Plant Engineering - Engineer, Automations & Controls

Kymera International; West Penn Township (PA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kymera International is seeking an automation engineer to design and deploy advanced control systems across manufacturing equipment. You will drive safety, quality, and uptime by developing PLC programs, SCADA interfaces, and HMI panels while leading Kaizen lean initiatives.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, lead full automation projects, and maintain comprehensive documentation and procedures for continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• ABET‑accredited bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Industrial, Process Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle automation projects—from concept through commissioning in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Design and program PLC systems (Allen-Bradley), including legacy conversions to modern platforms.
• Develop and maintain SCADA systems using Ignition (Inductive Automation).
• Design standalone HMI panels (FactoryTalk ME).
• Create control algorithms including PID loops and software filters.
• Apply root cause analysis and hands-on troubleshooting to resolve issues.
• Collaborate with operations to identify pain points and implement practical solutions.
• Lead Kaizen events and apply LEAN tools (5S, Standardized Work, Visual Management).
• Maintain documentation including SOPs, test protocols, and change control records.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

HMI panels

Alarms & interlocks

LEAN tools

AutoCAD

Root cause analysis

Troubleshooting

Communication

Documentation

Education

ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Ignition SCADA

FactoryTalk ME

Allen-Bradley PLC

Job description

Kymera International - Specialty Materials that Shape the Future

Summary

This role supports the production organization by designing and implementing advanced automation and process control systems that optimize safety, quality, yield, and equipment availability. The engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deploy innovative solutions across both new and existing equipment, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Prioritize safety in all engineering activities and ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, IBC, UL, NEMA, and other relevant standards.
• Design and validate alarms, interlocks, and failover strategies to maximize safety and minimize downtime.
• Follow procedures related to MSDS/SDS, Confined Space, LO/TO, and Arc Flash
• Lead full-cycle automation projects—from concept through commissioning in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Design and program PLC systems (Allen-Bradley), including legacy conversions to modern platforms.
• Develop and maintain SCADA systems using Inductive Automation’s Ignition.
• Commission variable frequency drive systems
• Create custom control algorithms including PID loops, software filters, and pump/level control logic.
• Design and program standalone HMI panels (FactoryTalk ME, Connected Components).
• Apply root cause analysis and hands‑on troubleshooting to resolve hardware/software issues and support maintenance.
• Collaborate with operations to identify pain points and implement practical, user‑friendly solutions.
• Lead Kaizen events and apply LEAN tools (5S, Standardized Work, Visual Management) to drive process improvements.
• Work with Quality and Engineering teams to design in‑process testing systems that address product failures.
• Maintain documentation including SOPs, test protocols, change control records, and backups.
• Design electrical systems from low‑voltage control circuits to high‑power motor drives (up to 500hp).
• Read and interpret legacy schematics and analog instrumentation diagrams.

Supervisory Responsibilities

May lead contractors, maintenance, and external integration specialists during installation, commissioning, and breakdown phases.

Competency

• Strong safety mindset and commitment to safety culture
• Effective communicator across all organizational levels
• Self‑motivated with excellent interpersonal and problem‑solving skills
• Reliable and proactive in task completion

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (ABET‑accredited) in Electrical, Industrial, Process Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and AutoCAD
• Willingness to work flexible hours/overtime as needed
• Successful completion of interview, reference checks, and medical exam

Physical Demands

• Regular use of hands, arms, and full‑body movement
• Frequent standing; occasional walking, sitting, climbing, and crouching
• Ability to lift to 50 lbs.
• Visual acuity including depth perception and peripheral vision

Kymera International is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We recruit, hire, develop, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable law in the countries where we operate. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment and employment process for qualified individuals with disabilities or other protected needs, in accordance with applicable law.