Controls Engineer II – PLC Systems

UPS; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

UPS is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer II to design, develop, deploy, and commission PLC-based control systems for automated material handling and sortation. You will modify OEM control software, create reusable standards, and support implementations across multiple facilities.

The ideal candidate will combine strong PLC programming skills with field experience in conveyor and sortation systems, and will work with internal teams and vendors to ensure successful project execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in electrical/controls/mechatronics.
• 3-7 years of experience in programming and supporting industrial automation systems.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and Studio 5000.
• Experience modifying and troubleshooting PLC code from OEMs and system integrators.
• Understanding of conveyors, sortation, motor controls, VFDs, sensors, and industrial networking.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, controls drawings, and specs.
• Experience supporting startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, troubleshoot, and modify OEM PLC programs for automated sortation systems.
• Develop, maintain, and improve standard PLC code libraries and templates.
• Deploy standardized control software across new projects and existing facilities.
• Support integration of PLCs with HMIs, scanners, sortation equipment, safety systems, and higher-level controls.
• Lead and support system startup, commissioning, testing, and validation.
• Perform controls troubleshooting and root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain code version control, change docs, and deployment records.
• Collaborate with internal teams and vendors for project execution.
• Travel as needed to support deployments and optimization.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Electrical knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

CompactLogix

Studio 5000

Job description

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Job Description

The Controls Engineer II is responsible for the development, standardization, deployment, and commissioning of PLC-based control systems used in automated material handling and sortation operations. This role requires the ability to understand and modify OEM-provided control software, develop reusable code standards, and support the implementation of controls solutions across both new and existing facilities.

The ideal candidate combines strong PLC programming skills with practical field experience and a solid understanding of automated conveyor and sortation systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze, troubleshoot, and modify OEM-provided PLC programs for automated sortation and material handling systems.
• Develop, maintain, and improve standard PLC code libraries, templates, and programming standards.
• Deploy standardized control software solutions across new construction projects and existing operational facilities.
• Support integration of PLC systems with HMIs, scanners, sortation equipment, safety systems, and higher-level controls platforms.
• Lead and support system startup, commissioning, testing, and validation activities.
• Perform controls troubleshooting and root cause analysis for operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain code version control, change documentation, and deployment records.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams, operations, maintenance personnel, and external vendors to ensure successful project execution.
• Travel as needed to support controls deployments, commissioning, and system optimization efforts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 3-7 years of experience programming and supporting industrial automation systems.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and Studio 5000.
• Experience modifying and troubleshooting existing PLC code developed by OEMs and system integrators.
• Understanding of conveyor systems, sortation systems, motor controls, VFDs, sensors, and industrial networking.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, controls drawings, and functional specifications.
• Experience supporting startup, commissioning, and operational troubleshooting activities.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with parcel, distribution, warehouse, or material handling systems.
• Experience with Ignition, FactoryTalk, or similar HMI/SCADA platforms.
• Knowledge of industrial Ethernet networking and controls cybersecurity.
• Experience developing reusable software standards and controls best practices.
• Experience supporting multi-site deployments and retrofit projects.

Ideal Candidate

This position is well-suited for a hands-on controls engineer who enjoys solving real-world automation problems, working directly with operational systems, and developing standardized solutions that can be deployed across multiple facilities.

Employee Type

Permanent

UPS is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Other Criteria

UPS is an equal opportunity employer. UPS does not discriminate on the basis of race/color/religion/sex/national origin/veteran/disability/age/sexual orientation/gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Basic Qualifications

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National of the U.S., an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. for this employer.