Senior Automation Engineer

Kansas Electric, Inc; Kansas; On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with growth opportunities

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A regional electrical contractor in Kansas seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to lead automation strategies and oversee PLC/HMI/SCADA solutions. Key responsibilities include designing and implementing control systems, mentoring technicians, and collaborating on project deliveries. Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of experience in automation engineering, proficiency with major automation platforms, and a solid understanding of safety standards. This role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in automation engineering and PLC/HMI/SCADA programming.
• Field commissioning experience with strong problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of NFPA, UL 508A, and OSHA safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation strategy from design through commissioning.
• Design and implement automation control systems.
• Collaborate with project managers on custom solutions.

Skills

Automation engineering

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA solutions

Industrial networking

Problem-solving

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or Controls

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms

Siemens platforms

Schneider Electric software

Ethernet/IP

FactoryTalk View

Ignition

Job description

Architect, program, and commission PLC/HMI/SCADA solutions that keep production moving.
Lead. Mentor. Deliver.

Kansas Electric is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, programming, and support of automation control systems. You will architect PLC/HMI/SCADA solutions, mentor technicians, partner with project managers on bids and delivery, and provide technical oversight for our UL 508A panel shop. This role serves as a subject matter expert across industrial, food & beverage, agricultural, and commercial environments.

Key Responsibilities

Lead automation strategy from design through commissioning.

Control System Design

Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, and SCADA architectures tailored to industrial and commercial processes.

Programming & Troubleshooting

Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric (or equivalent) platforms including RSLogix, FactoryTalk View, Ignition.

Project Delivery

Collaborate with project managers to deliver custom automation solutions on schedule and budget, including bid strategy and proposal reviews.

Provide advanced technical support and mentorship to automation technicians; maintain vendor and subcontractor relationships.

Guide panel design, build, and installation standards; ensure documentation and compliance with NFPA, NEC, UL 508A, and OSHA requirements.

Commissioning & Field Service

Lead commissioning, testing, and field service; support process automation improvements and template/standards creation.

• Develop system documentation including control logic, schematics, and operation manuals.
• Shape automation department processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Partner across automation and electrical divisions to evaluate risk, profitability, and competitive pricing.
• Support industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, DeviceNet) and OT standards.

Qualifications

What you bring to lead automation delivery.

Required

BS in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls, or equivalent experience.

7+ years in automation engineering, controls design, and PLC/HMI/SCADA programming.

Proficiency with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric (RSLogix, FactoryTalk View, Ignition; CompactLogix/ControlLogix/Modicon).

Industrial networking familiarity (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, DeviceNet).

Field commissioning/startup experience with strong problem-solving and communication.

Knowledge of NFPA 70, UL 508A, and OSHA safety practices; experience in agricultural, food & beverage, or industrial markets.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

Expertise with automation and controls software plus estimating tools (McCormick preferred) and construction tools like Bluebeam.

Subject-matter expert experience leading technical teams; design-build or design-assist project experience.

Deep understanding of NEC, construction sequencing, and commercial/industrial installations.

Strong business acumen with ability to evaluate risk, profitability, and vendor/subcontractor pricing; knowledge of local labor markets.

Rockwell Automation badges or similar credentials; template and standards creation (AutoCAD, PLC programming, Ignition).

Industrial networking depth across EtherNet/IP, Modbus, DeviceNet, and Profibus.

Competitive package plus growth and leadership opportunities.

Competitive salary with leadership growth path.

401(k) with company match.

Paid time off and holidays.

Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.

Field commissioning exposure across high-impact automation projects.

Ready to lead automation with Kansas Electric?

Join the team building mission-critical automation and controls across the Midwest.