Controls Systems Engineer -- Material Handling & Intralogistics

Job Description

Job Description

Step into a day where your code keeps freight moving

You start the morning scanning operational dashboards for anomalies across conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, vision systems, and print-and-apply equipment. A minor throughput dip pops on a line — you trace it to a PLC routine, adjust logic in RSLogix 5000 for an Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix rack, validate with the site team, and watch KPIs rebound. Before lunch, you review a contractor’s upgrade plan, ensuring licensed installations meet specs and safety codes. An after-hours alert comes in — you jump on remotely, triage the MHE controls software, and get the system back online fast. That’s impact you can measure in uptime, safety, and operational excellence.

What you’ll own

• Champion a safe workplace by adhering to relevant codes, regulations, and company directives for system operations and work safety.
• Troubleshoot, modify, and optimize material handling control software for PLC/PC controllers, focusing on Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix platforms and RSLogix 5000.
• Serve as the first‑line escalation for controls troubleshooting on‑site and remotely, during and after business hours; respond quickly to emergencies and coordinate assistance as needed.
• Inspect equipment to verify operation within design capabilities and client‑specified conditions.
• Scope, schedule, and oversee work performed by outside contractors, including proprietary work, licensed installs, upgrades, and inspections of specialized systems.
• Engineer process and reliability improvements from concept through network‑wide implementation.
• Monitor industrial networks (Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS‑i) and powertrain systems (motor control, servo drives, VFDs) plus electrical distribution.
• Track MHE performance metrics and partner with site teams to eliminate electrical issues driving performance gaps.
• Communicate proactively with leadership, operations, and maintenance on technical issues, timelines, and production impacts; clearly convey complex topics and expectations.
• Lead failure reviews and process analyses; recommend improvements or retraining to prevent recurrence.
• Conduct control system assessments to sustain and elevate equipment reliability.
• Build strong relationships with the Client and the Operations Maintenance team; perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with 2–5 years of relevant experience; equivalent education/experience considered.
• Hands‑on exposure to at least two engineering design cycles (specification, component selection, programming).
• 2+ years working with PLC programming, robotics system components and controls, and SCADA‑based monitoring/control.
• Independent problem solver able to execute general instructions with minimal oversight.
• Schedule flexibility to support nights, weekends, holidays, and varied work areas; comfortable being on‑call on weekends as needed.
• Physical capability to stoop, stand, walk, climb stairs/ladders, and lift/carry 50 lbs+.
• Skilled at conveying sensitive and complex information, setting performance expectations, and resolving difficult issues.

Preferred

• 2+ years apprenticeship or equivalent experience in control systems troubleshooting/programming.
• Background supporting diverse conveyors and sortation systems.
• Experience with robotic maintenance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Exceptional organization and a curious, investigative mindset.
• Advanced math skills, including percentages, fractions, and other financial‑related calculations.

Tools & technologies

• PLC programming and SCADA experience
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

Eligibility

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.