CONTROLS AND AUTOMATION ENGINEER
Salary:
- $90,000 – $98,000
Benefits:
- Insurance premiums paid for by the company (health, life, vision, and dental)
- 401(k) Matching
Schedule:
- Monday – Friday 7:00am – 4:30pm
- Every Other Saturday – 5:00am – 10:00am
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in an applicable area of study
- 5 years’ experience with industrial electrical systems in a heavy industrial environment
- Be comfortable with hands-on work in a heavy industrial environment
Essential Competencies:
- Working knowledge of equipment safety practices including lockout/tagout, confined space, fall protection, lifting/rigging, forklift operation, and PPE use
- Working knowledge of OSHA standards and National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements
- Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and drives
- Proficiency with industrial electrical systems (480V, 240V, 120V, 24V DC), including single- and three-phase power, as well as pneumatic and hydraulic systems
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation
- Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously and maintaining timelines independently
At Ken Forging, we are seeking a driven individual to apply their technical experience in a collaborative, heavy industrial environment. Our products support critical infrastructure by holding up bridges, securing cargo that drives global commerce, and contributing to our nation’s power grid.
As a Controls & Automation Engineer, you will maintain, troubleshoot, and improve manufacturing systems ranging from legacy machinery dating back to World War II to modern automated equipment. This role combines hands-on work with engineering problem-solving, including diagnosing complex issues, improving equipment reliability, and supporting production uptime.
You will work closely with our Electrical/Controls team, machine operators, and company leadership to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Experience with PLC and HMI programming (particularly Allen-Bradley platforms) is highly valued.
This is a loud, dirty, and physically demanding environment, but for the right candidate, it offers a rewarding career with meaningful impact and a strong sense of accomplishment.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
- 1st SHIFT (6:00am – 4:30pm, overtime varies) Monday – Friday, and some Saturday’s
Duties include working with various heavy construction equipment (e.g. backhoe, trencher, and bulldozer.) Must have prior manufacturing construction experience.
FORGE HAMMER AND IMPACTOR OPERATORS
- 1st SHIFT ONLY (6:00am – 3:30pm, 9-hour days) Monday – Friday
Duties include forging hot steel bars, operating a trim press, furnace, drop forge hammer or impactor. We are willing to train the right candidates.
FRONT OFFICE RECEPTIONIST
- 1st SHIFT (8:30am – 5:00pm) Monday – Friday
Duties include greeting clients and visitors, managing multi-line phone system, routing incoming calls, managing supply inventory, data entry, scanning, copying, filing, and other duties to support office staff.
Candidates should be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Outlook, and Word.
INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE
- 1st SHIFT (6:00am – 4:30pm, overtime varies) Monday – Friday, and some Saturday’s
Duties include performing 3-phase wiring, pipe fitting, and working with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).
Candidates should have experience with gas, air, and hydraulic lines, and a strong understanding of lockout-tagout. Mechanical knowledge of keyed shafts, bearings, clutches, belts, and chains is greatly valued. Working at elevated heights will be required.
MACHINIST/TOOL AND DIE MAKER
- 1st SHIFT (6:00am – 2:30pm, overtime varies) Monday – Friday, and some Saturday’s
Duties include setup and programming of CNC mills and lathes, design and fabrication of precision tools, dies, and fixtures, reading and interpreting technical blueprints and product plans.
Candidate must be proficient in using precision measuring instruments, such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges. Strong mathematical skills are required for precise calculations related to measurements and tolerances. Attention to detail with a commitment to quality workmanship, and experience with CAD/CAM software and technology is a plus.
We will consider applicants freshly out of trade school in-lieu of experience.
PRODUCTION MACHINE OPERATORS
- 1st SHIFT (6:00am – 2:30pm, overtime varies) Monday – Friday
- 3rd SHIFT (11:00pm – 6:00am, 7-hour shift, 8-hour pay shift differential, overtime varies) Sunday Night – Thursday Night
Duties include operating the following machine types: CNC lathes, drills and drill presses, machining centers, and Landis threaders.
We will consider all experience levels and are willing to train the right candidates.
SHIPPING CLERK
- 1st SHIFT (9:00am – 5:30pm, overtime varies) Monday – Friday
Duties include loading and unloading trucks, pulling, sorting, assembling, labeling, and counting parts, packing small parcel and freight shipments, data entry, and operating machines, as needed.