Controls Engineer - III

Sortation Labs; Louisville (KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a Controls Engineer III in Louisville, KY. The role requires expertise in managing all phases of controls projects, including PLC and HMI programming. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, with 6+ years of experience in the field. The position offers a collaborative work environment, opportunity for growth, and the challenge of working on diverse projects, requiring travel up to 50%. Applicants should possess strong communication skills and a critical thinking mindset.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in the field or related area.
• Experience with PLC programming, debugging and commissioning.
• Basic knowledge of electrical equipment and codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of controls projects independent of supervision.
• Design layouts for electrical circuits for power and control distribution.
• Develop system test plans for field commissioning.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in several programming languages

Understanding of control device networks for PLCs

Ability to read and understand specifications

Effective organizational and multi-tasking skills

Critical thinking and problem-solving

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering - preferably EE, EET or CECS

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

JOB TITLE: Controls Engineer III

REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager

JOB STATUS: Full Time

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Controls Engineer III is responsible for leading all phases of a controls project to include concept and research, estimating support, component selection, network design, panel design, layout, device troubleshooting, PLC and HMI programming; on-site installation and debug; and after-sales support while working independently. A successful Controls Engineer III has an expert level of knowledge and understanding of the full scope of controls engineering practices, theories, and PLC programming to implement the controls for a project from concept to completion. The Controls Engineer III serves as a subject matter expert and resource for their team and provides coaching and guidance while working at a job site or in-office collaboration. To keep their knowledge up-to-date, the Controls Engineer III will attend training in the latest controls technology and have the ability to share that knowledge with less experienced controls engineers as well as work collaboratively with the Engineering Manager to provide insight on the latest advancements in the field of controls engineering to implement new standards for the company.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Expert understanding of AC/DC control systems.
• Use of computer software for design engineering and PLC programing.
• Capable of trouble shooting a system and communicate status – verbally and written.
• Assist and support the process for designing and delivering successful control.
• Designing and developing layouts for electrical circuits or systems for power and control distribution.
• Develop/create electrical diagrams with expert level of efficiency.
• Ability to locate and correct mistakes in electrical diagrams developed by others on the team and use this information as a training opportunity for others to foster the continuous improvement of their skills. (Transfer of knowledge)
• Be the controls lead and manage other engineers on project teams.
• Capable of creating functional system test plans for use in field commissioning and provide written descriptions of system operations for technical documents.
• Communicate with other team members effectively and keep Administrative Coordinator advised of schedule; checking and using voicemail and email diligently; and maintaining the team relationship.
• Other responsibilities as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Office setting and field locations.
• Collaborative, engaging and success driven culture
• Travel up to 50% or more

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Sitting for prolonged periods of time when in office
• Standing and walking for prolonged periods of time when at a jobsite
• Climbing may be required when working at a jobsite
• Repetitive typing/data entry
• Lifting up to 50 pounds

WORK SCHEDULE:

This position works in office when not traveling to job sites. General office hours are M-F, 7a-4p or 8a-5p. Working hours will vary when working at a job site to meet the requirements of the project as needed.

It is the policy of Sortation Labs, LLC to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Sortation Labs, LLC will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced proficiency in several programming languages and control device networks for PLCs with good aptitude for learning the programming for new/additional systems.
• Ability to read and understand written specifications, as well as contract drawings and be capable of developing a complete design that meets these requirements within the electrical design standards and quotation presented for a project. Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures with controls, material handling, and manufacturing.
• Ability to check diagrams to correct errors and use that information as a training opportunity / transfer of knowledge to foster a continuous improvement environment to further develop the skills of less experienced controls engineers
• Demonstrates effective organizational skills and multi-tasking abilities, has an acute attention to detail, the ability to receive direction and be a high-energy team player with the ability to work independently, as well as in a group environment.
• Critical thinker and problem-solver
• Self-starting instincts and strong analytical skills
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Willingness to travel to customer facilities as needed and work non-business hours based on project and customer needs.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering – preferably EE, EET or CECS, or equivalent work experience
• 6+ years in the field or related area.
• Experience Required:
• PLC programming, debugging and commissioning
• Plan/hardware design
• AutoCAD (AutoCAD E desired)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Basic knowledge of electrical equipment and local building codes such as UL508a, NEC and NFPA
• Experience Preferred:
• Hands-on mechanical and electrical capabilities
• Troubleshooting
• Material Handling specifically the Parcel and Warehouse & Distribution Industry
• Understanding VFDs, Servos, sensors and Vision Systems.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to obtain facility security clearance as needed