Automation Engineer

Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis - USA; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis - USA in Grand Rapids, MI seeks a Controls Engineer to optimize material handling systems. You will troubleshoot PLC/PC controllers, Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5000, and SCADA-based monitoring, while coordinating with site teams to improve uptime and safety.

You’ll analyze failures, implement improvements, and mentor teams on technical solutions. Flexibility for shifts and on-call support is required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in control systems engineering or equivalent.
• Experience with PLCs, SCADA, and robotics in material-handling environments.
• Strong troubleshooting and on-site/off-site diagnostic skills.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and modify control software for material handling systems.
• Serve as first escalation for on-site and remote support, including after-hours.
• Inspect and ensure equipment operates per design specifications and safety standards.
• Oversee work by contractors, upgrades, and maintenance on specialized systems.
• Engineer process improvements from concept to network implementation.
• Communicate with leadership and maintenance teams on timelines and impacts.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics systems

SCADA systems

Electrical troubleshooting

Industrial networking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

RSLogix 5000

ControlNet

Ethernet

Job description

If you thrive in fast paced environments, enjoy hands-on problem solving, and want to make a measurable impact while working with modern automation and control systems, this role offers the challenge, autonomy, and growth opportunities to take your engineering career to the next level.In this role, you won’t just maintain systems—you’ll continuously improve them. You’ll apply your controls and automation knowledge to optimize preventive maintenance strategies, diagnose sophisticated issues, and enhance the performance of industry leading technologies such as conveyors, sortation systems, PLCs, scanners, vision systems, print-and‑apply equipment, and SCADA platforms. Your work will directly influence uptime, safety, and operational excellence across mission critical facilities.What You’ll DoPromote a safe working environment by complying with all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agencies, and company directives related to system operations and work safety.Troubleshoot and modify software programs for material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers, Allen Bradley Controllogix/Compactlogix PLC platform and RSLogix 5000 software package.Act as first level escalation in troubleshooting support, both on-site and remotely, as well as during and after business hours, to repair all MHE controls software systems. Respond quickly to emergency situations, summoning assistance as needed.Inspect systems to ensure the operation of equipment is within design capabilities and achieve operational conditions prescribed by the client.Oversee scope of development, work request initiation, scheduling, and inspection of work performed by outside contractors, which includes proprietary work, licensed installations, upgrades, and maintenance and inspection of specialized systems.Engineer process solutions and reliability improvement from concept to network implementation.Monitor Industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS-I, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.Monitor material handling equipment metrics and partner with site team to resolve equipment electrical problems that create performance deficiencies.Proactively and effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders including, but not limited to, leadership, operations and the maintenance team on technical issues and project timelines and production impacts.Facilitate analysis and reviews of failures and processes to provide recommendations to implement improvements or retraining to avoid future incidents.Perform controls systems assessments to maintain and improve equipment reliability.Clearly communicate technical issues, project timelines, and product impacts with site leadership, operations and maintenance teams.Cultivate positive working relationships with our Client and the Operations Maintenance team members.Perform other job-related duties as needed or assigned.What You’ll NeedApplicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.Bachelor's Degree preferred with 2-5 years of relevant experience. In lieu of a degree, a combination of experience and education may be considered.Experience in at least two engineering design cycles including specification, component selection and programming.2+ years of experience working with PLC programming, robotics system components and controls, and SCADA-based monitoring and control systems.Ability to be available and work in a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays.Ability to independently solve problems and carry out general instructions in standard situations with limited to no oversight.Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.Ability to guide the exchange of sensitive, complicated, and difficult information, convey performance expectations, and handle problems.Preferred Qualifications2+ years apprenticeship or equivalent experience in Control Systems troubleshooting/ programming.Experience supporting a range of different conveyors and sortation systems.Experience with robotic maintenance.In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.Extensive organizational skills with a strong inquisitive mindset.Advanced math skills. Ability to calculate difficult figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-related calculations.You should be proficient in:PLC Programming ExperienceSCADA Experience