Controls Project Engineer

Vanderlande; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 vacation days

Training & development programs

Digital learning platforms

Global project exposure

Job summary

Vanderlande in Barcelona is seeking a skilled Controls Project Engineer to drive design, development, and commissioning of advanced automation control systems for logistics and warehousing projects.

You will work across the project lifecycle with PLCs and FSC platforms, collaborating with clients and suppliers to deliver robust solutions and on-site success. Strong English/Spanish communication and international travel are essential to support commissioning globally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Control Systems.
• Solid knowledge of industrial automation and control systems.
• Hands-on PLC programming experience with Siemens TIA Portal, ProfiSafe, and Allen-Bradley.
• Understanding of TCP/IP communication protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission sortation and automated material handling systems using PLCs and FSC.
• Develop and review control system documentation and system architectures.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams to ensure integration.
• Lead on-site commissioning and troubleshoot during startup and ramp-up.
• Interface with clients and suppliers to clarify requirements and resolve challenges.
• Deliver system training to operations and maintenance teams.
• Monitor performance, analyze incidents, and propose corrective actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of standards, processes, and QA.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and industrial regulations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Clear communication

Technical documentation

Team collaboration

Bilingual: Spanish/English

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation/Electrical/Mechatronics/Control Systems

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

ProfiSafe

Allen-Bradley

SCADA / HMI

Profinet/Profibus/ASi

Job description

Controls Project Engineer

External Job Description

Are you passionate about industrial automation and emerging technologies? Do you want to work on innovative, international projects within the fast-evolving logistics and warehousing sector? If so, the role of Controls Project Engineer could be the next step in your technical and professional growth so read on and apply!

Your role

As a Controls Project Engineer, you play a critical role in the design, development, implementation, and commissioning of advanced automation control systems. Working primarily with PLCs and industrial PC platforms (FSC), you collaborate closely with clients, suppliers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver high-quality, robust automation solutions. You are involved throughout the entire project lifecycle—from initial concept and design through to on-site commissioning and system optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission sortation and automated material handling systems using PLCs and FSC platforms.
• Develop, maintain, and review control system documentation, including functional descriptions, software structures, specifications, and system architectures.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering teams to ensure seamless system integration and overall performance.
• Lead on-site commissioning activities and troubleshoot control system issues during start-up and ramp-up phases.
• Act as a technical interface between clients and suppliers to clarify requirements and resolve technical challenges.
• Deliver system training to operations and maintenance teams, including functional use and troubleshooting.
• Monitor system performance during production ramp-up, analyze incidents, and propose corrective and preventive actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to engineering standards, processes, and quality assurance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, labor risk prevention guidelines, and industrial regulations.

Your Profile

To succeed as a Controls Project Engineer, you combine strong technical expertise with analytical thinking, ownership, and clear communication.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Control Systems.
• Solid knowledge of industrial automation and control systems.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming (e.g. Siemens TIA Portal, ProfiSafe, Allen-Bradley).
• Understanding of TCP/IP communication protocols.
• Experience with SCADA / HMI systems and industrial fieldbus technologies (e.g. Profinet, Profibus, ASi).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in control logic design and system debugging.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and produce high-quality technical documentation.
• Professional communication skills in Spanish and English (minimum B2 level).
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for commissioning and customer support (approximately 50%).
• Proven experience with on-site commissioning and troubleshooting in industrial environments.
• A collaborative mindset with transparent, reliable, and honest communication within the team.

What we offer

We offer

• A full-time position in a dynamic, innovative, and international working environment.
• A structured onboarding and training program to support rapid development and integration.
• 22 vacation days, plus Easter and Christmas holiday periods and reduced working days during designated periods.
• A flexible compensation and benefits plan.
• Access to digital learning platforms and tailored technical and professional training programs.

Long-term career development opportunities within a growing global organization, proudly recognized as a Top Employer.

Diversity & Inclusion

Vanderlande is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.