Controls Engineer I

Kocher Beck USA is seeking a Controls Engineer 1 to design and develop new automation and control systems for our Lenexa KS manufacturing facility. This early-career engineering role combines controls software and electrical design with hands-on system integration while improving the safety and reliability of existing equipment. The ideal candidate is analytical and design-oriented enjoys solving problems across mechanical electrical and software systems and creates the long-term automation roadmap.

Position Type Hours

Permanent full-time salaried position. Core hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 40 hours per week with overtime as needed to support production and project schedules. This role combines office-based engineering and design work with hands-on manufacturing-floor work during installation testing troubleshooting and commissioning. Occasional travel may be required for equipment training vendor support or installation projects.

Essential Responsibilities

• Work with Production Engineering Maintenance and Quality to improve equipment performance and reliability.
• Select configure and integrate PLCs I/O sensors vision systems drives servos robotics motion controls and safety components.
• Develop PLC and HMI programs for new machines.
• Create modify and maintain electrical safety and controls documentation using AutoCAD Electrical or similar.
• Install test commission and troubleshoot automated equipment.
• Train operators and maintenance personnel on automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures perform root cause analysis implement corrective actions and document changes in the CMMS.
• Calibrate and maintain sensors instrumentation and vision systems.
• Follow OSHA LOTO arc-flash and company safety requirements.

• Experience programming PLCs and automation controls using Structured Text (ST) in accordance with IEC 61131-3.
• Experience with Beckhoff controls or Siemens TIA Portal.
• Working knowledge of robotics servo systems motion control motor controls AC/DC circuits sensors instrumentation and industrial automation hardware.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings use AutoCAD or similar CAD software and work with diagnostic tools such as multimeters oscilloscopes and micrometers.
• Practical understanding of how mechanical electrical pneumatic hydraulic and software components interact within an integrated automation system.
• Strong analytical troubleshooting communication and organizational skills with the ability to work independently and respond to urgent equipment issues.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work standing kneeling climbing or at heights when required.

Preferred

• Degree in Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics.
• Professional academic or project experience taking automation systems from concept through commissioning including hardware selection.
• Experience with 480V three-phase electrical systems machine vision industrial networks or advanced motion control.
• Experience developing machine safety concepts risk-reduction measures or controls standards.
• Experience using a CMMS.
• Experience in precision tooling narrow-web printing converting equipment manufacturing or a similar industrial manufacturing environment.

Benefits

• 100% Employer Paid Health Dental Accident and Short-Term Disability Insurance premiums (100% employee-only and 75% dependent coverage)Bi-weekly employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• $25000 Basic Life Insurance.
• Optional voluntary benefits: Accident Critical Illness and Cancer insurance Long-Term Disability and Supplemental Life.
• 401(k) with Company Match up to 6% (100% on first 3% 50% on next 3%)
• Vacation Personal Days and 9 Paid Holidays.
• Up to $750 annual tuition reimbursement.
• Up to $100 charitable contribution match per year to a 501(c)(3) organization.

Apply

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