Electrical Controls Engineer

The Kinetic Group · Lewiston, ID

Level: Engineer
Team: Controls
Base pay: $85k–$149k
Degree: Required
Experience asked: 10+ years
Industry: Industrial
Posted: 17 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at The Kinetic Group (industrial) in Lewiston, ID. In this role you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting technology to improve equipment, processes, and products.

They ask for: 10+ years · degree required
Tools it names: Root cause, FMEA, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Robotics, Automation
Base pay: $85k–$149k

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

How this role compares

Against 9 other live controls postings in Idaho.

Experience asked: More than usual (10+ vs 8+)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ PLC 80%
✓ Automation 80%
✓ Team leadership 60%
✓ AutoCAD 50%
✓ Robotics 40%
✓ Root cause 30%

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

It asks for 10+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone on the team first.

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
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at The Kinetic Group
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
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
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
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
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.

This plant: The Kinetic Group in Lewiston

4 other open roles at this site.

Electrical Controls Engineer (Level I-III) - CCI/Speer · Controls · Senior
Associate Manufacturing Engineer · Manufacturing
Associate Manufacturing Engineer · Manufacturing
Lean Production Supervisor · Lean / CI · Supervisor

Full description from The Kinetic GroupAs posted on their careers site.Show

What you'll do

◆Support the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems.
◆Design, program, troubleshoot, and commission PLC-based control systems using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Omron, or similar technologies.
◆Develop and maintain HMI and operator interface systems to improve equipment usability and diagnostics.
◆Assist with or lead automation projects involving robotics, vision systems, servo motion, industrial networking, and process controls based on experience level.
◆Design, implement, maintain, and improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, and systems within the manufacturing environment.
◆Participate in capital projects including concept development, design, procurement, installation, startup, and project validation.
◆Troubleshoot equipment and process issues using a structured root cause problem-solving approach, identifying underlying causes rather than simply replacing components.
◆Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, and IT teams to develop practical and scalable manufacturing solutions.
◆Support integration of machine data into manufacturing and business systems for improved reporting, traceability, and decision making.
◆Ensure compliance with applicable electrical, safety, and regulatory standards including NEC, OSHA, and machine safety requirements.
◆Create and maintain technical documentation, drawings, standards, and training materials.
◆Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members as experience level and business needs dictate.

Preferred Qualifications

✓Experience with Allen-Bradley, Omron, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms.
✓Experience with robotics, servo motion systems, machine vision, and automated inspection systems.
✓Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP, OPC UA, and Modbus.
✓Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, SCADA systems, and manufacturing data systems.
✓Knowledge of machine safety principles, FMEA, risk assessments, and manufacturing compliance re

Show full description ↓

Pay Range

Annual Salary: $85,400.00 - $149,400.00The actual annual salary offered to a candidate will be based on variables including experience, geographic location, education, and skills/achievements, and will be mutually agreed upon at the time of offer.

Job Description

CCI/SPEER is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to join the team. In this role you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting technology to improve equipment, processes, and products. This is accomplished through design requirements, specifications, drawings, procurement of necessary materials and services, and coordination of installation and training for systems including new automation solutions. You will provide expertise in programming and designing industrial controls and interfaces for new and existing equipment and processes. Effectively communicate with team members at all levels of the organization to improve our workplace, manufacturing performance, and customer experience.

This position may be filled at the Engineer I, II, or III level based on education, experience, and demonstrated technical capability. Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, apprenticeship experience, licensure, military experience, certifications, and directly related controls/automation experience will be considered.

This position reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager and will be based out of our Lewiston, Idaho office.

Engineer I

•Associate's Degree (AAS) in a related technical discipline with 4-10 years of relevant controls, automation, or manufacturing experience; or Journeyman Electrician license with 4-10 years of relevant industrial controls experience.
•Internship, co-op, project, apprenticeship, or early-career experience with automation, controls, manufacturing equipment, or industrial systems.
•Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, apprenticeship experience, licensure, military experience, certifications, and directly related controls/automation experience will be considered.
•Foundational understanding of PLC programming, HMIs, electrical schematics, and industrial control systems.
•Strong troubleshooting aptitude and desire to learn.

Engineer II

•Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field with 2-6 years of relevant experience; or entry-level Master's degree; or Associate's Degree (AAS) with 5-15 years of electrical controls, automation, or manufacturing experience; or Journeyman Electrician license with 15+ years of relevant experience.
•3+ years of experience supporting automated manufacturing systems and industrial controls.
•Working knowledge of PLC programming, HMI development, industrial networking, and equipment troubleshooting.
•Experience designing, implementing, or improving control systems and automation solutions with limited supervision.
•Demonstrated ability to identify root causes of equipment and process issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Engineer III

•Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field with 4-10 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree with 2-6 years of relevant experience; or Associate's Degree (AAS) with 15+ years of electrical controls and automation experience; or Journeyman Electrician license with 15+ years of relevant experience.
•5+ years of experience designing, implementing, and supporting automated manufacturing solutions.
•Advanced experience with PLC programming, controls architecture, automation troubleshooting, project leadership, and manufacturing process optimization.
•Proven ability to lead complex automation projects, mentor engineers and technicians, and serve as a technical resource for electrical controls systems.
•Demonstrated track record of driving root-cause problem solving, equipment reliability improvements, and manufacturing performance gains.