Automation PLC Engineer

Knobelsdorff; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage

HSA contributions

Life insurance & disability coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid weekly wages

PTO & 6 holidays

Education reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Knobelsdorff (KE) is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to lead design, programming, and commissioning of industrial automation and control systems. You will develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA solutions, support system integration, and provide technical leadership across project execution to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.

You will collaborate with customers, vendors, and internal teams, stay current on industry practices, and travel up to 30% for startup and commissioning

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience programming and commissioning PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from design through startup and commissioning.
• Design industrial control systems, including control panels, networking architecture, and field device integration.
• Develop and document PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications using standardized and reusable programming practices.
• Configure automation hardware including PLCs, HMIs, managed switches, VFDs, protocol converters, and related control devices.
• Create project documentation including I/O lists, functional design specifications, test procedures, and commissioning documents.
• Support FAT, SAT, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot control systems and implement programming modifications to optimize system performance.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to field technicians and project team members.
• Participate in customer meetings to define project scope, operational requirements, and automation strategies.
• Collaborate with customers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Stay current on industry best practices, emerging technologies, and automation platforms.

Skills

PLC/SCADA programming

Automation commissioning

Electrical engineering

Rockwell Studio 5000

Industrial networking

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Studio 5000

RSLogix 5000

FactoryTalk View

Ignition

Wonderware

Job description

Working at Knobelsdorff (KE)

Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.

Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core value. Starting your career with KE means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work.

If you’re ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, KE is the place for you.

Job Purpose

This role supports KE's Automation Division by leading the design, programming, and commissioning of industrial automation and control systems. You'll be responsible for developing PLC, HMI, and SCADA solutions, supporting system integration, and providing technical leadership throughout project execution that directly impacts project success, system reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Success in this role means delivering high-quality automation solutions that meet project requirements, perform reliably in the field, and support customer operations while maintaining strong communication and technical excellence, all while upholding KE's commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you're someone who takes pride in doing things the right way and thrives in a fast-moving environment, this position is built for you.

What You'll Do

• Lead automation projects from design through startup and commissioning.
• Design industrial control systems, including control panels, networking architecture, and field device integration.
• Interpret P&IDs, process flow diagrams, specifications, and customer requirements to develop control system solutions.
• Develop and document PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications using standardized and reusable programming practices.
• Configure automation hardware including PLCs, HMIs, managed switches, VFDs, protocol converters, and related control devices.
• Create project documentation including I/O lists, functional design specifications, test procedures, and commissioning documents.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), startup, and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot control systems and implement programming modifications to optimize system performance.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to field technicians and project team members.
• Participate in customer meetings to define project scope, operational requirements, and automation strategies.
• Collaborate with customers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Stay current on industry best practices, emerging technologies, and automation platforms.

What You Bring

• 5+ years of experience programming and commissioning PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Strong knowledge of industrial control systems, motor controls, instrumentation, and industrial networking.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms, including Studio 5000/RSLogix 5000 and FactoryTalk View.
• Experience with SCADA and visualization platforms such as Ignition, FactoryTalk View, or Wonderware.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP; experience with Modbus, Profinet, Profibus, DeviceNet, or similar protocols is a plus.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem‑solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to travel up to 30% for startup, commissioning, and customer support activities.

Pay Range

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.

Pay Range: $105,000 - $120,000 per year plus per diem and discretionary incentive opportunities

Total Rewards Statement

As a full-time employee at KE, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future.

• 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Typical Requirements May Include

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, and stoop for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and access elevated equipment platforms as needed.
• Ability to work in industrial environments that may include exposure to noise, dust, and varying site conditions.
• Ability to travel to customer sites and support startup and commissioning activities as required.
• Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact KE Human Resources at [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

KE is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Laws

• EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)

KE E-Verify

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.