Manufacturing Controls Development Engineer

Kforce Inc; Sparks (NV); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Life, Disability & ADD Insurance

Job summary

Kforce has a client seeking a Manufacturing Controls Development Engineer to support automation and AMR integration at the Gigafactory in Reno, NV. This is a highly technical, commissioning-focused role requiring strong Siemens PLC programming experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You will develop, modify, and implement Siemens PLC logic using TIA Portal, commission equipment, and integrate AMRs across lines.

Qualifications

• Hands-on Siemens PLC programming experience with development and commissioning background.
• Experience with Siemens PLCs and TIA Portal for engineering and integration.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking (Profinet, TCP/IP, Ethernet, CAN).

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and implement Siemens PLC logic using TIA Portal
• Commission automation equipment and production systems
• Integrate AMRs with manufacturing automation cells
• Configure and commission safety systems, light curtains, and area scanners
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, networking, and integration issues
• Perform commissioning during production downtime and startup windows
• Work independently with minimal direction across multiple projects

Skills

Siemens PLC programming

TIA Portal

Ladder Logic

STL

Profinet/TCP-IP/Ethernet/CAN

AMR systems

Automation troubleshooting

Tools

SICK Safety Designer

Ignition

Job description

Responsibilities

Kforce has a client is seeking a Manufacturing Controls Development Engineer who will be supporting automation and AMR integration initiatives at the Gigafactory in Reno, NV. This is a highly technical, commissioning-focused role for someone with strong Siemens PLC programming experience and a proven track record delivering automation projects from development through startup. Summary: We are specifically seeking engineers who can clearly articulate the projects they have personally delivered, their direct contributions, and their hands-on Siemens PLC programming experience. The ideal candidate has built and commissioned systems from the ground up, understands controls development, and can work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This is not a production support role. Team & Project Overview: The Engineer will be supporting Siemens and FANUC-based automation systems across material handling, conveyors, lifters, ASRS, shuttle systems, and AMR deployments. This team owns controls development, safety systems, integration, and commissioning activities—not production support. The primary initiative is the rollout and integration of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) into manufacturing production lines and automation cells.

• Develop, modify, and implement Siemens PLC logic using TIA Portal
• Commission automation equipment and production systems
• Integrate AMRs with manufacturing automation cells
• Configure and commission safety systems, light curtains, and area scanners
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, networking, and integration issues
• Perform commissioning during production downtime and startup windows
• Work independently with minimal direction while managing multiple projects

Requirements

• 3+ years of hands-on Siemens PLC programming experience
• Ideal Backgrounds: robotics, materials handling, warehouse automation, and high-volume manufacturing environments
• Strong TIA Portal, Ladder Logic, and STL experience
• Proven controls development and commissioning background
• Experience building and implementing new systems, not just supporting existing production lines
• Industrial networking experience (Profinet, TCP/IP, Ethernet, CAN)
• Experience with conveyors, robotics, material handling, or AMR systems
• Strong electrical troubleshooting and debugging skills
• Ability to work autonomously and navigate ambiguity

Preferred

• SICK safety scanners and Safety Designer software
• Safety PLC programming and commissioning
• Automation safety standards
• G120/G115 and SEW drive commissioning
• Ignition experience
• Automotive, robotics, warehouse automation, or distribution center backgrounds

Position Details

• Type: Contract
• Duration: Initial 8-week approval period with strong extension potential up to 6 months or longer based on performance
• Start Date: ASAP
• Schedule: 50 hours/week standard; Flexibility required for commissioning and production support during off-hours as needed

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

Benefits

• We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees.
• Salaried personnel receive paid time off.
• Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law.
• Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.