Controls Engineering CO-OP

KFI ENGINEERS PC; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 34,440,000; Full time

Job summary

KFI Engineers is seeking a Controls Engineering Co-op in Cincinnati, OH for Spring term 2027 with potential for additional rotations. You will engage in site visits, calculations, laddering into PLC/SCADA/HMI work, and support commissioning across energy systems.

The role emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and practical engineering in a consulting environment. Ideal candidates pursue an Engineering degree, have strong communication and analytical skills, and are willing to travel.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an Engineering degree with coursework in related disciplines.
• Proficient with MS Office and basic engineering tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Good time management and organization; able to balance tasks.
• Able to work independently and with teams; adaptable to priorities.
• Willingness to travel if needed.
• Commitment to professional engineering ethics and policies.

Responsibilities

• Visit sites to gather field information and requirements.
• Perform calculations and develop Excel spreadsheets.
• Write sequence of operations for control systems.
• Analyze performance and suggest improvements.
• Assist in programming PLCs and DDCs; support similar platforms.
• Develop applications using SCADA and HMI software.
• Use SQL for data collection and analysis.
• Assist in startup, commissioning, and tuning of control systems.
• Troubleshoot low voltage control and electrical circuits.
• Participate in meetings with analysis and recommendations.
• Help develop project schedules and manage workloads.
• Prepare reports and present findings to the team.
• Learn new tools and support commissioning activities.

Skills

MS Office

Verbal and written communication

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Time management

Organizational skills

Independent and collaborative work

Ethics and professionalism

Travel willingness

Education

Pursuing Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Completed at least two years of relevant coursework

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SCADA

HMI (Wonderware)

PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Emerson)

DCS environments

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

CO-OP Cincinnati, OH, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1412

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Position:Controls Engineering Co-op

Department:Performance Group (PG)

Start Date: Spring Term 2027, with potential for additional Co-op rotations

WHO WE ARE

KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in facility infrastructure design and performance. Since 1996, our culture of collaboration and unique capabilities have allowed us to make a difference in the way infrastructure and processing projects are delivered.

Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with numerous regional offices throughout the United States, and a team of hundreds of professionals, we offer opportunities to continue your career with mentorship programs, career growth support, and continued education. With KFI, we find a way to provide creative solutions to unique projects while providing the same care we would expect if we were the client. For more information about KFI Engineers and our culture, please visit www.kfi-eng.com .

THE OPPORTUNITY

At KFI, we see Co-ops as a valuable investment in our future. Our Co-op program offers you the opportunity to learn our business, gain exposure to various projects and industry sectors, and enhance your engineering skills.

Co-op Program Benefits

• Hands-on, real-world experience in the consulting engineering industry.
• Work with impactful projects.
• Learning opportunities through mentorship.
• Occasional site visits.
• Network with leading experts in the industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Controls Engineering Co-op solves problems by applying both industrial and commercial control technologies to a variety of fields, with an emphasis on energy systems. The position requires technical competence, creativity, attention to detail, self-direction, and a commitment to excellent customer service.

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Site visits to gather field information as required.
• Perform engineering calculations and develop Excel spreadsheets.
• Write control sequence of operations.
• Analyze system operational performance and develop recommendations for improvement.
• Assist in writing and debugging control logic for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Direct Digital Controls (DDC), and/or similar platforms.
• Develop applications using SCADA and HMI software.
• Utilize SQL for analytical data collection.
• Assist in startup, commissioning, and fine-tuning of control systems.
• Troubleshoot low voltage control and electrical circuits.
• Participate in company meetings, providing analysis, input, and recommendations.
• Assist in developing and maintaining project schedules.
• Manage workload across assigned activities to meet deadlines.
• Write reports and present research to the Performance Group team.
• Learn to use new tools as technology and company needs evolve.
• Support other Commissioning and Recommissioning activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Pursuing an Associate or Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering related discipline.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer technology, including MS Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Effective time management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, adapting quickly to shifting priorities and workload demands.
• Consistently demonstrate professional engineering ethics and adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Ability and willingness to travel if needed.

Preferred

• Completed at least two years of relevant college coursework.
• Interest in completing multiple Co-op rotations (consecutive or alternating semesters).
• Working knowledge of engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit).
• Possess understanding of control system architecture and sequence of operation development, control panel layout/design, control logic development in PLC (Allen Bradley/Emerson) or DCS environments and HMI (Wonderware) system application development.
• Experience specifying instrumentation for flow, pressure, temperature and be capable of selecting and sizing modulating valves for steam and water applications.
• Interest in building systems, construction environments, and/or commercial HVAC.
• Comfortable working in both office and construction site settings.
• Ability to conduct meetings and project presentations.

Working Conditions

• Occasionally, some work locations will feature the tough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment.

CORE BEHAVIORS

Accountable

• Demonstrates persistence in the achievement of goals.
• Acts with a sense of urgency.
• Takes responsibility for own actions.

Business Focus

• Demonstrates agility, adapts well to changes.
• Works well under pressure.
• Meets commitments to internal/external customers.

Project Execution

• Plans projects well, managing last-minute rushes and disruptions.
• Balances Speed and Quality.
• Looks for improvement in our delivery, tools and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Demonstrates Respect for Others

• Keeps others adequately informed.
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views.
• Adapts communication style and method based on audience and situation.

Team Player

• Balances team and individual responsibilities.
• Shares expertise with others.
• Inspires respect and trust.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

KFI Engineers is an EOE including veterans and disability.