Staff Engineer - Controls and Automation

Kennametal Inc.; Orwell Township (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal Inc. is seeking an experienced Staff Engineer - Controls and Automation to advance automation initiatives across our manufacturing facilities.

The role focuses on developing and maintaining automated equipment, troubleshooting, and leading projects that improve safety, quality, and productivity. Ideal candidates bring hands-on PLC programming, robotics, motion control, and industrial networking expertise, with strong problem-solving and communication skills to operate effectively in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in controls, electrical engineering, mechatronics or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of practical controls/electrical engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Extensive PLC programming experience with major platforms (AB/Rockwell, Siemens or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of robotics, material handling, servo systems and motion control.
• Experience with machine safety systems and safety PLCs.
• HMI/SCADA development and troubleshooting experience preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills; able to work independently or in a cross-functional team.
• Willingness to travel to multiple locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Support, develop, troubleshoot, and improve industrial control systems and equipment.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs across major platforms (AB/Rockwell, Siemens, etc.).
• Diagnose and resolve issues with controls, sensors, motors, drives, and safety circuits.
• Ensure compliance with engineering and safety standards.
• Assist installation, commissioning, startup, and qualification of new equipment.
• Collaborate with suppliers and integrators on automation solutions.
• Lead or support projects to improve safety, quality, throughput, and costs.
• Partner with electricians, maintenance, and operations to implement improvements.
• Provide technical training and mentoring to engineers and technicians.
• Support transfers and drive automation standardization across facilities.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics and system documentation.
• Maintain documentation for new and modified equipment.
• Travel up to 25% as project activity requires.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Verbal and written communication

Time management

Independent work

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Controls/Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation

Siemens

HMI/SCADA

Robotics

Motion control

Industrial networking

Job description

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Learn more at kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Job Title: Staff Engineer - Controls and Automation

Location: Orwell, OH (Primary Location)

While the primary location for this position is Orwell, OH, we will also consider qualified candidates for opportunities in Rogers, AR; Asheboro, NC; and Bedford, PA.

Job Summary:

Kennametal has an opening for an experienced professional in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics to support and advance automation initiatives within our manufacturing facilities. The ideal candidate will possess extensive hands‑on experience with industrial control systems, PLC programming, robotics, automated material handling systems, motion control, industrial networking, and machine safety systems.

This role is responsible for developing, troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving automated manufacturing equipment while supporting strategic automation projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost reduction. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, excellent troubleshooting abilities, effective communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Support, develop, troubleshoot, and improve industrial control systems and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs using platforms such as Allen‑Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or similar systems.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving controls, sensors, motors, drives, relays, safety circuits, control panels, and electrical systems.
• Ensure control and electrical systems comply with applicable engineering and safety standards.
• Support the installation, commissioning, startup, and qualification of new equipment and automated systems.
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers and system integrators on the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of automation solutions.
• Lead or support automation projects focused on improving safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and manufacturing costs.
• Partner with electricians, maintenance technicians, manufacturing engineers, and operations personnel to identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions.
• Provide technical support, training, and mentoring to engineers and technical personnel.
• Support equipment and process transfers while driving automation standardization across the organization.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control documentation, I/O lists, and system documentation.
• Ensure appropriate documentation is completed and maintained for all new and modified equipment.
• Travel up to 25%, depending on project activity and support requirements across manufacturing facilities.

Education, Work Experience, Skills, Certificates

• Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field required.
• Preferred minimum of 10 years of practical experience in controls engineering, electrical engineering, automation, or related manufacturing environments.
• Extensive experience with industrial control systems and PLC programming.
• Strong knowledge of industrial robotics, automated material handling systems, servo systems, VFDs, motion control, and industrial networking.
• Experience with machine safety systems and safety PLCs required.
• Hands‑on experience working with industrial manufacturing equipment.
• HMI/SCADA development and troubleshooting experience preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage time effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross‑functional team in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to support multiple manufacturing locations as business needs require.

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.