Lead Controls Engineer

Job Title: Lead Controls Engineer
Location: Holcomb, KS
Duration: 10/23/2026 – 10/23/2027 (12 months)
Pay Rate: $64.28/hr
Shift Timings: 1st Shift: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM /2nd Shift: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Job Description
The Lead Controls Engineer will provide technical leadership and hands-on support for industrial automation and plant-floor control systems at the Tyson Foods Holcomb facility. The role focuses on PLC programming, troubleshooting, SCADA/HMI systems, conveyor automation, and industrial communications. The engineer will resolve complex equipment issues, minimize production downtime, and support controls upgrades and modernization projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and commission PLC-based control systems.
• Support Schneider Electric/Modicon PLCs and legacy control systems.
• Troubleshoot automated production lines, conveyors, motors, drives, sensors, and interlocks.
• Diagnose issues across PLCs, HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networks.
• Integrate and troubleshoot barcode scanners and vision systems.
• Support Ignition and iFix SCADA/HMI platforms.
• Perform root-cause analysis to restore equipment uptime.
• Support controls upgrades, replacements, and modernization projects.
• Develop technical specifications, programs, and integrated test plans.
• Provide technical guidance and collaborate with plant operations and IT teams.
   

Required Skills

• Strong hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Schneider Electric/Modicon PLC experience strongly preferred.
• Ladder logic, structured programming, I/O mapping, and HMI integration.
• Industrial automation and manufacturing plant-floor troubleshooting.
• Conveyor and material-handling systems, motors, drives, sensors, photo eyes, and interlocks.
• SCADA/HMI experience with Ignition and iFix.
• Barcode scanning and machine vision systems: Keyence, Cognex, or SICK.
• Industrial networking and communication troubleshooting.
• SQL, scripting, server-based technologies, and 4GL programming.
• Electrical schematic interpretation and root-cause analysis.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and technical leadership skills.
   

Education and Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or another technical field. Equivalent work experience may be accepted.
• Experience: 6+ years in Information Systems or a related field, with proven programming experience.
• Experience supporting industrial controls in a live manufacturing environment is highly relevant.