Commissioning Manager

Americold; Atlanta, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Americold is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to oversee commissioning, testing, and tuning of automation projects across distribution warehouses. You will manage designs, review code changes, and ensure reliable control systems throughout the project lifecycle.

This role requires roughly 75% travel to support launches and acceptance tests. You will lead field deployments, coordinate with PMs, operations, and automation suppliers, and mentor teams on best practices during handoffs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics or Controls Engineering.
• 5+ years in Controls/Automation or related fields.
• Advanced ability to troubleshoot PLC, HMI, hardware, software and field devices.
• Experience configuring networks: EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, DeviceNet or ControlNet.
• Ability to read instrumentation diagrams, blueprints and PLC logic.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute commissioning schedules and transition plans with project teams.
• Manage design and integration of controls for automated machinery to enable distribution automation.
• Review installation and code changes and oversee hardware implementation for reliability.
• Serve as SME on system integration and change management for control systems.
• Troubleshoot integration issues in mechanical/electrical/controls to optimize rate/cycle time.
• Analyze downtime data to prioritize fixes and ensure defect-free launches.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Systems integration

Electrical troubleshooting

Networking proficiency

SQL queries

Power BI

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

Siemens TIA Portal

AutoCAD

EPLAN

Job description

What You'll Do

You will oversee the planning, execution, and completion of commissioning and testing activities for automation projects, ensuring controls integration and system reliability throughout the project lifecycle. You will review design, installation, and code changes, manage controls hardware implementation, and support facility launches and transitions. This role requires approximately 75% travel to support projects, including extended travel during critical facility startups and acceptance tests.

Essential Functions

• Develop and execute commissioning schedules and transition plans in collaboration with project management, operations teams, and automation suppliers.
• Manage design and integration of controls for new or modified automated machinery to enable automation of distribution processes.
• Review installation and code changes and oversee controls hardware implementation to ensure system reliability.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on system integration and change management for control systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve integration issues in mechanical, electrical, or controls systems to optimize rate and cycle time.
• Analyze downtime reports to prioritize fixes and support defect-free launches for automated warehouses.
• Oversee facility launches and go-live periods, facilitating training rollout and handoff of best practices and deliverables.
• Other essential duties may be applicable and assigned as necessary.
  

What Experience and Education You Need

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Controls Engineering required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience required in Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or Electrical Engineering.
• Advanced ability to troubleshoot automation control systems including PLC, HMI, hardware, software, and field devices required.
• Proficiency in setting up, configuring, designing, and maintaining automated systems networks such as EtherNet, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, DeviceNet, or ControlNet required.
• Ability to develop, review, and analyze functional descriptions, instrumentation diagrams, blueprints, and interpret PLC logic required.
  

What Could Set You Apart

• Familiarity with Rockwell Studio 5000 and Siemens TIA Portal.
• Experience with warehouse automation technologies such as conveyor systems, ASRS, AGVs, cranes, palletizers, multishuttle, and sorters.
• Knowledge of AUTOCAD, Eplan, 3D CAD, or other CAD software for electrical and mechanical drawings.
• Understanding of reliability, maintenance, and monitoring technologies.
• Knowledge of IT networks, servers, and databases.
• Familiarity with JDA WMS, WCS, WES applications.
• Experience with data mining, SQL or database query and extraction, Excel, or Power BI.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and present project updates to cross-functional teams and external partners.
  

Physical Requirements

• Able to work in spaces with 55 inches of headroom.
• Able to tolerate working environment with inside controlled temperatures varying from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as outside ambient temperatures (including heat, cold and precipitation).
• Able to climb ladders or step ladders.
• Able to tolerate heights up to 30 ft. and be able to access elevated products from inside safety cage.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment required for working at heights and in cold temperatures.
• Able to stand and/or walk continuously or frequently over an 8-10-12 hour shift. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Able to frequently step up/on or step down/off to mount and dismount material handling equipment.
• Able to perform fine articulation movements with fingers/hands and/or feet to operate equipment.
• Depending on specific role, must be able to lift boxes of varying weights up 80 lbs. and carry product a distance of up 6 ft. without mechanical assistance.
• Able to meet specific vision abilities required by this job, including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Able to hear and speak in order to comprehend, respond to, and provide instructions and safety warnings, as well as able to read and understand packaging, shipping documents, and safety guidelines.

Americold is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE/AA M/F/D/V.