Staff Engineer Advanced Manufacturing

Job Title: Staff Engineer - Controls and Automation

Location: Orwell, OH (Primary Location)
While the primary location for this position is Orwell, OH, we will also consider qualified candidates for opportunities in Rogers, AR; Asheboro, NC; and Bedford, PA.

Job Summary:
Kennametal has an opening for an experienced professional in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics to support and advance automation initiatives within our manufacturing facilities. The ideal candidate will possess extensive hands-on experience with industrial control systems, PLC programming, robotics, automated material handling systems, motion control, industrial networking, and machine safety systems.

This role is responsible for developing, troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving automated manufacturing equipment while supporting strategic automation projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost reduction. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, excellent troubleshooting abilities, effective communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Support, develop, troubleshoot, and improve industrial control systems and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or similar systems.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving controls, sensors, motors, drives, relays, safety circuits, control panels, and electrical systems.
• Ensure control and electrical systems comply with applicable engineering and safety standards.
• Support the installation, commissioning, startup, and qualification of new equipment and automated systems.
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers and system integrators on the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of automation solutions.
• Lead or support automation projects focused on improving safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and manufacturing costs.
• Partner with electricians, maintenance technicians, manufacturing engineers, and operations personnel to identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions.
• Provide technical support, training, and mentoring to engineers and technical personnel.
• Support equipment and process transfers while driving automation standardization across the organization.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control documentation, I/O lists, and system documentation.
• Ensure appropriate documentation is completed and maintained for all new and modified equipment.
• Travel up to 25%, depending on project activity and support requirements across manufacturing facilities.

Education, Work Experience, Skills, Certificates

• Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field required.
• Preferred minimum of 10 years of practical experience in controls engineering, electrical engineering, automation, or related manufacturing environments.
• Extensive experience with industrial control systems and PLC programming.
• Strong knowledge of industrial robotics, automated material handling systems, servo systems, VFDs, motion control, and industrial networking.
• Experience with machine safety systems and safety PLCs required.
• Hands-on experience working with industrial manufacturing equipment.
• HMI/SCADA development and troubleshooting experience preferred.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage time effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to support multiple manufacturing locations as business needs require.