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Jr Engineer Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

JR-202617076** ****The Role**The **Paint Department Automation Engineer** is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and improvement of automated paint shop systems. This role ...

JR-202617198** ****The Role**The **Paint Maintenance Planner** coordinates and prepares maintenance ... engineering, safety, quality, purchasing, stores, suppliers, and contractors. The role helps ...

Your ability to translate real-world needs into technical specifications makes you an integral part of delivering a customer focused engineering solution. As a Joint Land Component Constructive ...

Jr Engineer information

See Kansas salary details

$29.9K

$64K

$97.7K

How much do jr engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for jr engineer in Kansas is $64,034.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $71,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Jr Engineer?

Jr Engineers, or Junior Engineers, are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, and maintaining engineering projects under the supervision of senior staff. They typically perform tasks such as drafting plans, conducting tests, collecting data, and troubleshooting issues in their field of engineering. Jr Engineers gain hands-on experience while learning industry standards and best practices, and their role serves as a foundation for career growth in engineering. They usually have a relevant degree or diploma and may work in fields like civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Jr Engineer?

To thrive as a Jr Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks, and an understanding of project management tools or safety standards, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are essential soft skills that help Jr Engineers grow and adapt. These skills enable Jr Engineers to contribute effectively to projects, collaborate with senior staff, and develop professionally within engineering teams.

What are some common challenges faced by Jr Engineers when transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering tasks?

Jr Engineers often find that real-world engineering projects involve more collaborative work, tighter deadlines, and the need to follow established processes and documentation standards compared to academic assignments. Adjusting to working within a team, understanding project management tools, and effectively communicating with senior engineers and other departments can be challenging at first. However, with mentorship and hands-on experience, Jr Engineers quickly develop these skills and become valuable contributors to their teams.

What is the difference between Jr Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectJr EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsDiploma or Bachelor's in EngineeringBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised tasks, site or officeDesign, analysis, project management, often more autonomous
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, engineering firmsDesign firms, manufacturing, R&D, industrial sectors

Jr Engineers typically hold diplomas or bachelor's degrees and perform supervised tasks in construction or manufacturing environments. Mechanical Engineers usually have a bachelor's or higher degree and handle design, analysis, and project management roles. While Jr Engineers focus on learning and supporting projects, Mechanical Engineers take on more complex responsibilities and autonomous work.

How do I become a junior engineer?

To become a junior engineer, typically you need a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing technical skills, and obtaining certifications can improve your chances of securing a junior engineering role.

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Jr Engineer jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Jr Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Jr Engineer job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,034 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Paint Automation Engineer

General Motors

Kansas City, KS • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 306 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,290 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

## Paint Automation EngineerApplyremote type: Onsitelocations: Kansas City, Kansas, United States of Americatime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR-202617076**Job Description****The Role**The **Paint Department Automation Engineer** is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and improvement of automated paint shop systems. This role provides technical leadership for controls, robotics, process automation, plant-floor systems, and equipment integration across the paint department.The engineer supports daily production, new product and equipment launches, troubleshooting, system upgrades, and continuous improvement. This position works closely with paint operations, skilled trades, maintenance, quality, safety, information technology, manufacturing engineering, suppliers, and contractors to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and equipment performance.This is an onsite manufacturing engineering role requiring regular presence in the paint department and on the plant floor. The role requires shift rotation, weekend, shutdown, or extended-hours support during launches, critical equipment work, troubleshooting, and planned maintenance activities. Travel to supplier or other GM locations may be required based on business needs.**What You’ll Do*** Provide engineering support for paint shop automation, including programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, robots, drives, sensors, networks, process monitoring, and equipment interfaces.* Troubleshoot automation faults, controls issues, communication problems, equipment alarms, and recurring production interruptions.* Lead or support the design, programming, integration, installation, commissioning, validation, and launch of new or modified paint equipment and systems.* Develop and maintain automation requirements, control-panel documentation, electrical drawings, software backups, network documentation, equipment standards, and change records.* Coordinate with suppliers and contractors on controls design, equipment build, factory testing, site installation, commissioning, and final acceptance.* Support paint process systems such as pretreatment, electrocoat, ovens, booths, sealer, primer, basecoat, clearcoat, material handling, conveyors, and environmental control systems.* Improve equipment availability, throughput, first-time quality, process stability, energy performance, and material utilization through data-driven problem solving.* Apply structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.* Support machine safety, risk-reduction activities, safeguarding, validation, lockout requirements, and compliance with applicable GM safety standards.* Collaborate with maintenance and skilled trades to improve preventive maintenance, troubleshooting methods, spare-parts strategy, and technical training.* Support plant-floor systems and manufacturing data interfaces used for production monitoring, routing, tracking, traceability, and reporting.* Participate in program timing reviews, equipment design reviews, readiness assessments, production trials, and launch activities.* Create, maintain, and improve standardized work, programming practices, troubleshooting guides, and engineering procedures.* Provide technical direction to less-experienced engineers, suppliers, contractors, and plant support personnel as needed.* Communicate project status, technical risks, decisions, and results to plant and engineering leadership.**Your Skills & Abilities*** Experience supporting industrial automation or controls in a manufacturing environment.* Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control-panel drawings, equipment specifications, and engineering documentation.* Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex automation and equipment problems using data and structured problem-solving methods.* Strong communication, organization, project-management, and collaboration skills.* Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with autonomy and accountability.* Commitment to safe work practices and continuous improvement.**What Will Give You a Competitive Edge*** Bachelor’s degree in electrical, controls, automation, computer, mechanical, manufacturing, or a related engineering discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.* Working knowledge of programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, industrial networks, drives, sensors, safety circuits, and electrical control systems.* Experience in an automotive manufacturing or paint shop environment.* Experience with Rockwell Automation or Siemens controls platforms, industrial Ethernet, device networks, motion control, and variable-frequency drives.* Experience with Fanuc or other industrial robot systems.* Experience with paint process controls, conveyor controls, material dispensing, environmental systems, or paint quality inspection systems.* Knowledge of plant-floor production monitoring, routing and tracking, traceability, or manufacturing execution systems.* Experience with equipment commissioning, factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, or production launch.GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908