Lead Controls Engineer

PDS Tech, Commercial Inc.

•

Holcomb, Kansas

•

PERMANENT

Updated 09/23/2026

Job Description

Job Summary

Lead the Future of Industrial Automation as a Lead Controls Engineer!

Location:

Holcomb, KS 67851 Onsite

Schedule:

Monday-Friday

1st

Shift:

6:00 AM-4:00 PM 2nd

Shift:

3:00 PM-12:00 AM

Pay Rate:

$90.00/hour

Make a Lasting Impact on Advanced Manufacturing Operations

Are you a highly skilled Controls Engineer who thrives on solving complex automation challenges and driving continuous improvement? We are seeking a Lead Controls Engineer to provide technical leadership for critical industrial automation and information systems supporting a large-scale manufacturing environment. In this role, youll lead modernization initiatives, optimize plant-floor technologies, and collaborate across departments to ensure reliable, efficient, and innovative operations.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of automation while working with cutting-edge technologies, large-scale production systems, and cross-functional teams that value innovation and continuous improvement.

What Youll Do

As the Lead Controls Engineer, you will:

Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for plant automation, controls, and information systems.

Design, develop, implement, and support technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reliability.

Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis efforts across PLCs, HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networks, and automated equipment.

Program, commission, and maintain PLC-based control systems in industrial manufacturing environments.

Support and improve material handling systems, conveyors, drives, sensors, barcode scanners, vision systems, and related automation equipment.

Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and management teams to identify technology improvements and automation opportunities.

Evaluate, recommend, and implement hardware, software, and infrastructure upgrades.

Develop and maintain technology standards, best practices, and system documentation.

Manage vendor relationships and stay current on emerging automation and controls technologies.

Support controls modernization projects involving both legacy and next-generation equipment.

Develop and execute integrated testing plans to ensure successful system implementations.

Mentor team members and provide expert technical guidance across the organization.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related technical field. Equivalent experience may be considered.

6+ years of experience in Information Systems, Controls Engineering, Industrial Automation, or a related discipline.

Strong PLC programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting experience in industrial environments.

Expertise with Schneider Electric / Modicon PLC platforms.

Experience with Ignition and iFix

SCADA/HMI

platforms.

Experience supporting automated manufacturing, production, or material-handling systems.

Advanced knowledge of:

SCADA platforms

HMI systems

SQL databases

Scripting and programming technologies

Industrial communications and networking

Experience troubleshooting:

Conveyors

Motors and drives

Sensors and photo-eyes

Interlocks and sequencing systems

Barcode and scanning technologies

Strong understanding of electrical schematics and control system architecture.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on root-cause resolution.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of Keyence, Cognex, and SICK vision and scanning systems.

Experience supporting controls upgrades, equipment modernization, and automation expansion projects.

Familiarity with structured programming methodologies and system development lifecycle practices.

Project leadership or project management experience within manufacturing or industrial operations.

Experience working with mixed environments consisting of both legacy and modern control systems.

Why Join Us?

At our organization, youll have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that directly impact operational success. We foster a collaborative culture where innovation, technical excellence, and continuous learning are valued and encouraged.

What You Can Expect:

Challenging, high-visibility automation and controls projects.

Opportunities to lead modernization and digital transformation initiatives.

Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and industrial automation systems.

A collaborative environment where your expertise and ideas make a difference.

Career growth opportunities with a stable and growing organization.

Competitive compensation and benefits package.

A safety-first workplace focused on employee success and development.

Ready to Take the Lead?

If youre passionate about industrial automation, controls engineering, and solving complex technical challenges, we want to hear from you. Apply today and bring your expertise to a team where innovation, leadership, and continuous improvement drive success every day.

Apply now and help shape the future of manufacturing technology and automation in Holcomb, Kansas.

Pay Details:

$90.00 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

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.

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