Automation Engineer - Wichita, KS Metropolitan Area

Kansas Electric, Inc; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Kansas Electric, Inc is seeking an Automation Engineer for the Wichita area to design, program, test, commission and troubleshoot control systems. The role collaborates with project managers, engineers, panel builders and field teams to deliver reliable automation solutions.

The position welcomes candidates from graduates to experienced engineers and technicians with programming and troubleshooting experience. It emphasizes hands-on execution and adherence to safety and engineering standards.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent practical experience in electrical engineering, automation, or related field.
• Foundational ability to read electrical schematics and understand control systems.
• Strong problem-solving, attention to detail and safe work practices.
• Clear written and verbal communication and collaborative team approach.
• Willingness to participate in field startup and commissioning as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify and troubleshoot PLC programs, HMI applications and SCADA systems for industrial equipment and processes.
• Support controls design, including equipment selection, I/O lists, control narratives, electrical schematics and panel documentation.
• Integrate and troubleshoot instrumentation, sensors, variable frequency drives, control devices and industrial communication networks.
• Perform system testing, I/O checkout, startup, commissioning and field troubleshooting; document results and resolve issues with the project team.
• Prepare and maintain program backups, control logic documentation, drawings and operating instructions.
• Collaborate with panel shop and field personnel to resolve installation and wiring questions and support successful system integration.
• Communicate technical needs, progress, changes and issues to project managers and customers; complete assigned work within agreed schedules and budgets.
• Provide technical input for estimates, equipment selections and project scopes as experience allows.
• Follow established engineering practices, applicable codes and standards, and company and customer safety requirements; contribute practical improvements to programming and documentation.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Studio 5000/RSLogix

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Field instrumentation tooling

Job description

Automation Engineer - Wichita, KS Metropolitan Area

Position Summary

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to join our team in Newton, KS. This role is a technical, execution focused position, reporting to the Automation Lead.You will help design, program, test, commission and troubleshoot control systems, working with project managers, engineers, panel builders, field teams and customers.

This is a hands-on individual contributor role.Assignments, technical complexity and independence will reflect your experience. We welcome recent graduates, experienced automation engineers, and controls technicians or electricians with relevant programming and troubleshooting experience.

Responsibilities will be assigned according to demonstrated skills, with technical guidance appropriate to your experience level.

• Develop, modify and troubleshoot PLC programs, HMI applications and SCADA systems for industrial equipment and processes.
• Support controls design, including equipment selection, I/O lists, control narratives, electrical schematics and panel documentation.
• Integrate and troubleshoot instrumentation, sensors, variable frequency drives, control devices and industrial communication networks.
• Perform system testing, I/O checkout, startup, commissioning and field troubleshooting; document results and resolve issues with the project team.
• Prepare and maintain program backups, control logic documentation, drawings and operating instructions.
• Collaborate with panel shop and field personnel to resolve installation and wiring questions and support successful system integration.
• Communicate technical needs, progress, changes and issues to project managers and customers; complete assigned work within agreed schedules and budgets.
• Provide technical input for estimates, equipment selections and project scopes as experience allows.
• Follow established engineering practices, applicable codes and standards, and company and customer safety requirements; contribute practical improvements to programming and documentation.

Core Qualifications

• Education in electrical engineering, automation, controls, mechatronics or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Relevant technical certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, apprenticeships and field experience are all considered.
• Foundational knowledge of electrical controls and automation, with programming and troubleshooting skills appropriate to the experience level.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and understand control system operation, or a demonstrated foundation and willingness to develop these skills.
• Logical problem-solving, attention to detail and a commitment to safe work practices.
• Clear written and verbal communication, a collaborative approach and the ability to organize assigned work and ask for support when needed.
• Willingness to participate in customer-site startup, commissioning and field service as project needs require.

Preferred Technical Experience

Experience in any of the areas below is valuable. Candidates are not expected to know every platform or have experience in every area; comparable systems and transferable skills are welcome.

• PLC platforms such as Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric or equivalent systems; examples include CompactLogix, ControlLogix, MicroLogix, SLC and Modicon.
• PLC, HMI or SCADA software such as Studio 5000/RSLogix, FactoryTalk View, Ignition or equivalent tools.
• Industrial networking, including EtherNet/IP, Modbus, PROFIBUS or DeviceNet.
• Process automation, instrumentation, motor controls, robotics or motion control.
• Control panel design, fabrication or testing; familiarity with UL 508A and the National Electrical Code.
• AutoCAD, electrical drafting tools, Bluebeam or similar documentation software.
• Industrial, agricultural, manufacturing, food and beverage, or water and wastewater applications; design-build or system integration projects.
• Relevant manufacturer training or certifications, including Rockwell Automation credentials.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Robust employee benefits package (health, dental, vision, etc.)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities

Join our team and contribute to the success of complex, high-impact automation and controls projects. Your contributions will help shape our competitive advantage in the industrial and commercial sectors.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.