Automation & Controls Engineer – Advanced Machine Tools

at Fairmount Technologies in Derby, Kansas, United States

Job Description

What You’ll Be Working On  

You’ll contribute across the full lifecycle of our machine control systems, including:

• Designing and implementing control software for advanced electromechanical systems
• Developing and testing motion control, PLC logic, safety systems, and HMIs
• Integrating electrical hardware, control software, and external equipment into cohesive machine systems
• Writing and refining control logic (e.g., Structured Text, Function Block Diagrams)
• Creating and reviewing control panel designs and system architectures
• Running extensive testing and trial runs to verify functionality and performance
• Troubleshooting hardware, software, and communication issues efficiently
• Improving existing control software for reliability, performance, and maintainability
• Developing operations documentation, manuals, and training materials
• Ensuring proper communication between programs, machines, networks, and external devices

  This is a hands-on role focused on new machine development and production systems, not just maintenance or support.

  Why This Role Is Different  

• Small company → big technical ownership from day one
• Highly unique machine tools and smart manufacturing systems
• Blend of automation, electrical, motion, and systems-level engineering
• Direct involvement in machines that go from prototype to customer deployment
• Opportunity to grow technically and professionally as production ramps up

  You’ll see your work move from concept → machine → factory floor.  

This Role Might Be Right for You If  

• You enjoy working at the intersection of automation, electrical systems, and software
• You like designing control systems for new machines
• You’re comfortable testing, debugging, and improving real hardware/software systems
• You want your work to matter in a small, growing engineering team
• You’re excited by advanced manufacturing, CNC systems, and automation
• You have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field (or equivalent hands-on experience) and ~3+ years working with PLCs, motion control, or electromechanical automation systems.