Controls Engineer I

About the Role

Kocher + Beck USA is seeking a Controls Engineer I to design and develop new automation and control systems for our Lenexa, KS manufacturing facility. This early-career engineering role combines controls software and electrical design with hands-on system integration, while improving the safety and reliability of existing equipment. The ideal candidate is analytical and design-oriented, enjoys solving problems across mechanical, electrical, and software systems, and creates the long-term automation roadmap.

• Location: 100% on-site in Lenexa, KS.
• Position Type: Permanent full-time, salaried.
• Hours: Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 40+ hours per week, with overtime as needed.
• Work Environment: Combines office-based engineering and design work with hands-on manufacturing-floor work.
• Travel: Occasional travel may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality to improve equipment performance and reliability.
• Select, configure, and integrate PLCs, I/O, sensors, vision systems, drives, servos, robotics, motion controls, and safety components.
• Develop PLC and HMI programs for new machines.
• Create, modify, and maintain electrical, safety, and controls documentation using AutoCAD Electrical or similar.
• Install, test, commission, and troubleshoot automated equipment.
• Train operators and maintenance personnel on automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures, perform root cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and document changes in the CMMS.
• Calibrate and maintain sensors, instrumentation, and vision systems.
• Follow OSHA, LOTO, arc-flash, and company safety requirements.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Experience programming PLCs and automation controls using Structured Text (ST) in accordance with IEC 61131-3.
• Experience with Beckhoff controls or Siemens TIA Portal.
• Working knowledge of robotics, servo systems, motion control, motor controls, AC/DC circuits, sensors, instrumentation, and industrial automation hardware.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings, use AutoCAD or similar CAD software, and work with diagnostic tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and micrometers.
• Practical understanding of how mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and software components interact within an integrated automation system.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and respond to urgent equipment issues.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work standing, kneeling, climbing, or at heights when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Mechatronics.
• Professional, academic, or project experience taking automation systems from concept through commissioning, including hardware selection.
• Experience with 480V three-phase electrical systems, machine vision, industrial networks, or advanced motion control.
• Experience developing machine safety concepts, risk-reduction measures, or controls standards.
• Experience using a CMMS.
• Experience in precision tooling, narrow-web printing, converting equipment manufacturing, or a similar industrial manufacturing environment.

Benefits

• 100% Employer Paid Health, Dental, Accident, and Short-Term Disability Insurance premiums (100% employee-only and 75% dependent coverage).
• Bi-weekly employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• $25,000 Basic Life Insurance.
• Optional voluntary benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, and Cancer insurance, Long-Term Disability, and Supplemental Life.
• 401(k) with Company Match up to 4.5%.
• Vacation, Personal Days, and 9 Paid Holidays.
• Up to $750 annual tuition reimbursement.
• Up to $100 charitable contribution match per year.