PLC Controls Engineer 

This PLC Controls Engineer supports the installation, commissioning, maintenance, and modernization of industrial automation and material handling systems in both new construction and retrofit environments. This role provides technical expertise in controls, electrical, mechanical, and software systems while supporting project teams, customers, and field personnel both onsite and remotely.

The successful candidate possesses a strong understanding of industrial automation technologies, troubleshooting methodologies, and commissioning processes. This position plays a key role in minimizing downtime, resolving system issues, supporting project schedules, and ensuring successful system operation throughout project execution.

Responsibilities

System Support & Troubleshooting

• Support, maintain, repair, and upgrade automated systems at customer facilities.


• Perform advanced electrical, mechanical, and controls troubleshooting to identify and resolve system issues.


• Provide remote and after-hours technical support for customer automation systems as required.


• Maintain secure remote access credentials and support tools.

Installation & Commissioning

• Support onsite electrical, mechanical, and controls installations.


• Participate in commissioning activities for automation equipment and subsystems.


• Verify proper operation of PLCs, HMIs, drives, sensors, safety devices, and control networks.


• Return subsystems to operational status within established project schedules.

Controls Engineering Support

• Modify, test, and validate PLC and HMI software for customer automation systems.


• Support software updates, enhancements, and troubleshooting efforts.


• Assist with startup, validation, and optimization of system performance.

Project Execution

• Collaborate with project managers to ensure project schedules support commissioning and startup requirements.


• Complete pre-project planning and preparation activities in a timely manner.


• Assist with onsite coordination and leadership of project activities to maintain schedule and quality objectives.


• Identify project risks, scheduling gaps, or material shortages that could impact system performance or customer operations.

Documentation & Standards

• Create and maintain technical documentation, procedures, and knowledge base articles.


• Support field teams with electrical wiring, labeling, installation, and commissioning best practices.


• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and project specifications

Qualifications

Required

• 3-5 years of experience in industrial automation, controls, or a related technical field.


• Ability and desire to travel 40% of the time 


• Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting experience.


• Ability to diagnose complex electromechanical systems using PLC software and diagnostic tools.


• Ability to read, understand, and modify PLC code.


• Experience working with Siemens Step 7 Classic and/or TIA Portal.


• Knowledge of PLC programming languages, including:
  
  
  
  • Ladder Logic
  
  
  • Statement List (STL)
  
  
  • Function Block Diagram (FBD)
  
  
  • Structured Text (STL)
  
  
  
  


• Familiarity with material handling, warehouse distribution, or manufacturing automation systems.


• Experience with any of the following MHE Systems :
  
  
  
  • Conveyors
  
  
  • Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
  
  
  • Monorail systems
  
  
  • Sortation systems
  
  
  • Automated transport equipment
  
  
  
  


• Experience with Siemens and/or Allen-Bradley/Rockwell automation platforms.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.


• Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, or equivalent industrial automation certifications


• Experience with industrial networking technologies and fieldbus systems, including:
  
  
  
  • PROFINET
  
  
  • PROFIBUS
  
  
  • DeviceNet
  
  
  • AS-i
  
  
  • Industrial Ethernet
  
  
  
  


• Experience with VFD platforms from manufacturers such as:
  
  
  
  • Siemens
  
  
  • SEW-Eurodrive
  
  
  • Rockwell Automation
  
  
  • Schneider Electric