Control Systems Engineer

Cogent, Inc; Fenton (MO); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogent, Inc. is seeking a Control Systems Engineer to design, program, and support industrial control systems from concept through commissioning.

You will work with engineers, fabricators, and field teams to deliver safe, high-performance automation that meets customer requirements and safety standards. Travel and on-site commissioning are involved.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Technical Degree with equivalent experience.
• Experience in industrial control system design, programming, and integration.
• Working knowledge of PLC and HMI platforms (Allen-Bradley preferred).
• Strong understanding of control circuits, instrumentation, and VFD integration.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical for schematic design.
• Excellent communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as project needs require.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop industrial control systems, including hardware selection, schematic design, and programming.
• Develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications using industry-standard platforms.
• Prepare system specifications, I/O lists, and documentation packages.
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams for seamless system integration.
• Provide technical support for control panel fabrication, wiring, and testing.
• Conduct on-site or remote system commissioning, testing, and operator training.
• Assist with project management tasks - scope definition, quoting, scheduling, and budget tracking.
• Support sales and estimating teams with control system concepts and scope development.
• Troubleshoot system and instrumentation issues to ensure reliable operation.
• Contribute to standardization and continuous improvement of Cogent’s design and engineering practices.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

SCADA

VFD integration

Control systems

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

AutoCAD Electrical

Allen-Bradley

Job description

Job Description

The Control Systems Engineer quotes, designs, programs, and supports innovative industrial control systems, from initial concept through commissioning. This role works closely with engineers, fabricators, and field service teams to ensure reliable, high-performance automation solutions that meet customer requirements, safety standards, and performance expectations. Youll bring together your knowledge of controls hardware, PLC/HMI programming, and process integration to deliver systems that help our customers operate smarter, safer, and more efficiently.

• Design and develop industrial control systems, including hardware selection, schematic design, and programming.
• Develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications using industry-standard platforms.
• Prepare system specifications, I/O lists, and documentation packages.
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams for seamless system integration.
• Provide technical support for control panel fabrication, wiring, and testing.
• Conduct on-site or remote system commissioning, testing, and operator training.
• Assist with project management tasks - scope definition, quoting, scheduling, and budget tracking.
• Support sales and estimating teams with control system concepts and scope development.
• Troubleshoot system and instrumentation issues to ensure reliable operation.
• Contribute to standardization and continuous improvement of Cogents design and engineering practices.

Work Environment/Travel Expectations

This position offers a mix of office and field-based work to support diverse project needs. Typical allocation includes approximately 40% on-site (customer or field locations), 60% in-office, and up to 20% overnight travel for commissioning, training, or project support as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Technical Degree with equivalent experience.
• Experience in industrial control system design, programming, and integration.
• Working knowledge of PLC and HMI platforms (Allen-Bradley preferred).
• Strong understanding of control circuits, instrumentation, and VFD integration.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical for schematic design.
• Excellent communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as project needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SCADA and historian systems.
• Familiarity with UL 508A control panel standards and electrical safety codes.
• Experience in water/wastewater or process automation industries.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with shifting priorities.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Join Us

At Cogent, we believe the best solutions come from empowered people. If youre passionate about engineering excellence and thrive in a team-focused environment that values ownership, innovation, and integrity - we want to hear from you!