Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Aquinas Consulting is currently looking to fill a Controls Automation Engineer job in Lenexa, KS. This  CONTRACT hire job is available with one of our key customers in the healthcare/pharmaceutical industry. In this role, you will support, maintain, and enhance industrial automation systems while leading control system improvements that maximize production efficiency, quality, and reliability. To be successful in this position, you should have a strong background in PLC programming and industrial automation, with hands-on experience using Rockwell Automation platforms. Preference will be given to professionals with experience in Rockwell Automation equipment.

Controls Automation Engineering job responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot PLC programs using Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) platforms, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and MicroLogix, while supporting HMI/SCADA systems to ensure reliable production operations.
• Support the full lifecycle of automation projects, from requirements gathering and system design through installation, startup, commissioning, and transition to operations.
• Diagnose and resolve control system, instrumentation, and electrical issues to minimize downtime and optimize production performance.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including P&IDs, electrical schematics, control narratives, and programming standards, while ensuring compliance with company and industry requirements.
• Collaborate with process engineers to implement control strategies, perform system audits, and recommend preventative maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, and throughput.
• Provide on-site technical support, train maintenance technicians and operators on control systems, and ensure automation equipment complies with applicable safety standards, including NFPA, OSHA, and ISA/IEC guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, with three to five years of hands-on experience in industrial controls and automation engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Required experience with Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Studio 5000, and RSLogix 5000 programming software, along with HMI/SCADA systems such as FactoryTalk View, Wonderware, or similar.
• Strong knowledge of industrial networking protocols, instrumentation, sensors, VFDs, servo systems, motor control centers (MCCs), and the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings.
• Familiarity with electrical codes and industrial safety standards, including NEC/NFPA 70, NFPA 79, and OSHA regulations, with strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and documentation skills.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP integrations such as SAP, robotics, batch control systems, or industrial cybersecurity is preferred. Experience in process manufacturing environments and Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.
• Rockwell Automation Certified Logix Designer (CLD) certification is highly desirable.

If you are interested in this Controls Automation Engineer job in Lenexa, KS, please apply now to be connected with a member of our team.

Please note: Applying to this role is an agreement to have your information entered into our database and acknowledgement that a recruiter will reach out to you either by phone, email, and/or text message regarding this and similar job opportunities.

Aquinas Consulting is a woman and minority owned company headquartered in Milford, CT that provides Engineering, Information Technology (IT), and Manufacturing staffing solutions throughout the US. We take pride in 20 years of service to our clients, our hiring managers, our consultants, and our local community.  Aquinas is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and committed to considering all qualified applications without regard to race, genetic information, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. www.aquinasconsulting.com