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PLC Controls Engineer

Lenexa, KS or Flowery Branch, GA

Job Summary and Purpose:

The PLC Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and support of industrial automation systems used in poultry hatchery and vaccine delivery equipment. This position serves as the primary technical resource for PLC-based control systems, HMIs, industrial networks, and integrated automation solutions deployed at customer facilities.

The engineer will work closely with customers, project managers, electrical engineers, service technicians, and operations personnel to ensure successful equipment installation, startup, optimization, and long-term reliability. The role requires extensive travel and hands-on involvement in field commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities and Key Duties:

Process Control System Design and Implementation

• Develop, modify, test, and/or maintain PLC programs for automated equipment and process control systems.
• Work in installations, adjustment, and commissioning of automation equipment at customer sites.
• Technical support including system upgrades, equipment integration, and commissioning activities.
• Review electrical drawings, process control systems, and functional specifications.
• Configure and troubleshoot HMI applications and operator interfaces.
• Develop and maintain software backups, version control, and change management documentation.
• Participate in automation system design reviews and control strategy development.

Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement

• Analyze process performance data and identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, energy efficiency, and reliability.
• Implement advanced control strategies, process automation enhancements, and performance monitoring tools.
• Analyze production and process data to optimize equipment performance.
• Collaborate with operations teams to optimize process parameters and production performance.
• Support standardization of automation platforms and engineering best practices.

Troubleshooting and Technical Support

• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for automation, controls, and electrical systems.
• Diagnose and resolve control system failures, communication issues, and process disturbances.
• Support maintenance teams during equipment failures and emergency breakdown situations.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action efforts to improve system reliability.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, and service reports.

Customer Support and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary controls engineering resource for customers during installation and operation.
• Provide technical training and guidance to operators, and maintenance personnel on automation systems as needed.
• Provide technical recommendations and support for equipment upgrades and modernization projects.
• Communicate project progress, technical findings, and corrective actions to stakeholders.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, and industry regulations.
• Participate in Process Safety Management (PSM) activities where applicable.
• Support Management of Change (MOC) procedures for control system modifications.
• Promote a safe working environment and adherence to engineering standards.

Core Competencies:

         Shape solutions out of complexity

         Client focus

         Collaborate with empathy

         Engage and develop

         Drive ambition and accountability

         Influence others

Technical / Functional Competencies:

         Strong knowledge of process control theory and industrial automation.

         Experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, OMRON or Emerson.

         Experience with HMI systems.

         Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, Profinet, OPC).

         Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, electrical schematics, loop diagrams, and control narratives.

         Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

         Experience with process data analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.

         Proficiency in Microsoft Office and industrial data systems.

         Excellent communication and project management skills.

         Fluent in written and spoken English.

Qualifications:

Valid U.S. Driver's License with clean driving record; ability to travel frequently and independently.

Education -

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related engineering discipline.

Work Experience -

• 3-8 years of experience in process control, industrial automation, manufacturing engineering, or related field.
• Experience supporting continuous process operations.
• Experience with PLC programming, and industrial networking.
• Experience in food processing, poultry, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing industries preferred.

         Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

         Professional Engineer (PE)

         Familiarity with poultry or hatchery environments and biosecurity practices preferred.

         Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements:

         Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks in industrial or hatchery environments.

Working Conditions:

         Work environments may include hot, humid, or noisy hatchery facilities.

         Combination of office, and field (poultry hatchery) environments.

         Occasional exposure to industrial production areas, noise, heat, and process equipment.

         Availability to support operations during shutdowns, startups, and emergency troubleshooting situations.

Travel Required:

         Up to 50% travel throughout the United States.

         Ability to support customer installations, startups, commissioning projects, and emergency service calls.

         Occasional overnight and weekend travel required.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job.  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties and responsibilities or working conditions associated with the job.  This job description is not an employment contract.  Ceva reserves the right to modify job duties and/or job descriptions at any time to meet the needs of the business.

*VEVRAA Federal Contractor
**Ceva is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ceva encourages men and women, members of all racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

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