Automation & Controls Engineer

Fairmount Technologies (FT) is a growing advanced manufacturing company developing tooling-free CNC systems that dramatically reduce cost and lead time for aerospace and defense manufacturers. Our mission is to integrate real-time automation directly onto the factory floor, ensuring unprecedented precision, safety, and efficiency in aerospace component production.

Recent milestone: FT was selected for a U.S. Department of Defense APFIT award, supporting deployment of our systems across multiple Air Force maintenance depots. This marks a major step as we scale production and expand our engineering team.

We are seeking a highly skilled and driven Automation & Controls Engineerto program, integrate, and optimize our next-generation machine control architectures.

Position Overview

In this role, you will be the core technical link between our high-level software environments, machine learning models, and physical CNC hardware. You will design, build, and refine the PLC logic, motion control paths, and safety systems that drive our machinery. If you thrive on writing clean control code, resolving complex hardware-software integration loops, and ensuring failsafe shop-floor performance, this role is for you.

Core Responsibilities

• Control System Programming: Write, optimize, and test industrial control logic utilizing Structured Text (ST), Function Block Diagrams (FBD), and Sequential Function Charts.
• Motion Control & Logic Development: Program high-precision multi-axis motion control systems, servo drives, and synchronized physical subsystems to handle intricate aerospace machining paths.
• Hardware & Equipment Integration: Seamlessly integrate industrial electrical hardware, proprietary control software, sensor instrumentation networks, and peripheral factory equipment into a unified, high-performance machine environment.
• Safety & Fail-Safe Architecture: Architect, test, and validate rigorous safety PLC networks and emergency stop structures to protect workers and high-value aviation tooling.
• HMI Development: Build responsive, intuitive local Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) that feed clean telemetry data back to operators and communicate smoothly with backend custom applications.

Technical & Electrical Requirements

• PLC Programming Environments: Proficient with industry-standard PLC software suites (such as Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA Portal, or Rockwell Studio 5000).
• Industrial Languages: Advanced capabilities writing control code in Structured Text and Function Block Diagrams (IEC 61131-3 standards).
• Industrial Communication Protocols: Solid understanding of networks like EtherCAT, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, or OPC UA to sync machinery with database pipelines (SQL/MongoDB).
• Electrical Design Familiarity: Competency reading electrical schematics, panel layouts, and managing low-voltage physical instrumentation loops.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

• Experience: 3+ years of engineering experience directly programming automated systems, robotic cells, or industrial machine tools.
• Domain Knowledge: Previous experience working within aviation/aerospace safety standards, CNC environments, or with automated manufacturing equipment is highly advantageous.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a highly relevant engineering discipline.
• Mindset: A methodical engineer committed to code predictability, exhaustive system testing, and robust fail-safe operations.

Regulatory & Location Requirements

• Export Control Compliance: This position requires access to ITAR/EAR-controlled technologies. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) and eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws.
• Location: Relocation to the Wichita / Derby, KS area is required. This position involves collaborative programming pipelines and extensive physical deployment verification on the manufacturing floor.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and scope of role
• (Typical range: $80,000–$120,000+)
• Flexible working hours to support your optimal work-life schedule.
• PTO to ensure dynamic work-life balance.
• Optional Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Profit sharing, so you benefit directly from the company’s success
• Direct access to leadership and technical decision-making
• A chance to grow with the company as our manufacturing footprint scales

Pay: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This position requires that applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) as required by ITAR/EAR regulations. Are you a US Citizen or Permanent resident? Answer required

Ability to Relocate:

• Derby, KS 67037: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person