Controls Engineer I

Kocher-and-Beck-USA-LP; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Life Insurance

Job summary

Kocher + Beck USA is seeking a Controls Engineer 1 to design and develop new automation and control systems for our Lenexa, KS manufacturing facility. This role blends controls software and electrical design with hands-on installation, testing, debugging, and commissioning on the factory floor.

You will work with production and engineering teams to improve equipment reliability, develop PLC and HMI programs, and document changes while following safety standards and best practices.

Qualifications

• Experience programming PLCs using Structured Text (ST) in IEC 61131-3.
• Experience with Beckhoff controls or Siemens TIA Portal.
• Working knowledge of robotics, servo systems, motion control, sensors, and industrial automation hardware.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings; use AutoCAD or similar CAD software and diagnostic tools.

Responsibilities

• Work with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality to improve equipment performance and reliability.
• Select, configure, and integrate PLCs, I/O, sensors, vision systems, drives, servos, robotics, motion controls, and safety components.
• Develop PLC and HMI programs for new machines.
• Create, modify, and maintain electrical, safety, and controls documentation using AutoCAD Electrical or similar.
• Install, test, commission, and troubleshoot automated equipment.
• Train operators and maintenance personnel on automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures, perform root cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and document changes in the CMMS.
• Calibrate and maintain sensors, instrumentation, and vision systems.
• Follow OSHA, LOTO, arc-flash, and company safety requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

Structured Text (ST)

Beckhoff controls

Siemens TIA Portal

Robotics & motion control

Sensors & vision systems

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Mechatronics preferred

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Multimeter

Oscilloscope

Micrometer

Job description

Description

Kocher + Beck USA is seeking a Controls Engineer 1 to design and develop new automation and control systems for our Lenexa, KS manufacturing facility. This early-career engineering role combines controls software and electrical design with hands-on system integration, while improving the safety and reliability of existing equipment. The ideal candidate is analytical and design-oriented, enjoys solving problems across mechanical, electrical, and software systems, and creates the long-term automation roadmap.

Position Type + Hours

Permanent full-time, salaried position. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 40+ hours per week, with overtime as needed to support production and project schedules. This role combines office-based engineering and design work with hands-on manufacturing-floor work during installation, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning. Occasional travel may be required for equipment training, vendor support, or installation projects.

Essential Responsibilities

• Work with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality to improve equipment performance and reliability.
• Select, configure, and integrate PLCs, I/O, sensors, vision systems, drives, servos, robotics, motion controls, and safety components.
• Develop PLC and HMI programs for new machines.
• Create, modify, and maintain electrical, safety, and controls documentation using AutoCAD Electrical or similar.
• Install, test, commission, and troubleshoot automated equipment.
• Train operators and maintenance personnel on automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures, perform root cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and document changes in the CMMS.
• Calibrate and maintain sensors, instrumentation, and vision systems.
• Follow OSHA, LOTO, arc-flash, and company safety requirements.

Requirements

• Experience programming PLCs and automation controls using Structured Text (ST) in accordance with IEC 61131-3.
• Experience with Beckhoff controls or Siemens TIA Portal.
• Working knowledge of robotics, servo systems, motion control, motor controls, AC/DC circuits, sensors, instrumentation, and industrial automation hardware.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings, use AutoCAD or similar CAD software, and work with diagnostic tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and micrometers.
• Practical understanding of how mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and software components interact within an integrated automation system.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and respond to urgent equipment issues.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work standing, kneeling, climbing, or at heights when required.

Preferred

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Mechatronics.
• Professional, academic, or project experience taking automation systems from concept through commissioning, including hardware selection.
• Experience with 480V three-phase electrical systems, machine vision, industrial networks, or advanced motion control.
• Experience developing machine safety concepts, risk-reduction measures, or controls standards.
• Experience using a CMMS.
• Experience in precision tooling, narrow-web printing, converting equipment manufacturing, or a similar industrial manufacturing environment.

Benefits

• 100% Employer Paid Health, Dental, Accident, and Short-Term Disability Insurance premiums (100% employee-only and 75% dependent coverage)Bi-weekly employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• $25,000 Basic Life Insurance.
• Optional voluntary benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, and Cancer insurance, Long-Term Disability, and Supplemental Life.
• 401(k) with Company Match up to 6% (100% on first 3%, 50% on next 3%)
• Vacation, Personal Days, and 9 Paid Holidays.
• Up to $750 annual tuition reimbursement.
• Up to $100 charitable contribution match per year to a 501(c)(3) organization.