Controls Engineer

Colgate-Palmolive; Tonganoxie (KS); On-site; USD 77,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive in Kansas is seeking an Automation & Controls Specialist to lead plant floor control systems, PLC programming, and robotics optimization. You will mentor technicians and coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to improve reliability and safety.

The role focuses on ABB/Allen-Bradley ecosystems, modernizing automation, and ensuring GMP and food-safety standards are met while supporting 24/7 operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of hands-on PLC programming, ladder logic development, and industrial electrical troubleshooting.
• Experience troubleshooting 480 VAC 3-phase, 120 VAC, and 24 VDC systems in an active environment.
• Proven ability to support automated systems, robotics, or material handling in manufacturing.
• Flexibility to support off-shift, weekend, or holiday escalations as required.

Responsibilities

• Own design, maintenance, programming, and troubleshooting of plant floor control systems and 480 VAC distribution.
• Lead diagnostics and configuration for AMR/LGV/AGV fleets, optimizing robotic cells and vision.
• Drive digital transformation and reliability initiatives to reduce downtime and waste.
• Act as senior escalation resource and mentor for shift technicians in controls.
• Ensure automation changes comply with GMP, safety and quality requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics support

Electrical troubleshooting

Mentoring technicians

Operations collaboration

Education

Electrical/Controls Eng degree

Tools

Wonderware/AVEVA System Platform

Microsoft SQL databases

Industrial Ethernet/IP networking

CAD tools

Job description

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number #177278 - Tonganoxie, Kansas, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Role Summary

Reporting directly to the Operational Technology (OT) Team Lead, the Automation & Controls Specialist serves as the primary technical authority for plant floor control systems, electrical execution, and advanced robotics infrastructure. This role bridges shift-level technical execution with site digital transformation by leading complex PLC logic programming, hardware reliability, and the optimization of Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) and Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV/LGV) fleets. Operating as an escalation lead and mentor to site technicians, you will partner across Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to maximize plant reliability and uphold global OT and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Control Systems Leadership & Reliability: Own the design, maintenance, programming, and troubleshooting of plant floor control systems, including Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/GuardLogix PLCs, HMIs, loop controllers, servo drives, and 480 VAC electrical distribution networks.
• Robotics & Automated Fleet Optimization: Lead technical support, advanced diagnostics, and configuration for facility Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) and Laser Guided Vehicle (LGV/AGV) material transport fleets, optimizing collaborative robotic cells and vision systems.
• Continuous Improvement & Modernization: Partner with engineering and operations to spearhead digital transformation and reliability initiatives, using structured continuous improvement tools to reduce downtime, eliminate waste, and optimize plant performance.
• Technical Escalation & Capability Building: Function as the senior technical escalation resource for complex controls and business/floor system interface issues, providing structured coaching and technical mentorship to shift maintenance technicians.
• Safety, Quality & Compliance Governance: Ensure all automation hardware, software modifications, and team execution strictly align with company safety guidelines, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Quality Assurance requirements, and food safety standards.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in PLC programming, ladder logic development, and industrial electrical troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience troubleshooting industrial power and control circuits (480 VAC 3-phase, 120 VAC, and 24 VDC systems).
• Proven experience supporting and troubleshooting automated systems, robotics, or industrial material handling systems in an active operating environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule supporting continuous plant operations (including occasional off‑shift, weekend, or holiday escalation support as required).

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of controls experience within a high‑speed consumer goods (CPG), packaging, or food/beverage manufacturing facility.
• Direct experience with Wonderware/AVEVA System Platform, Microsoft SQL databases, and Industrial Ethernet/IP networking.
• Familiarity with CAD schematic design and modification tools.
• Strong collaborative and leadership capabilities with demonstrated experience mentoring cross‑functional shift teams and resolving technical operational roadblocks.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $76,800.00 - $121,000.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit‑sharing, and long‑term incentives for Executive‑level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaxk_eF4utznQoVHlxmL9jVFJbOkM4Oe5CAdKOg-h9EPdLfg/viewform) should you require accommodation.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here (https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/content/dam/cp-sites/corporate/corporate/en_us/corp/locale-assets/pdf/colgate-terms-and-conditions-2023.pdf) .

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