Control Systems Designer

Cogent, Inc. is seeking a Controls Systems Designer to join our team in Kansas City. The Controls Systems Designer is responsible for developing accurate, production-ready electrical schematics and control panel layouts for industrial and municipal automation systems. This role works closely with Controls Engineers, project managers, and fabrication teams to translate control strategies, specifications, and redlines into clear, compliant AutoCAD Electrical drawings.

You’ll apply your controls design knowledge, electrical fundamentals, and drafting expertise to support the successful execution of automation projects, ensuring designs are buildable, maintainable, and aligned with Cogent standards and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts for industrial control panels based on approved control strategies and engineering direction
• Translate engineer redlines, specifications, and design intent into accurate AutoCAD Electrical drawings
• Create and maintain AutoCAD Electrical project files, drawing sets, and title blocks
• Apply Cogent design standards, customer standards, and applicable electrical codes (NEC, UL 508A where applicable)
• Coordinate with Controls Engineers to clarify control logic, I/O requirements, device selection, and system architecture
• Support fabrication teams by producing clear, build-ready drawings and responding to questions during panel assembly
• Assist with design revisions, drawing updates, and redline incorporation throughout the project lifecycle
• Participate in internal design reviews and backchecks to ensure drawing accuracy and completeness
• Identify design conflicts, missing information, or constructability concerns and escalate to Engineering
• Maintain organized documentation and revision control for all assigned projects
• Support panel checkout preparation drawing updates as needed based on test results or field feedback

Work Environment / Travel Expectations

This position is primarily office-based, supporting controls design and documentation activities. Collaboration with engineering, fabrication, and field service teams is routine.


Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or technical certification in drafting, engineering technology, or a related field preferred
• Experience developing or modifying electrical schematics and control drawings
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD Electrical
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control specifications
• Understanding of industrial control components (PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, power supplies, relays, terminal blocks)
• Familiarity with low-voltage control circuits and basic power distribution (24VDC, 120VAC, 480VAC)
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to drawing accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple design tasks and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing industrial control panels for municipal water/wastewater or industrial automation systems
• Working knowledge of UL 508A and NFPA 70 (NEC)
• Experience supporting panel fabrication, checkout, or factory acceptance testing (FAT)
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley control platforms (CompactLogix, ControlLogix, PanelView, PowerFlex)
• Understanding of PLC I/O architecture and control system design concepts
• Interest in professional growth toward Senior Designer, Lead Designer, or Controls Hardware Engineering roles
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to proactively identify design improvements

Why Work with Us?

Cogent is a growing organization focused on delivering engineered automation solutions across municipal and industrial markets. We provide system design, equipment sales, repair services, installation, and long-term support — all with a strong emphasis on quality, reliability, and customer success.

At Cogent, you’re not just an employee — you’re an owner. Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), every team member has a direct stake in our success. We value accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and we invest in our people for the long term.

We Offer

• Employee Ownership (ESOP) – Share in the company’s success
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Profit-Sharing Bonuses
• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Generous PTO, Paid Holidays & Volunteer Time Off
• Career Development & Advancement Opportunities
• A Collaborative Culture that Values Quality, Innovation, and Accountability

Join Us

At Cogent, great control systems start with strong design. If you take pride in accurate electrical documentation and want to support automation projects that make a real-world impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities


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