Controls Engineer serves as the primary controls and automation resource supporting the onsite System Operations (Sys Ops) team at our customer site. The role provides in-depth technical expertise across automation systems, control architectures, industrial networks, PLCs, HMIs, drives, and material handling equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the facility.
Controls Engineer partners closely with the Sys Ops team to troubleshoot complex controls issues, support error recovery, reduce downtime, and improve system performance. This individual analyzes automation system performance, including PLC execution, fault trends, equipment availability, network health, and material flow, and develops solutions that drive continuous improvement.
The position also supports automation projects and system upgrades by coordinating with OEMs, vendors, and internal stakeholders, managing controls requirements, and assisting with testing, commissioning, and startup activities.
- Modify, maintain, and optimize PLC and HMI applications supporting facility operations.
- Support, troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade installed automation systems while working closely with the Sys Ops team.
- Provide after-hours controls support as needed to maintain system availability and operational performance.
- Assist Sys Ops technicians and operations personnel with controls-related troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and error recovery.
- Maintains material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers, industrial networks such as Asi, Profibus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
- Support internal and external controls upgrades, lifecycle replacements, and capital projects
- Analyze automation system performance and identify opportunities to improve reliability, throughput, and maintainability.
- Communicate technical issues, corrective actions, and improvement recommendations to the Site Manager and Sys Ops leadership team.
What you need to succeed
- 3+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or material handling systems.
- Strong electrical and electromechanical troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to diagnose and resolve complex automation and controls issues using PLC software and diagnostic tools.
- Ability to read, understand, and modify PLC programs in multiple programming languages such as Ladder, Function Block, Statement List, etc.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced distribution environment.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and customer-focused approach.
- Industrial experience with sound knowledge of electro-mechanical or automation systems
- Application knowledge of warehouse distribution systems (pallet or tote conveyor, storage and retrieval machines, monorail systems, etc)
- Experience with AC Variable Frequency Drives and low voltage controls systems
- Experience programming Variable Frequency Drives from scratch
- Expert-level troubleshooting and modification experience with Siemens PLC platforms.
- Experience supporting Siemens-based material handling and warehouse automation systems.
