Control Systems Designer

Cogent•Riverside, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Cogent, Inc. is seeking a Controls Systems Designer to join our team in Kansas City. The Controls Systems Designer is responsible for developing accurate, production-ready electrical schematics and control panel layouts for industrial and municipal automation systems. This role works closely with Controls Engineers, project managers, and fabrication teams to translate control strategies, specifications, and redlines into clear, compliant AutoCAD Electrical drawings. You’ll apply your controls design knowledge, electrical fundamentals, and drafting expertise to support the successful execution of automation projects, ensuring designs are buildable, maintainable, and aligned with Cogent standards and customer requirements.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED required
Experience developing or modifying electrical schematics and control drawings
Working knowledge of AutoCAD Electrical
Ability to read, interpret, and apply electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control specifications
Understanding of industrial control components (PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, power supplies, relays, terminal blocks)
Familiarity with low-voltage control circuits and basic power distribution (24VDC, 120VAC, 480VAC)
Strong attention to detail and commitment to drawing accuracy
Ability to manage multiple design tasks and deadlines simultaneously
Strong written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or technical certification in drafting, engineering technology, or a related field preferred
Experience designing industrial control panels for municipal water/wastewater or industrial automation systems
Working knowledge of UL 508A and NFPA 70 (NEC)
Experience supporting panel fabrication, checkout, or factory acceptance testing (FAT)
Familiarity with Allen-Bradley control platforms (CompactLogix, ControlLogix, PanelView, PowerFlex)
Understanding of PLC I/O architecture and control system design concepts
Interest in professional growth toward Senior Designer, Lead Designer, or Controls Hardware Engineering roles
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to proactively identify design improvements

Responsibilities

Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts for industrial control panels based on approved control strategies and engineering direction
Translate engineer redlines, specifications, and design intent into accurate AutoCAD Electrical drawings
Create and maintain AutoCAD Electrical project files, drawing sets, and title blocks
Apply Cogent design standards, customer standards, and applicable electrical codes (NEC, UL 508A where applicable)
Coordinate with Controls Engineers to clarify control logic, I/O requirements, device selection, and system architecture
Support fabrication teams by producing clear, build-ready drawings and responding to questions during panel assembly
Assist with design revisions, drawing updates, and redline incorporation throughout the project lifecycle
Participate in internal design reviews and backchecks to ensure drawing accuracy and completeness
Identify design conflicts, missing information, or constructability concerns and escalate to Engineering
Maintain organized documentation and revision control for all assigned projects
Support panel checkout preparation drawing updates as needed based on test results or field feedback