Automation Controls Engineer

KSB is a leading supplier of pumps, valves and related service. Our reliable, high-efficiency products are used in applications wherever fluids need to be transported or shut off, covering everything from building services,industry and water transport to waste water treatment, power plant processes and mining. Founded in 1871 in Frankenthal, Germany, the company has a presence on all continents with its own sales and marketing organisations and manufacturing facilities. Around the globe, more than 190 service centres and around 3,500 service specialists are on hand to provide local inspection, servicing, maintenance and repair services under the KSB SupremeServ brand. Innovative technology that is the fruit of KSB’s research and development activities forms the basis for the company’s success.
People. Passion. Performance. It is these three success factors that make KSB the company it is today.
At KSB, we recognise that it is people who actually make the difference – the people we employ and the people we serve. This is why we are committed to equal rights and treatment worldwide and never lose sight of the aspects ecology and sustainability when manufacturing our products.

Department: Engineering
Reports to: Senior Design Engineer
Location: Grovetown, GA, USA (onsite)
Shift: First

FLSA Status: Salary Exempt

OVERVIEW:

The Automation Controls Engineer plays a key role in the design, development, and testing of advanced electromechanical systems used in industrial pumping and mining applications. Working as part of the Engineering team, this position develops control system architectures, programs PLCs and HMIs, integrates hardware and software components, and supports prototype development from concept through validation.

This hands-on role combines electrical design, controls programming, system integration, and laboratory testing to deliver innovative automation solutions. The engineer collaborates closely with Engineering, Product Management, Global Supply Chain, and external suppliers to develop reliable, scalable technologies that support new product development and continuous product improvement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Translate functional requirements into control system designs (hardware and software)
• Specify and source PLCs, HMIs, drives, motors, encoders, sensors, I/O, contactors and related components
• Program PLCs and HMIs to meet defined specifications
• Build wiring harnesses, panels and prototype assemblies; Produce BOMs and schematics
• Execute lab and field test plans, record results, and document issues and fixes
• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Product Management, Global Supply Chain, and vendors

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: 4-year engineering degree in electrical, computer, or mechanical discipline
• Experience: 3+ years in machine or factory automation with hands on controls and test experience. Practical experience with motor controls, drives, encoders, sensors, and industrial I/O. Preferred prior experience in prototype testing rigs and iterative R&D testing.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

• PLC programming (ladder/structured text) and HMI configuration experience (preferred computer programming language such as C#, C++, Python, etc.)
• Familiar with a wide array of major electrical/automation/PLC brands, sensor types and industrial protocols
• MS Office
• Basic understanding of machine learning and data analysis methods
• Basic understanding of industrial mining equipment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• English (fluent)
• Peer leader

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Primarily desk-type duty

KSB Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. KSB makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. 

We value employees who take the initiative and are committed to our company; Employees who take responsibility and for whom business success is the focus of their actions. In return, we offer fair framework conditions for collective wages and pensions, flexible working time models, individual training opportunities and the best career prospects.