Technology Automation Engineer

SLB; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SLB, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is seeking an Automation / Controls Engineer responsible for designing, developing, and supporting automated control systems in manufacturing. The role emphasizes reliability and efficiency improvements through advanced PLC programming and compliance with industry standards.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field and over 3 years of industrial automation experience. Skills in troubleshooting and knowledge of industrial communication protocols are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in electrical and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems.
• Support installation, commissioning, and validation of automation equipment.
• Collaborate to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Troubleshooting electrical systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

FactoryTalk

Job description

Description

The Automation / Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and support of automated control systems within manufacturing operations. This role focuses on improving reliability, efficiency, and performance using PLC programming, industrial automation technologies, and continuous improvement methodologies, while ensuring alignment with company strategy and applicable standards. Successful candidates are self‑motivated, quick learners who can work independently with minimal supervision. They demonstrate strong decision‑making, leadership, mentoring abilities, and collaborate effectively in team environments to meet deadlines.

Essential Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems for manufacturing equipment and processes
• Develop, maintain, and improve control logic, HMI interfaces, and SCADA systems
• Support installation, commissioning, and validation of new automation equipment and production lines
• Diagnose and resolve electrical and controls issues to minimize downtime
• Optimize system performance, cycle time, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Upgrade and modernize legacy control systems to improve reliability and maintainability
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, and technical documentation
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulations, and company policies
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations teams
• Assist with vendor coordination, equipment specifications, and project execution

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering
• Strong troubleshooting skills in electrical and control systems

Technical Skills

• PLC programming and troubleshooting experience on Allen‑Bradley (Rockwell Automation), Siemens, and AutomationDirect platforms.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Modbus)
• Experience with VFDs, including Allen‑Bradley and ABB drives
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems (e.g., FactoryTalk, WinCC)
• Familiarity with sensors, actuators, servo systems, and motion control

Equal Employment Opportunity & Veterans

Company policy is to provide every individual a fair and equal opportunity to seek employment and advancement at the Company without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, veteran or military status, disability, creed, ancestry, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status or any factors protected by federal, state, or local laws. We are an “Equal Opportunity Employer”. For more information please refer to the latest version of “Know Your Rights” poster and the “Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster”. The Company is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

Reasonable Accommodations

The Company will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation or modification to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability to assist in the hiring process, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business, in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local law. If you believe you require such assistance to complete the application or to participate in the interview process, please contact [e-mail] to request assistance. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to.

Authorization for Employment

Pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all applicants who are offered and accept employment must produce documents establishing their identity and authorization for employment in the United States. These documents must be produced no later than seventy‑two (72) hours after employment commences. In addition, all applicants who are offered and accept employment will be required to verify their employment authorization under oath by signing a USCIS Form I‑9. SLB is an E‑Verify employer.