Controls Systems Reliability Engineer (Material Handling)

Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis - USA; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis - USA is seeking a Controls Systems Reliability Engineer (Material Handling) to optimize uptime and safety across mission-critical material handling operations. You will blend hands-on controls engineering with systems thinking to tune PLC logic, monitor SCADA dashboards, and implement preventive strategies.

This role focuses on Allen-Bradley and other PLC platforms, troubleshooting, deploying improvements, and leading reliability projects from concept through

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred with 2–5 years of relevant experience; in lieu of a degree, equivalent experience considered.
• Experience with PLC programming, SCADA-based monitoring, and control systems troubleshooting.
• Comfort with on-site work and coordinating with operations and maintenance teams.

Responsibilities

• Monitor SCADA dashboards and equipment metrics to spot trends affecting performance and safety.
• Troubleshoot, modify, and deploy PLC-based improvements to keep equipment within design parameters.
• Lead reliability analyses and coordinate with contractors for upgrades and maintenance.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA monitoring

Troubleshooting

Electrical aptitude

Math skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix

RSLogix 5000

Ethernet/IP / DeviceNet / Profibus

Job description

Controls Systems Reliability Engineer (Material Handling)Step into a role where your decisions directly raise uptime, safety, and throughput across mission-critical operations. Your day blends hands-on controls engineering with systems thinking—optimizing preventive strategies, tuning PLC logic, and strengthening industrial networks that power conveyors, sortation, scanners, vision, print-and-apply, and SCADA platforms.A day in the lifeStart by scanning SCADA dashboards and equipment metrics to spot trends that could impact performance, safety, or availability.Dive into PLC/PC controls (primarily Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix with RSLogix 5000) to troubleshoot, modify, and deploy improvements that keep material handling equipment operating within design parameters.Serve as the first-call escalation—on-site or remote—during and after business hours, rapidly stabilizing controls software issues and coordinating additional help as needed.Walk the system: inspect conveyors, sorters, drives, and networks to verify conditions align with client specifications and operational targets.Partner with contractors to scope, schedule, and validate work—from licensed installs and upgrades to specialized systems maintenance and proprietary integrations.Engineer reliability and process solutions from concept through network-wide implementation.Continuously monitor Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS‑i, motor/servo/frequency drives, and electrical distribution to preempt faults.Collaborate with site leaders, operations, and maintenance to resolve electrical issues that create performance gaps; communicate timelines, risks, and production impacts clearly.Lead failure reviews and process analyses; recommend fixes, improvements, or retraining to prevent recurrence.Conduct periodic controls assessments to maintain and elevate equipment reliability.Cultivate strong working relationships with the Client and Operations Maintenance team.Contribute wherever needed—other job-related duties as assigned.What you bringBachelor's degree preferred with 2–5 years of relevant experience; in lieu of a degree, a blend of education and experience will be considered.Background in at least two design cycles (specification, component selection, programming).2+ years with PLC programming, robotics controls/components, and SCADA-based monitoring and control.Comfort with flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.Ability to work independently—interpreting general instructions and solving problems with minimal oversight.Meets physical demands: stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and lifting/carrying 50+ lbs.Skilled at guiding the exchange of sensitive or complex information, setting expectations, and resolving issues.Preferred2+ years apprenticeship or equivalent experience in control systems troubleshooting/programming.Experience across multiple conveyor and sortation platforms.Hands-on robotic maintenance exposure.Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).Exceptional organization and a curious, investigative mindset.Strong math ability, including percentages, fractions, and financial-related calculations.Core proficienciesTroubleshooting industrial automation equipmentPLC programmingSCADATech you’ll touchProgrammable Logic Controllers: Allen-Bradley, Siemens, FanucWork authorizationApplicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.