Lead Senior Control/Automation Engineer

Overview
The Lead Engineer Controls is responsible for overseeing and providing technical direction for technology-based processes and supporting mission-critical business operations for Client. This role develops and manages technical environments, supports IT service level agreements, and works closely with cross-functional teams to identify, implement, and maintain effective technology solutions.
The position supports industrial automation and manufacturing systems, including PLCs, SCADA/HMI platforms, industrial networks, and material-handling equipment. This role also contributes to technology planning, standards development, system upgrades, troubleshooting, and continuous operational improvement.

Core Responsibilities
• Provide technical direction and recommendations to team members and IS management while ensuring compliance with established standards, methodologies, policies, and best practices.
• Plan, develop, implement, support, and maintain technology solutions that enhance business operations and support departmental technical environments.
• Analyze system requirements, develop implementation plans, review specifications and configurations, and support system development and operational activities.
• Evaluate, select, and support hardware, software, and equipment solutions while coordinating with vendors and technical stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot and support PLC-based control systems, SCADA/HMI environments, industrial networks, automated production equipment, and material-handling systems.
• Lead root-cause analysis efforts across controls, electrical systems, communications networks, and connected plant-floor equipment.
• Support controls upgrades, modernization initiatives, equipment replacements, testing activities, and system integration efforts.
• Stay current with evolving technologies and provide guidance for future technology initiatives and improvements.

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Technologies
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or another technical field. Equivalent work experience may be considered.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in Information Systems or a related area with proven programming experience.
• Strong knowledge of multiple technologies, including SCADA, 4GL programming, scripting, server-based systems, and SQL.
• Experience programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting PLC-based control systems in industrial environments.
• Proficiency with ladder logic, structured programming, I/O mapping, HMI integration, and interpretation of electrical schematics.
• Strong hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience, including Schneider Electric / Modicon platforms.
• Experience troubleshooting automated production equipment and material-handling systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting conveyors, motors and drives, sensors, photo eyes, interlocks, sequencing, and related material-handling equipment.
• Experience integrating and troubleshooting industrial barcode, scanning, vision, and identification systems.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot issues across PLCs, HMI/SCADA systems, connected equipment, and plant-floor technologies.
• Experience troubleshooting communications between PLCs, scanners, field devices, HMIs, and industrial network components.
• Advanced understanding of System Development Lifecycle methodologies.
• Advanced experience developing, reviewing, and modifying specifications, configurations, and programs to meet business requirements.
• Experience analyzing information systems proposals, evaluating implementation alternatives, developing coding standards, and working within cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills, experience developing and executing integrated test plans, and basic project management capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Work Details
• Onsite position located in Holcomb, Kansas.
• Travel is required for onsite presence at the Holcomb, Kansas plant.