Lead Controls Engineer

Material Handling Systems; United States; Remote; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Lead Controls Engineer to drive the design and functionality of automated sortation systems. This role is pivotal in leading projects and mentoring junior engineers while ensuring the highest standards in programming and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in PLC and HMI programming, particularly with Rockwell and FactoryTalk products. Join a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration, where your expertise will help shape the future of automated solutions in a fast-paced environment. Embrace this opportunity to make a significant impact in the world of material handling and distribution!

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in industrial controls environment.
• Strong skills in PLC and HMI programming, particularly Rockwell and FactoryTalk.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and programming of automated sortation systems.
• Provide technical solutions and support to junior engineers.

Skills

PLC Programming

HMI Programming

Project Management

Electrical Troubleshooting

Industrial Communication Networks

Self-Motivated

Detail-Oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Rockwell PLC

FactoryTalk View

Ignition

Microsoft 365

Job description

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. "Join the Movement" encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves.

The Lead Controls Engineer will be responsible for driving design, functionality and testing of upper-level automated sortation systems. The candidate must lead and assist in the design and programming of new and existing projects. Additionally, the candidate must demonstrate skillsets for diagnosing and solving controls related issues involving I/O, hardware (Controller setup, VFDs, Comms devices) and software (PLC and HMI) feedback along with best practices electrical troubleshooting techniques. This position is focused on providing leadership, technical oversight, and mentoring to junior level engineers. The Controls Engineer IV is responsible for supporting other members of the FORTNA controls group to ensure accurate documentation, proper system functionality, adherence to approved design and customer specifications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Write and implement modular and reusable PLC code and assist in all on-site controls engineering tasks.
• Design and develop “Human Machine Interface” (HMI) using commercially available products such as Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk View, or FactoryTalk Optix.
• Implement PLC and HMI programs to satisfy current design and customer specifications.
• Work with FORTNA employees, customer representatives and third-party vendors to ensure all aspects of a project are considered during both the design and execution phases.
• Review electrical designs and provide accurate as-built drawings for approval.
• Provide technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems. Solutions are imaginative, thorough, practicable and consistent with organizational objectives.
• Guide the successful completion of major programs and may function in a project leadership role.
• May serve as a mentor to more entry level Controls Engineers.
• Provide support to commissioning team members as required.
• Lead a team to execute complex automated systems, provide site engineering support and complete system acceptance testing.
• Interface and coordinate with other departments on requirements and standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent.
• 7+ years of experience within an industrial controls environment which includes:
• PLC programming (Rockwell required, Siemens, Schneider or other is expected).
• HMI Programming (FactoryTalk View, Ignition, Wonderware, Indusoft).
• 3+ years of experience developing in Ignition.
• Input and output device design, implementation, and troubleshooting.
• Industrial communication networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).
• Low voltage electrical design and drawing understanding and creation.
• Equivalent work experience will also be considered as a substitute for education.
• Experience with networked VFDs, Servos, and other motor controllers.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 - Office Apps.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Must be self-motivated, self-aware, detail-oriented, and results-focused.
• Understanding of VFDs, induction motors, programmable logic controllers and industrial networks.
• Demonstrates advanced understanding of project management, service management, or relationship management principles.
• Advanced abilities and knowledge in practices and techniques gained through experience and exposure to complex and diverse techniques, theories, and principles.
• Ability to troubleshoot and isolate controls I/O problems.
• Schedule, manage, and execute basic system implementations, enhancements, and retrofits.
• Collaborate and communicate with FORTNA team members, project managers and customers in a professional written and spoken manner.
• Provide direction and leadership to junior level controls engineers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, etc. When traveling the job environment shifts to a site-based, typically industrial. When traveling this role routinely uses appropriate PPE, electrical diagnostic tools, electrical implementation tools, laptops, and networking equipment.

TRAVEL: This position requires up to 25% travel to various sites.

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.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders.
• Ability to navigate safely over and around warehouse automation equipment.
• Physical stamina may be required for prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and/or working in cramped quarters.
• Exposure to potentially dangerous tools and equipment amidst a variety of building materials is probable, as is occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• The noise level in the work environment can vary from being relatively quiet, to moderate, to excessive.

Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any