Senior Controls Engineer III

Clark Schaefer Hackett; Cincinnati (OH); Remote; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

KPI Solutions is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer III to design, program, and commission advanced automation solutions for diverse customer environments. You will lead projects from design through FAT, SAT, installation and startup, mentoring peers and collaborating across controls, software, and mechanical teams.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in controls engineering, strong Allen-Bradley/Siemens PLC experience, and the ability to travel about half of the time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years in controls engineering for automation, material handling, or warehouse systems.
• Advanced, hands-on Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLC/HMI programming, including ladder logic.
• Experience leading system design, commissioning, and project implementation.
• Strong knowledge of electrical standards, motor controls, hardware/software configuration, and controls architecture.
• Customer-facing communication skills and professionalism on site.
• Ability to travel approximately 50% nationwide.
• Permanent U.S. work authorization; no current or future sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Develop PLC and HMI programs for automated material handling and warehouse systems.
• Configure, test, and commission hardware and software for new controls systems.
• Lead controls project execution from design through FAT, SAT, installation and startup.
• Resolve controls issues during installation and startup.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, I/O lists, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with project managers, mechanical engineers, software teams, and customers.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor less experienced engineers.
• Ensure solutions meet customer requirements, standards, and schedules.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

HMI programming

Ladder logic

Project leadership

Customer-facing communication

Travel availability

On-site collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics / Automation Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

SCADA

Industrial networking

Job description

Job Opportunity: Senior Controls Engineer III with KPI Solutions

Remote when not traveling | Approximately 50% nationwide travel

Senior-Level Role | Systems Integration

Permanent U.S. work authorization is required. Employer sponsorship is not currently available.

Ready to do more than maintain someone else's controls system? KPI Solutions is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer who can program, implement, and commission sophisticated automation solutions across varied customer environments.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

As a systems integrator, KPI Solutions gives engineers exposure to multiple technologies, automation platforms, conveyors, robotics, and customer environments. You will help deliver new solutions rather than remain limited to one facility, one process, or one technology stack.

What You Will Do

• Develop PLC and HMI programs for automated material handling and warehouse systems.
• Configure, test, and commission hardware and software for new controls systems.
• Lead controls project execution from design through Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), installation, and startup.
• Resolve controls issues during installation and startup.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, I/O lists, and technical documentation.
• Partner with project managers, mechanical engineers, software teams, and customers to deliver projects.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor less experienced engineers.
• Ensure solutions meet customer requirements, applicable standards, and project schedules.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years in controls engineering for automation, material handling, warehouse systems, or a closely related environment.
• Advanced, hands-on Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLC/HMI programming, including original ladder logic development.
• Experience leading system design, commissioning, and project implementation.
• Strong knowledge of electrical standards, motor controls, hardware/software configuration, and controls architecture.
• Customer-facing communication skills and sound judgment to represent KPI Solutions professionally on site.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 50% nationwide.
• Permanent U.S. work authorization without current or future sponsorship.

Preferred Experience

• Warehouse automation, distribution center, conveyor, or sortation systems.
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), motion control, and servo systems.
• SCADA systems and industrial networking.
• AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Robotics integration and vision systems.

Location and Travel

This position is fully remote when the engineer is not traveling. Travel is domestic and nationwide and should be expected approximately 50% of the time.

What Success Looks Like

The first several months will focus on learning KPI Solutions' processes, culture, and execution methods. By approximately six months, the Controls Engineer III should be able to execute projects efficiently, operate with a high level of independence, and require limited direction.

About KPI Solutions

KPI Solutions delivers integrated automation solutions across varied customer environments. Its engineers work with diverse technologies and collaborate across controls, software, mechanical engineering, project management, and customer teams to bring complex systems to life.

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