The Opportunity
- This is not a remote opportunity
- Traveling up to 5%
This position works out of our Abbott Distribution Center (North Chicago), IL location in the Core Diagnostics Division.
What You’ll Work On
The Warehouse PLC / Controls Engineer is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving automated control systems within a warehouse or distribution environment. This role focuses on maximizing system uptime through rapid issue resolution, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement of PLC-controlled equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, and automated material handling systems.
- Diagnose and resolve Programmable Logic Control (PLC), Human machine interface (HMI), and control system issues impacting warehouse operations.
- Provide real-time support to operations teams to minimize downtime.
- Analyze system faults, alarms, and logs to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Support troubleshooting of automation systems including conveyors, sorters, pick by light and robotics systems.
System Documentation
- Develop and maintain accurate as-built documentation for PLC programs, network architecture, and control systems.
- Update electrical schematics, I/O lists, and system configurations as modifications occur.
- Ensure documentation is organized, version-controlled, and easily accessible.
Troubleshooting Guides & Knowledge Sharing
- Create and continuously improve standardized troubleshooting guides and procedures.
- Develop training materials and provide guidance to operators and maintenance technicians.
- Capture lessons learned from recurring issues to build robust knowledge bases.
Continuous Improvement & Upgrades
- Identify opportunities for system improvements to enhance reliability, efficiency, and performance.
- Propose and implement equipment upgrades, control logic enhancements, and process optimizations.
- Collaborate with vendors and engineering teams on system modifications and new installations.
Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
- Develop and execute preventive maintenance strategies for PLCs, control panels, and automation systems.
- Monitor system health and implement predictive maintenance techniques to prevent failures.
- Ensure compliance with maintenance schedules to maximize uptime and equipment lifespan.
Testing & Commissioning
- Support commissioning of new equipment, system upgrades, and retrofit projects.
- Conduct Factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) testing and validate system performance post-implementation.
- Verify proper operation of safety circuits and compliance with standards.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical or Controls Engineering preferred) or equivalent work experience.
- 4-7+ years of experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting (Prefer Allen-Bradley).
- FDA regulated manufacturing, consumer packaged goods or similar experience.
- Experience with validation or commissioning documentation.
- PLCs(Programmable Logic Control), HMIs(Human machine interface), VFDs (Variable Frequency Drive), and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, etc.)
- Electrical systems and control panels
- Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues under time pressure.
Preferred Qualifications
- Warehouse automation, distribution centers, or material handling systems.
- Experience with WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) and other IT/OT systems integration.
- Working knowledge of the principles of quality software engineering as described by software lifecycle development processes that are consistent with ISO, IEEE, or other FDA recognized standards.
- Programming experience using current programming languages (C#, html, SQL) and/or experience in software development.
- Be familiar with tools within Continuous Improvement (e.g., 6 Sigma, Lean, Kaizen, etc.) and participate in problem resolution.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and know how to prioritize the workday.
- ‘Out-of-the-box’ thinking and problem solving.
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life.
The base pay for this position is
$78,000.00 – $156,000.00
In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
JOB FAMILY:Engineering
DIVISION:CRLB Core Lab
LOCATION:United States > North Chicago : K02
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:
WORK SHIFT:Standard
TRAVEL:Yes, 5 % of the Time
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:Not Applicable
SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday)
