Lead Controls Engineer

PDS Tech Commercial, Inc.; Holcomb (KS); On-site; USD 7,439,000 - 12,398,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401K plan

Paid time off

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a Lead Controls Engineer to drive automation in Holcomb, KS. This onsite role leads controls strategy, troubleshoots PLC/SCADA systems, and mentors a cross-functional team across a highly automated manufacturing environment.

You will work with Schneider Electric/Modicon platforms, Ignition and iFix, and collaborate with operations and maintenance to implement modernization initiatives and improve reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years in information systems, controls, automation, or related technical field.
• Experience in industrial automation within manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation, controls, and information systems initiatives across operations.
• Troubleshoot and optimize PLC/SCADA/HMI systems and industrial networks.
• Program, commission, modify, and maintain Schneider Electric/Modicon PLCs.
• Diagnose production issues with conveyors, drives, motors, sensors, and scanners.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership to drive solutions.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to team members.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Cross-functional

Industrial automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS/IS

Tools

Schneider Electric/Modicon PLCs

Ignition

iFix

SQL databases

Industrial networks

Job description

Lead Controls Engineer - Drive the Future of Industrial Automation

• Location: Holcomb, KS (100% Onsite)
• Schedule: Monday-Friday | 1st Shift (6:00 AM-4:00 PM) or 2nd Shift (3:00 PM-12:00 AM)
• Pay Rate: Up to $90.00 per hour

Make a Lasting Impact on Critical Manufacturing Operations

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Lead Controls Engineer to support a large-scale manufacturing operation in Holcomb, KS. This is an exceptional opportunity for a technical leader who thrives on solving complex automation challenges, driving modernization initiatives, and improving the reliability of mission-critical production systems.

In this role, you'll serve as a key technical authority, partnering with cross-functional teams to optimize plant automation, lead controls strategy, and support operational excellence across a highly automated manufacturing environment. If you're passionate about industrial technology, continuous improvement, and hands‑on troubleshooting, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As the Lead Controls Engineer, you'll provide technical leadership and hands‑on expertise across industrial controls, automation systems, and plant‑floor technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support automation, controls, and Information Systems initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Troubleshoot and optimize PLC-based control systems, SCADA platforms, HMIs, and industrial network communications.
• Program, commission, modify, and maintain PLC systems, with a strong focus on Schneider Electric/Modicon environments.
• Diagnose and resolve complex production issues involving conveyors, drives, motors, sensors, scanners, and automated material handling systems.
• Support plant-floor automation equipment while minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams to develop and implement technology solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members and stakeholders.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement improvements, upgrades, and modernization projects for legacy and current automation systems.
• Develop and maintain system standards, specifications, documentation, and best practices.
• Support SCADA and HMI platforms, including Ignition and iFix, to improve visibility and operational performance.
• Troubleshoot communications between PLCs, scanners, field devices, HMIs, and enterprise systems.
• Integrate and support industrial identification technologies, including barcode, scanning, and vision systems.
• Participate in system testing, validation, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Work closely with vendors and technology partners to evaluate emerging solutions and future technology strategies.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• 6+ years of experience in Information Systems, Controls Engineering, Automation, or a related technical field.
• Proven experience in industrial automation within manufacturing, production, or material handling environments.
• Strong background supporting both modern and legacy control systems.

Technical Expertise

• Advanced PLC programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience with Schneider Electric / Modicon PLC platforms.
• Knowledge of ladder logic, structured programming, I/O mapping, and HMI integration.
• Experience supporting:
  • Conveyors and material handling systems
  • Motors, VFDs, sensors, and photo eyes
  • Interlocks and sequencing controls
  • Automated production equipment
• Working knowledge of:
  • SCADA systems
  • Ignition and iFix
  • SQL databases
  • Scripting and server-based technologies
• Experience troubleshooting industrial communications networks and connected devices.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and diagnose root‑cause issues quickly and effectively.

Professional Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Experience working in cross‑functional team environments.
• Familiarity with system development lifecycle methodologies, testing, and implementation practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Keyence, Cognex, and SICK barcode, vision, or identification systems.
• Background leading controls upgrades, migration projects, and automation modernization efforts.
• Experience supporting high‑volume manufacturing, food production, distribution, or material handling operations.
• Project management experience involving industrial automation initiatives.
• Knowledge of enterprise-level system integration and plant‑wide control architectures.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a controls engineering role. It's an opportunity to become a trusted technical leader driving innovation and operational excellence in a highly automated industrial environment.

What Makes This Opportunity Exciting?

• High Visibility Impact - Play a critical role supporting technologies that directly influence plant performance and productivity.
• Technical Variety - Work across PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, industrial networks, vision systems, material handling equipment, and modernization projects.
• Leadership Opportunity - Guide technical direction, influence strategy, and collaborate with decision‑makers across multiple functions.
• Challenging Projects - Help lead controls upgrades, system enhancements, and future‑focused automation initiatives.
• Competitive Compensation - Earn up to $90/hour while expanding your technical and leadership expertise.
• Stable, Growing Environment - Join a team committed to innovation, continuous improvement, reliability, and operational excellence.

Ready to Lead the Next Generation of Automation?

If you're a hands‑on controls expert who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, driving continuous improvement, and leading automation initiatives that make a measurable impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay Details:

$90.00 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

Requirements

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.