ShopFloorJobs
CC

Sr. Controls Engineer

CGR Career Portal · Salina, KS

Apply on CGR Career Portal ↗
Level
Senior
Team
Controls
Industry
Industrial
Posted
Recently

The role in 30 seconds

A senior controls role at CGR Career Portal (industrial) in Salina, KS.

Tools it names
PLC, Robotics, Automation, Painting / coating

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in Kansas: typical posted base $105k–$160k.

Median of the low and high ends of 3 live postings that list pay, out of 7 controls engineer openings in Kansas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Kansas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 734 other live controls postings in the US.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $97k–$141k, from 248 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Not stated

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Automation 74%
  • ✓ PLC 68%
  • ✓ Robotics 42%
  • Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 27%
  • Root cause 27%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Painting / coating, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at CGR Career Portal

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

Full description from CGR Career PortalAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

  • ◆Develop, program, troubleshoot, and commission PLC-based industrial control systems.
  • ◆Support controls projects from initial design and programming through installation, startup, and final commissioning.
  • ◆Collaborate directly with electricians, millwrights, technicians, and installation crews in the field.
  • ◆Assist with equipment installation, hardware mounting, cable routing, instrumentation, and pneumatic systems as needed.
  • ◆Troubleshoot electrical, controls, communication, and mechanical issues during startup and commissioning phases.
  • ◆Develop and maintain industrial communication networks.
  • ◆Support the integration of plant-floor equipment with control systems, manufacturing systems, and databases.
  • ◆Provide remote technical support to current and potential customers.
  • ◆Create comprehensive controls documentation, troubleshooting procedures, and technical records.
  • ◆Identify and incorporate emerging automation technologies into control system solutions.

Responsibilities

  • ◆Lead technical conversations and coordinate activities on-site, managing subcontractors and field teams.
  • ◆Make sound engineering and troubleshooting decisions during installation and startup.
  • ◆Coordinate controls, electrical, mechanical, and installation teams for seamless project execution.
  • ◆Provide technical guidance to electricians, technicians, and installers.
  • ◆Communicate effectively with customers regarding project progress and technical issues.
  • ◆Uphold safety, quality, documentation, and professional standards throughout project execution.
  • ◆Manage smaller projects independently at customer sites, demonstrating ownership and accountability.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is a proactive, hands-on engineer who takes ownership of field projects. Essential

Requirements

Approximately 50% travel annually is anticipated. During busy project periods, travel may follow rotations of approximately three weeks on-site followed by one week at home. Candidates should be comfortable traveling to industrial customer sites and working directly within active installation and commissioning environments.

Take your expertise to the next level—apply now and become a key contributor to innovative industrial automation projects.

Show full description ↓

Senior Controls Engineer

Overview

We are looking for a highly skilled Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, installation, integration, and commissioning of complex industrial automation systems. This role demands a practical, hands-on approach that combines PLC programming, controls expertise, and field leadership. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working closely with electricians, millwrights, installers, and subcontractors to successfully bring automated systems from conception to operational startup. If you thrive in a role that involves both programming and physical implementation, this opportunity is tailored for you.

Technologies & Systems Candidates May Work With

PLC and HMI programming, industrial communication networks, AS-Interface/AS-i networks, SCADA and visualization platforms, database and system integration, Ignition, machine vision, industrial cameras, pneumatic control, conveyor and material handling systems, track switches, vertical lifts, industrial washers and ovens, automated finishing and coating equipment, robotic and reciprocating automation.

Field & Leadership

include

  • •Extensive PLC programming and industrial controls experience.
  • •Proven experience commissioning automated industrial equipment.
  • •Strong electrical troubleshooting skills.
  • •Mechanical aptitude and willingness to work hands-on with field personnel.
  • •Familiarity with industrial networking and communication protocols.
  • •Ability to troubleshoot systems involving controls, electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical components.
  • •Experience coordinating field installation teams and subcontractors.
  • •Excellent customer-facing communication skills.
  • •Strong technical documentation practices.
  • •Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • •Strong problem-solving and technical decision-making abilities.
  • •Interest in emerging technologies, such as machine vision, advanced sensors, cameras, and connected manufacturing systems.

Experience with conveyor systems, material handling, process equipment, automated manufacturing, finishing systems, robotics, or other industrial automation environments is highly desirable.

Travel

More Controls roles nearby