We are looking for a Lead Controls Engineer to provides technical direction and oversight for technology-based processes, industrial automation, and plant control environments in Holcomb, KS. They will develop and manage technical architectures to meet organizational IT service level agreements, plans technology solutions to enhance mission-critical business operations, and enforces IT/OT standards. They will drive continuous operational uptime, conducts root-cause diagnostics across PLC, HMI, and industrial network layers, and oversees controls modernization initiatives across both modern and legacy equipment.Type: 3-6 months (Up-to a year depends on the project goals)Schedule: 10 hour shifts (No OT-Shift Adjustable to 8-9hrs)Project: Upgrade and transition from IFIX to IgnitionBenefits: Expenses for stay, food and travel to work covered.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide technical leadership and operational direction for technology-based processes, system developments, and plant automation environments.Develop and manage technical environments across departments to fulfill organizational service level agreements and support mission-critical operations.Program, commission, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems using ladder logic, structured text, and I/O mapping, with emphasis on Schneider Electric/Modicon platforms.Trace and resolve complex operational failures across controls, electrical circuits, communications, and mechanical equipment in a live manufacturing environment.Support and troubleshoot automated material-handling systems, including conveyors, motors, drives, sensors, photo eyes, interlocks, and sequencing logic.Diagnose and maintain integrated SCADA and HMI platforms (specifically Ignition and iFix) across connected plant-floor equipment.Integrate, maintain, and troubleshoot industrial barcode scanning and vision equipment (Keyence, Cognex, and SICK).Troubleshoot industrial communication protocols between PLCs, field devices, HMIs, scanners, and enterprise IT systems.Support legacy control systems while evaluating, planning, and executing controls upgrades, component replacements, and automation modernization projects.Define, implement, and maintain IT policies, coding standards, System Development Lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies, and operational procedures.Direct technical vendors, evaluate information systems proposals, negotiate for products/services, and advise on hardware and software purchases.Develop and execute integrated test plans, evaluate alternative technical implementations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams and non-technical stakeholders. Required Skills & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a technical discipline (equivalent work experience accepted).6+ years of experience in Information Systems, Controls Engineering, or related industrial automation fields with proven programming experience.Advanced knowledge in programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting PLC-based systems, ladder logic, structured programming, I/O mapping, and electrical schematic interpretation.Strong working knowledge across multiple technologies, including SCADA, 4GL programming, scripting languages, server-based systems, and SQL.Advanced experience with System Development Lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies, code reviews, technical specification development, and integrated test execution.Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and apply basic project management practices. Preferred QualificationsExtensive hands-on experience with Schneider Electric/Modicon PLC hardware and programming software. (Highly desired)Applied experience with Ignition and GE iFix SCADA/HMI platforms.Direct experience integrating and troubleshooting Keyence, Cognex, and SICK industrial vision/scanning systems.