Junior Controls Engineer: Automation & PLCs

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

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.