Industrial Controls Designer

General Kinematics Corporation•Crystal Lake, IL

8d•$95,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

General Kinematics is the premier manufacturer of vibrating equipment for the processing of bulk materials. From vibratory feeders to entire process systems, General Kinematics creates the solutions customers require to process even the most difficult materials. We are currently looking for a qualified Industrial Controls Designer to join our team.

Requirements

Proficiency in control system design software and tools, such as AutoCAD, EPLAN, Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, etc.
Strong understanding of PLC programming languages (Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagrams, Structured Text) and HMI development.
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, etc.) and networking concepts.
Solid knowledge of electrical design principles, circuit analysis, and instrumentation.
Ability to interpret P&IDs and collaborate with other engineering disciplines.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail to identify and rectify control system issues.
Excellent communication skills to convey complex technical information.
Understanding of National Electrical Code (NEC) safety standards and experience designing systems in compliance with relevant regulations.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Proven experience (3 -5 years min) working as a Controls Designer or similar role within the industrial automation or manufacturing sector.
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering preferred, but not required

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications (such as Certified Automation Professional, Siemens Certified Programmer) are a plus.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and project managers, to understand project requirements and design control systems that meet those requirements.
Develop detailed control system designs, including schematic diagrams, wiring layouts, and panel designs, using industry-standard design tools and software.
Select third-party companies as outside vendors for controls support and act as the company’s liaison, overseeing work quality, accuracy, and timeliness.
Select appropriate hardware components, such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), sensors, actuators, and communication devices, to build effective control solutions.
Program and configure PLCs and HMIs to create logic sequences, control algorithms, and user interfaces that facilitate system operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Participate in the testing and commissioning of control systems, ensuring proper functionality, responsiveness, and adherence to safety regulations.
Collaborate with software engineers to integrate control systems with higher-level software and network infrastructures.
Provide technical support to field service teams during the installation, startup, and maintenance of control systems.
Stay current with industry trends and advancements in control system technologies, incorporating best practices and innovative solutions into design processes.