Automation/Controls Engineer

Automation/Controls Engineer

Location: Kansas City, MO (relocation packages offered for out of state candidates willing to relocate to Kansas City)

Job Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Salary range: $121,000-$158,000. The rate may be negotiable based on experience, education, geographic location, and other factors.

A rapidly growing global engineering and automation organization is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to support the design, development, commissioning, and optimization of advanced industrial automation systems and customized machinery solutions. This role will be instrumental in delivering innovative production equipment and integrated manufacturing lines for food processing and packaging applications. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate with international engineering teams, work on cutting-edge automation technologies, and contribute to high-visibility projects across North America and Europe.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on automation professional who thrives in complex engineering environments, enjoys solving challenging technical problems, and is open to occasional international travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, motion control, and safety control software.
• Configure and integrate third-party equipment into complete production line solutions.
• Participate in equipment commissioning, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and startup activities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation, controls, networking, and communication issues.
• Support software standardization and modular programming initiatives.
• Collaborate with global engineering teams to ensure consistency with corporate standards and best practices.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, software specifications, and commissioning reports.
• Provide technical support to service, applications, and modification teams.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts related to machine performance, software quality, and operational reliability.
• Facilitate communication and problem resolution with international software development teams.
• Support custom machinery and automation projects from concept through deployment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of experience designing and programming industrial automation systems.
• Strong experience with PLC-based automation systems.
• Knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming standards.

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• Experience with industrial communication protocols, including:
• Ethernet/IP
• Profinet
• OPC UA
• Modbus TCP
• Understanding of pneumatic and electrical control systems and machine design.
• Experience with modular and scalable programming methodologies.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional and global teams.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Valid U.S. passport or ability to obtain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Siemens TIA Portal and S7 PLC experience.
• Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Machine Expert experience.
• Beckhoff TwinCAT experience.
• Motion control and servo system programming experience.
• Machine safety system experience.
• Familiarity with object-oriented programming concepts.
• Experience commissioning complete production lines and standalone machinery.
• Experience working with customized equipment solutions and machine redesign projects.
• German language skills are a plus.

Ideal Background

Candidates with experience in the following industries are highly encouraged to apply:

• Industrial Automation
• Food Processing & Packaging
• Machinery Manufacturing
• Medical Device Manufacturing
• Advanced Manufacturing Equipment

Experience with highly customized machinery, robotics, equipment design, prototype testing, and SolidWorks-driven engineering environments is especially valued.

Additional Information

• Visa sponsorship available for qualified candidates.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement programs, travel support, and professional growth opportunities.
• Join a rapidly growing organization with exciting expansion plans and a strong pipeline of engineering projects.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, an EAP program, commuter benefits, and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable. Disclaimer: These benefit offerings do not apply to client-recruited jobs and jobs that are direct hires to a client.

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit https://www.akkodis.com/en/privacy-policy.

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

· The California Fair Chance Act

· Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

· Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

· San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance