• 2+ years of experience with JIT, SPD, ILVS and Batch manufacturing systems.
• Experience with Manual and Automated Assembly Systems and Technologies.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, RSLogix 5000/500 etc.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and calculate machine performance and requirements utilizing the PLC.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement and track assigned projects.
• Develop and track capital investment budgets for projects.
• Interface with automation and capital equipment vendors for control solutions.
• Provide controls guidance in equipment selection and operations.
• Integrate and network PCs and PLCs (TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP).
• Support controls-related issues to prevent downtime.
• Drive lean concepts (5S, OEE, Kanban, Visual Factory, TPM).
• Implement process improvements including automation.
• Collaborate on controls communications, design reviews and feasibility studies.
• Support Purchasing in evaluating new suppliers and technologies.
• Benchmark processes and equipment for Piston Standards.
• Provide guidance to Maintenance Technicians to strengthen the team.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Vision systems

JIT manufacturing

Assembly systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

RSLogix 5000

PanelView Plus

AutoCAD

Job description

Piston Automotive in Kansas City, KS is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, document and improve control systems for production processes. You will coordinate projects from sourcing through SOP, transfer equipment docs, and support cost estimations for capital and tooling.

The role requires PLC programming, vision system integration, HMI programming, and collaboration with automation vendors. You will drive lean initiatives, support maintenance, and help ensure reliable, scalable control