Plant Automation Engineer

Argenta; Shawnee (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Argenta is looking for a Plant Automation Engineer in Shawnee, KS to develop, maintain, and continuously improve plant automation systems using data-driven analysis and solid engineering practices. You will provide technical leadership and project management for utility, process, and facility automation, serving as site SME for controls and automation.

The role covers design, implementation, operation, and optimization of instrumentation, I/O, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and data historians, guiding

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Controls Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of industrial experience supporting similar systems.
• Knowledge of control system design, PLC programming, computer networking, and system interfacing.
• Working knowledge of electrical power distribution, load calculations, and one-line diagrams.
• Hands-on experience with programming, operation, and maintenance of PLC, HMI, VFD, and SCADA systems.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Familiarity with applicable regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, FDA, EU, etc.).
• Knowledge of ISA S88 and GAMP methodologies.
• Experience with Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block programming.
• Experience configuring Ethernet, DeviceNet, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
• Working knowledge of SQL database administration.
• Experience tuning PID control loops.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and oversee work performed by external trade, technical, and contracting firms supporting equipment, facilities, utilities, and infrastructure projects.
• Develop project budgets and ensure execution aligns with approved financial guidelines.
• Identify, scope, and lead electrical and controls improvement projects in accordance with site and corporate standards.
• Support and maintain engineering documentation, including SOPs, preventive maintenance plans, and technical records.
• Develop engineering drawings, specifications, and project proposals for management review.
• Prepare equipment specifications and cost estimates for major capital acquisitions.
• Provide programming and configuration support for SCADA systems, including HMI development.
• Ensure facility and system drawings and associated documentation remain accurate, compliant, and up to date.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, demonstrating strong organizational and project management skills.
• Identify opportunities for cost containment and operational efficiency improvements.

Skills

Control system design

PLC programming

Networking

System interfacing

Ladder Logic

Structured Text

Function Block programming

PID control loops

SQL databases

HMI development

Rockwell Automation platforms

Education

Bachelor’s degree inElectrical/Mechanical/Controls Engineering or related

Tools

Rockwell Automation software

Job description

At Argenta, we’re more than a company — we’re a global team, dedicated to healthier animals. We believe that when their lives are made better, we're all the better for it. Founded in 2006, we support companies big and small to develop and manufacture health products for pets and livestock. Our trusted, innovative solutions and services cover every stage of the process, from molecule to market. We’re in a unique position. We are the world’s only combined contract research and contract development and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) dedicated to animal health. We are ambitious, growing and building a ‘one team’ culture, guided by our values.

Our Uniqueness Means

• We are team players;
• We are doers;
• We are customer-centric;
• We are innovators.

We value diversity, as a global company, we get the richness of working with different people in different places whether it be location, stages of their career, their development, their role. We believe that when everyone works together and puts their best "paw" forward we will make the lives of the animals we care for, better.

With bases in New Zealand, the US, the UK and Europe, our 900+ colleagues are driven by our partnership approach and purpose: Healthy Animals. Let’s Make It Happen, Together.

TEAM PLAYERS who want to DO great work and find INNOVATIVE ways to make animals lives better through our CUSTOMER CENTRIC efforts should apply.

Argenta is currently looking to fill the role of Plant Automation Engineer at our Shawnee, KS location. This position is responsible for developing, maintaining, and continuously improving the performance and reliability of plant automation systems through data-driven analysis and sound engineering practices. This role provides technical leadership and project management support for utility, process, and facility automation systems and serves as the site Subject Matter Expert (SME) for controls and automation.

The position is accountable for the design, implementation, operation, and optimization of instrumentation, I/O, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and data historians. Responsibilities include leading the automation scope of capital projects from concept and design through commissioning and operational handoff. The Plant Automation Engineer also designs and implements new technologies, system upgrades, and replacements, while developing and maintaining software code, HMI graphics, databases, and system configurations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and oversee work performed by external trade, technical, and contracting firms supporting equipment, facilities, utilities, and infrastructure projects
• Develop project budgets and ensure execution aligns with approved financial guidelines
• Identify, scope, and lead electrical and controls improvement projects in accordance with site and corporate standards
• Support and maintain engineering documentation, including SOPs, preventive maintenance plans, and technical records
• Develop engineering drawings, specifications, and project proposals for management review
• Prepare equipment specifications and cost estimates for major capital acquisitions
• Provide programming and configuration support for SCADA systems, including HMI development
• Ensure facility and system drawings and associated documentation remain accurate, compliant, and up to date
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, demonstrating strong organizational and project management skills
• Identify opportunities for cost containment and operational efficiency improvements

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Controls Engineering, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 2 years of industrial experience supporting similar systems
• Knowledge of control system design, PLC programming, computer networking, and system interfacing
• Working knowledge of electrical power distribution, load calculations, and one-line diagrams
• Hands‑on experience with programming, operation, and maintenance of PLC, HMI, VFD, and SCADA systems
• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms
• Familiarity with applicable regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, FDA, EU, etc.)
• Knowledge of ISA S88 and GAMP methodologies
• Experience with Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block programming
• Experience configuring Ethernet, DeviceNet, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Working knowledge of SQL database administration
• Experience tuning PID control loops
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Argenta has strongly embedded company values which is key to who we are and how we deliver. We offer an opportunity to work for a successful and rapidly expanding global business where your input will be valued. At Argenta we are a hard‑working group who really enjoy the people we work with each day. That is why we support our people through a strong culture, great benefits, and growth opportunities.

Argenta is an equal‑opportunity employer

To find out more about Argenta, click here: www.argentaglobal.com