Controls Engineer III

Controls Engineer III

Steele Solutions Inc. is the nation's leading designer and manufacturer of steel work platforms and mezzanines supporting automation and material handling systems across the U.S. Through our new and rapidly growing Automation Division (SSI Automation), we deliver intelligent, turnkey controls and automation solutions that reduce risk, accelerate deployment, and drive reliable performance.

About the Role

Under limited supervision, the Controls Engineer III is responsible for the design, programming, and deployment of complex control systems for material handling automation. This role includes ownership of full project scopes, from design through commissioning, as well as contributions to standardization efforts, troubleshooting escalation, and cross-functional coordination. Controls Engineer IIIs serve as technical leads on mid-sized projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

System Architecture & Standardization

• Design and develop PLC and HMI architectures for moderately complex systems.
• Contribute to the enhancement of reusable code libraries and configuration templates.
• Support the refinement and enforcement of internal engineering standards.

Technical Leadership & Execution

• Program and commission control systems including transport conveyors, merges, and moderate sortation logic.
• Lead FAT/SAT procedures and manage site commissioning activities.
• Resolve advanced troubleshooting issues both remotely and on-site.
• Ensure proper documentation and version control for all deliverables.

Team Development & Mentorship

• Mentor junior engineers and participate in structured peer review processes.
• Lead onboarding efforts for new engineers by sharing tools, techniques, and templates.
• Develop internal training documentation and presentations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a technical point of contact for cross-disciplinary engineering coordination.
• Partner with Project Management to provide technical scope, scheduling input, and commissioning strategy.
• Provide oversight and direction to subcontractors and integration partners.

Strategic Growth & Innovation

• Identify improvement opportunities in commissioning efficiency, code reusability, and HMI user experience.
• Lead pilot implementation of new tools, platforms, or features under supervision.
• Contribute to internal R&D or innovation projects and share results with the team.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in industrial controls engineering, including lead project responsibilities.

Other Key Skills

• Advanced proficiency in RSLogix 5000/Studio 5000, TIA Portal, and HMI platforms (Ignition, FactoryTalk View).
• Proven ability to optimize PLC logic for performance and maintainability.
• Experience with industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet), VFDs, servo drives, and safety systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and guide junior engineers.
• Willingness to travel (up to 25%) to support installations and startups.
• Excellent communication, technical documentation, and team collaboration skills.

Steele Solutions offers an opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the development of innovative automation solutions in a collaborative engineering environment.