Lead Controls Engineer

Dutech Systems; Holcomb (KS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Dutech Systems in Holcomb, KS seeks an experienced Lead Controls Engineer to support industrial automation, plant-floor controls, and manufacturing operations. You will lead PLC programming, troubleshooting, and modernization initiatives across Schneider Electric/Modicon systems.

The role requires hands-on expertise with PLC/HMI/SCADA platforms (Ignition, iFix), vision systems, scanners, and industrial networks, plus strong technical leadership and cross-functional collaboration to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a technical field or related experience.
• 6+ years in information systems, industrial controls, automation, or related field.
• Proven programming and troubleshooting experience in industrial control environments.
• Strong hands-on PLC programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with ladder logic, structured programming, I/O mapping, and HMI integration.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and interpret control system diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Lead troubleshooting, programming, commissioning, and maintenance of PLC-based industrial control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving Schneider Electric/Modicon PLCs, ladder logic, structured programming, and I/O mapping.
• Troubleshoot automated production equipment, conveyors, motors, drives, sensors, and sequencing systems.
• Support and troubleshoot HMI/SCADA platforms, particularly Ignition and iFix.
• Integrate and troubleshoot industrial barcode scanners, vision systems, and identification equipment.
• Diagnose communication issues between PLCs, HMIs, scanners, field devices, and plant-floor systems.
• Interpret electrical schematics and trace faults across electrical, controls, communication, and equipment systems.
• Support both legacy and modern automation systems, including upgrades and modernization projects.
• Develop, review, and modify control-system specifications, configurations, and programs.
• Develop and execute integrated test plans to verify system functionality and reliability.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a technical field

Tools

Schneider Electric/Modicon PLCs

Ignition

iFix

SQL

Job description

seeking an experienced Lead Controls Engineer to support industrial automation, plant-floor controls, and manufacturing operations at its Holcomb, Kansas facility.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands‑on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, particularly Schneider Electric/Modicon systems. This role involves supporting automated production lines, conveyors, material‑handling equipment, SCADA/HMI systems, industrial scanning devices, and plant‑floor communication networks.

The engineer will troubleshoot complex control‑system issues, identify root causes, support legacy equipment, and contribute to controls upgrades and modernization initiatives. The position also requires technical leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and ensuring reliable plant operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead troubleshooting, programming, commissioning, and maintenance of PLC‑based industrial control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving Schneider Electric/Modicon PLCs, ladder logic, structured programming, and I/O mapping.
• Troubleshoot automated production equipment, conveyors, motors, drives, sensors, photo eyes, interlocks, and sequencing systems.
• Support and troubleshoot HMI/SCADA platforms, particularly Ignition and iFix.
• Integrate and troubleshoot industrial barcode scanners, vision systems, and identification equipment, including Keyence, Cognex, and SICK.
• Diagnose communication issues between PLCs, HMIs, scanners, field devices, and plant‑floor systems.
• Interpret electrical schematics and trace faults across electrical, controls, communication, and equipment systems.
• Support both legacy and modern automation systems, including upgrades, replacements, and modernization projects.
• Develop, review, and modify control‑system specifications, configurations, and programs.
• Develop and execute integrated test plans to verify system functionality and reliability.
• Follow established engineering standards, system development lifecycle methodologies, and plant procedures.
• Provide technical direction and recommendations to engineering teams, vendors, and management.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to improve equipment reliability, minimize downtime, and maintain production efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or another technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• At least 6 years of experience in Information Systems, industrial controls, automation, or a related technical field.
• Proven programming and troubleshooting experience in industrial control environments.
• Strong hands‑on PLC programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with ladder logic, structured programming, I/O mapping, and HMI integration.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics.
• Strong understanding of SCADA systems, scripting, server‑based technologies, SQL, and industrial control applications.
• Experience with system development lifecycle methodologies, system testing, and technical documentation.
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Technical Skills

• PLC/Controls: Schneider Electric/Modicon PLCs, ladder logic, structured programming, and troubleshooting.
• Plant Automation: Automated production systems and manufacturing equipment.
• Conveyance Systems: Conveyors, motors, drives, sensors, photo eyes, interlocks, and sequencing.
• SCADA/HMI: Ignition and iFix.
• Industrial Scanning/Vision: Keyence, Cognex, and SICK systems.
• Industrial Communications: Troubleshooting communication between PLCs, HMIs, scanners, and field devices.
• Controls Modernization: Legacy equipment support, system upgrades, and replacements.
• Programming & Data: SQL, scripting, server‑based systems, and 4GL programming.