Lead Controls Engineer - Drive the Future of Industrial Automation

• 📍 Location: Holcomb, KS (100% Onsite)

• 🕒 Schedule: Monday-Friday | 1st Shift (6:00 AM-4:00 PM) or 2nd Shift (3:00 PM-12:00 AM)

• 💲 Pay Rate: Up to $90.00 per hour

Make a Lasting Impact on Critical Manufacturing Operations

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Lead Controls Engineer to support a large-scale manufacturing operation in Holcomb, KS. This is an exceptional opportunity for a technical leader who thrives on solving complex automation challenges, driving modernization initiatives, and improving the reliability of mission-critical production systems.

In this role, you'll serve as a key technical authority, partnering with cross-functional teams to optimize plant automation, lead controls strategy, and support operational excellence across a highly automated manufacturing environment. If you're passionate about industrial technology, continuous improvement, and hands-on troubleshooting, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As the Lead Controls Engineer, you'll provide technical leadership and hands-on expertise across industrial controls, automation systems, and plant-floor technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support automation, controls, and Information Systems initiatives across manufacturing operations.

• Troubleshoot and optimize PLC-based control systems, SCADA platforms, HMIs, and industrial network communications.

• Program, commission, modify, and maintain PLC systems, with a strong focus on Schneider Electric/Modicon environments.

• Diagnose and resolve complex production issues involving conveyors, drives, motors, sensors, scanners, and automated material handling systems.

• Support plant-floor automation equipment while minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.

• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams to develop and implement technology solutions.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members and stakeholders.

• Evaluate, recommend, and implement improvements, upgrades, and modernization projects for legacy and current automation systems.

• Develop and maintain system standards, specifications, documentation, and best practices.

• Support SCADA and HMI platforms, including Ignition and iFix, to improve visibility and operational performance.

• Troubleshoot communications between PLCs, scanners, field devices, HMIs, and enterprise systems.

• Integrate and support industrial identification technologies, including barcode, scanning, and vision systems.

• Participate in system testing, validation, implementation, and continuous improvement efforts.

• Work closely with vendors and technology partners to evaluate emerging solutions and future technology strategies.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• 6+ years of experience in Information Systems, Controls Engineering, Automation, or a related technical field.

• Proven experience in industrial automation within manufacturing, production, or material handling environments.

• Strong background supporting both modern and legacy control systems.

Technical Expertise

• Advanced PLC programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning experience.

• Strong hands-on experience with Schneider Electric / Modicon PLC platforms.

• Knowledge of ladder logic, structured programming, I/O mapping, and HMI integration.

• Experience supporting:

  • Conveyors and material handling systems

  • Motors, VFDs, sensors, and photo eyes

  • Interlocks and sequencing controls

  • Automated production equipment

• Working knowledge of:

  • SCADA systems

  • Ignition and iFix

  • SQL databases

  • Scripting and server-based technologies

• Experience troubleshooting industrial communications networks and connected devices.

• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and diagnose root-cause issues quickly and effectively.

Professional Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Experience working in cross-functional team environments.

• Familiarity with system development lifecycle methodologies, testing, and implementation practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Keyence, Cognex, and SICK barcode, vision, or identification systems.

• Background leading controls upgrades, migration projects, and automation modernization efforts.

• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing, food production, distribution, or material handling operations.

• Project management experience involving industrial automation initiatives.

• Knowledge of enterprise-level system integration and plant-wide control architectures.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a controls engineering role. It's an opportunity to become a trusted technical leader driving innovation and operational excellence in a highly automated industrial environment.

What Makes This Opportunity Exciting?

• High Visibility Impact - Play a critical role supporting technologies that directly influence plant performance and productivity.

• Technical Variety - Work across PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, industrial networks, vision systems, material handling equipment, and modernization projects.

• Leadership Opportunity - Guide technical direction, influence strategy, and collaborate with decision-makers across multiple functions.

• Challenging Projects - Help lead controls upgrades, system enhancements, and future-focused automation initiatives.

• Competitive Compensation - Earn up to $90/hour while expanding your technical and leadership expertise.

• Stable, Growing Environment - Join a team committed to innovation, continuous improvement, reliability, and operational excellence.

Ready to Lead the Next Generation of Automation?

If you're a hands-on controls expert who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, driving continuous improvement, and leading automation initiatives that make a measurable impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape the future of industrial automation as a Lead Controls Engineer with PDS Tech Commercial in Holcomb, KS.

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.