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Senior Design Engineer, P.E. – Controls & Industrial Automation

Location: Wichita, Kansas
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Central Time
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $100,000–$130,000 annually
Travel: Approximately 10%
Work Environment: Primarily on-site with occasional customer-site commissioning
Start Date: ASAP

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Engineer, P.E. to lead the design, development, integration, and execution of complex industrial automation and control systems projects from concept through commissioning.

This role is ideal for a technically strong, customer-focused engineer with extensive experience in Rockwell Automation, Allen-Bradley PLCs, electrical controls design, and industrial process automation. The Senior Design Engineer will independently manage engineering projects, develop and review electrical and control system designs, provide technical leadership, and serve as a primary engineering resource for customers.

The successful candidate will be comfortable balancing office-based engineering work with occasional field startup and commissioning activities while collaborating with project managers, technicians, customers, and junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead industrial automation and control system design projects from initial concept through engineering, programming, installation, startup, and commissioning.
• Develop detailed electrical control system designs, schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and engineering documentation.
• Prepare, review, and provide P.E.-stamped engineering drawings when required.
• Program, configure, troubleshoot, and integrate Allen-Bradley PLCs, Rockwell Automation Studio 5000, and related control platforms.
• Develop and integrate HMI and SCADA systems using platforms such as FactoryTalk View and FactoryTalk Linx.
• Design and troubleshoot industrial Ethernet/IP networks and industrial communications systems.
• Configure and integrate Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), including Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives.
• Engineer and integrate industrial instrumentation, process controls, sensors, and associated automation equipment.
• Perform controls system commissioning, field startup, testing, troubleshooting, and customer acceptance activities.
• Serve as a technical lead and primary engineering resource for customers throughout project execution.
• Manage assigned engineering projects independently while coordinating with project managers, field technicians, vendors, and customer personnel.
• Review technical requirements and develop practical automation solutions for complex customer applications.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on controls engineering, design standards, programming practices, and project execution.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, engineering records, and daily time entries.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Travel to customer sites as required for project meetings, installation support, commissioning, troubleshooting, and startup activities.
• Support projects across industries including Food & Beverage, Mining & Mineral Processing, Discrete Manufacturing, OEM Control Panel Manufacturing, Bio/Chem Processing, Oil & Gas, Water & Wastewater, and Terminal Automation.

Qualifications

• Current Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in Control Systems or the ability to obtain appropriate licensure.
• Strong professional experience in industrial controls engineering, automation system design, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Advanced knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC programming and industrial control systems.
• Experience with Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, and FactoryTalk Linx.
• Strong background in electrical and control panel design, system integration, and controls documentation.
• Experience with PLC/HMI/SCADA programming and integration.
• Working knowledge of EtherNet/IP, industrial networking, and controls communications.
• Experience configuring or integrating PowerFlex VFDs and related motor control equipment.
• Knowledge of industrial instrumentation and process controls.
• Proven experience with startup and commissioning of industrial automation systems.
• Ability to independently manage engineering assignments and solve complex technical problems with minimal supervision.
• Strong customer-facing communication, technical consulting, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 10% to customer locations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering/project documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing SCADA and HMI applications.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical and/or EPLAN.
• Previous project leadership, technical leadership, or engineering mentoring experience.
• Engineering experience within food and beverage, water/wastewater, manufacturing, process industries, mining, oil and gas, or related industrial markets.
• Experience working for a systems integrator, automation engineering firm, or industrial controls organization.

Work Environment & Travel

This position is primarily on-site in Wichita, Kansas, with occasional travel to customer facilities. Approximately 10% travel is typical, although occasional weekend or holiday work may be required depending on project and customer needs.

Company vehicles are the preferred method of regional business travel when available. Rental vehicles, air travel, lodging, business meals, mileage, and other approved travel expenses are handled in accordance with established travel and expense policies.

All tools, equipment, technology, and electronics required to perform the position are provided. No personal tools are required.

What This Opportunity Offers

This position provides the opportunity to work on a diverse range of challenging industrial automation projects rather than repetitive production work. Engineers have significant autonomy, direct customer interaction, opportunities for technical and professional development, and the ability to make a measurable impact on customer operations.

Benefits include:

• Employer-paid employee health insurance premiums
• Profit-sharing opportunities
• Annual bonus opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development and training
• Paid business travel
• Company-provided tools, technology, and equipment
• Potential relocation assistance for the right candidate

The work environment is collaborative, team-oriented, and focused on continuous learning, innovation, technical excellence, and professional growth.

Senior Design Engineer, Professional Engineer (P.E.), Controls Engineer, Industrial Automation, Control Systems, Rockwell Automation, Allen-Bradley PLCs, PLC Programming, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, FactoryTalk Linx, HMI Development, SCADA Systems, AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, EtherNet/IP, PowerFlex VFDs, Variable Frequency Drives, Industrial Instrumentation, Process Controls, Electrical Controls Design, Control Panel Design, Systems Integration, Automation Engineering, Commissioning, Startup, Industrial Networking, Project Leadership, Technical Leadership, Customer-Facing Engineering, Food & Beverage Automation, Water/Wastewater, Manufacturing Automation