Staff Automation & Controls Engineer (Kansas City)

Burns & McDonnell; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking a Staff Automation & Controls Engineer to support complex EPC projects in pipeline, RNG, water, power and utilities. You will design, configure, test, and commission automation systems including PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, SCADA and DCS, and coordinate interfaces across disciplines.

Strong communication, problem-solving, and project leadership are essential. Responsibilities include FAT/SAT, commissioning, developing wiring diagrams, and ensuring safety and quality.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in EE/CE/CS or related field.
• 3 years of automation/control systems/SCADA experience.
• Knowledge of PLCs, RTUs, SCADA, HMIs, DCS and industrial networks.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Experience with major automation platforms is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation and control systems for EPC projects.
• Create system architecture diagrams, control narratives, and wiring diagrams.
• Configure PLC/RTU/HMI/SCADA platforms.
• Lead FAT/SAT testing and commissioning.
• Develop industrial communication architectures.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and manage client relations.
• Ensure safety, quality, and project compliance.
• Support project managers with budgets and schedules.

Skills

PLC/RTU/SCADA knowledge

HMI/DCS experience

Industrial networking

Analytical/problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Siemens

Schneider Electric

Emerson

Ignition

Job description

Description

The Staff Automation & Controls Engineer will support a variety of complex industrial and utility projects involving automation, control systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), remote terminal units (RTUs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), distributed control systems (DCS), industrial networking, and system integration. This role supports the design, configuration, testing, commissioning, and lifecycle modernization of automation systems that enable safe, reliable, and efficient operation of critical infrastructure and industrial facilities.

• Design, develop, and implement industrial automation and control systems for EPC projects serving the pipeline, RNG, water and wastewater, power generation, utility, substation, and fueling markets.
• Develop project deliverables including system architecture diagrams, controls philosophy documents, control narratives, cause-and-effect matrices, network architecture diagrams, I/O databases, SCADA point lists, functional specifications, equipment specifications, wiring diagrams, panel designs, and commissioning documentation.
• Configure and program PLC, RTU, HMI, and SCADA platforms including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Emerson, SEL, Novatech, Ignition, FactoryTalk View, FactoryTalk Optix, AVEVA, and related industrial automation platforms.
• Lead development and execution of panel checkout procedures, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), integrated system testing, startup activities, and commissioning documentation.
• Develop industrial communication architectures utilizing Ethernet/IP, Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, OPC UA, MQTT, and other industrial communication protocols as applicable.
• Coordinate automation system interfaces with instrumentation, electrical power systems, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and third-party vendor equipment.
• Lead technical portions of projects from conceptual design through detailed engineering, software development, testing, startup, commissioning, and project closeout.
• Coordinate with multiple internal Global Practices and regional offices to successfully execute multidisciplinary EPC projects.
• Identify project risks, develop technical solutions, and proactively communicate project issues to project management and clients.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to less experienced engineers and designers.
• Perform design quality reviews and ensure compliance with client standards, company QA/QC procedures, and applicable industry codes and standards.
• Support project managers in developing engineering budgets, schedules, resource plans, technical proposals, and change management documentation.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through technical meetings, presentations, and project execution support.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout all phases of project execution.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related degree from an ABET-accredited program, and 3 years of automation, control systems, SCADA, industrial networking, system integration, or related engineering experience required.
• Knowledge of industrial automation systems including PLCs, RTUs, SCADA, HMIs, DCS, industrial communication protocols, and control system architectures.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to apply engineering principles and practices across a broad range of automation and control system assignments.
• Ability to develop innovative technical solutions to complex engineering challenges.Experience with major automation platforms such as Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Emerson, Honeywell, or Ignition preferred.
• Experience with industrial networking technologies including EtherNet/IP, Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, or OPC UA preferred.
• Previous utility, industrial, or consulting experience preferred.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Engineering

Primary Location US-MO-Kansas City

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 15 % of the Time

Req ID: 264486

Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-MG #T&D N/A