Automation PLC Engineer

Knobelsdorff Enterprises • Childress, TX

3d

About The Position

The Automation PLC Engineer supports Knobelsdorff’s Automation division by leading and executing control-system design, programming, and commissioning for automation projects. The role delivers reliable, scalable, well-documented industrial control solutions that meet customer and project requirements while upholding the company’s commitments to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. The engineer works independently and collaboratively across multiple projects, communicates with clients, vendors, and internal teams, and develops professionally through mentorship and continuing learning.

This position includes occasional project start-ups that may involve extended working hours and requires travel. The stated travel requirement is up to 30%; most start-ups involve local or regional travel and are typically two weeks or less. The posting also notes that the employee must be able to travel up to 100% or be on-site.

The annual pay range is $105,000–$120,000, plus per diem and discretionary incentive opportunities. Full-time employees have access to a benefits package that includes employer-paid health and dental coverage, HSA contributions, company-paid life and disability coverage, a 401(k) with company match, weekly pay, PTO, six paid holidays, education reimbursement, and employee discounts.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of programming experience with PLC/HMI/SCADA applications.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or computer science, or equivalent education or experience.
• Detailed knowledge of industrial control systems, motor control, and field instrumentation.
• High proficiency creating complete PLC programs using RSLogix 5000, FactoryTalk View SE, and the Rockwell portfolio suite.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA screens, preferably using Ignition, FactoryTalk View, or Wonderware.
• Working knowledge of the Ethernet/IP industrial communication protocol.
• Knowledge of scripting languages and databases.
• Time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Proven communication, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills; critical-thinking skills to support sound technical solutions to complex problems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work occasional start-ups that may involve extended working hours.
• Required travel up to 30% of the time; most start-ups are local or regional and typically two weeks or less.
• Ability to meet the described physical requirements, including lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds, climbing ladders and stairs, and periodically working in noisy and dirty environments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Step 7 and TIA Portal.
• Experience with Modbus TCP, Modbus Serial, Profibus, Profinet, ControlNet, Ethernet, and DeviceNet.
• Ability to develop professionally through direct mentorship and personally sourced academics.

Responsibilities

• Technically lead automation projects from conception to completion, meeting timelines and budgetary constraints.
• Design industrial control systems, including control panels, networks, and field-device specifications.
• Interpret P&IDs, process flows, specifications, and other system design documents for control-system design and programming.
• Create I/O lists, specifications, test procedures, FDS manuals, and other project documentation.
• Create and document PLC/HMI/SCADA programs using modular and reusable techniques.
• Configure and program control-system devices, including managed Ethernet switches, protocol converters, VFDs, and other controllers.
• Perform on-site control-system start-up and commissioning.
• Assist technicians with field modifications and provide technical assistance on PLC/HMI/SCADA programs.
• Participate in client meetings to define project scope and functional and operational system requirements.
• Troubleshoot, test, and analyze project-program errors and revise programs to restore operational order.
• Work independently and as part of a team on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Stay informed about industry best practices and emerging technological developments.
• Communicate effectively with clients, vendors, and internal teams.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees.
• HSA contributions to support medical expenses.
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage.
• 401(k) with competitive company match.
• Paid weekly with competitive wages.
• PTO and six paid holidays.
• Education reimbursement.
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage.
• Per diem and discretionary incentive opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior