Material Handling Controls Engineer

Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis - USA; Granite City (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis - USA is seeking a Material Handling Controls Engineer to drive uptime and throughput in high‑volume facilities. You’ll work with Allen‑Bradley PLCs, RSLogix 5000, and SCADA systems, troubleshooting sensors and networks across Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, and DeviceNet.

On‑call support and collaboration with operations are expected. You will review dashboards, tune control logic, and coordinate with contractors for upgrades and maintenance, ensuring safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with 2–5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with PLCs, control systems, and SCADA monitoring in material handling.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve equipment faults quickly to minimize downtime.
• Willingness to support varied shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, modify, and optimize PLC/PC control software for material handling systems.
• Server as primary escalation for MHE controls issues; coordinate with maintenance and contractors.
• Inspect systems to verify operation within design parameters and client requirements.
• Monitor equipment metrics and performance KPIs; drive reliability through improvements.
• Lead failure analyses and process reviews; train staff to prevent recurrence.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA monitoring

Industrial networks

Troubleshooting

Electrical distribution

Project coordination

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

RSLogix 5000

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix

Ethernet/IP

ControlNet

DeviceNet

VFDs & servo drives

Profibus/AS-i

Job description

Shape the heartbeat of high‑volume operationsStep into a role where your work directly drives uptime, safety, and throughput. As a Material Handling Controls Engineer, you’ll be the technical anchor for conveyors, sortation lines, print‑and‑apply labelers, vision and scanning systems, PLCs, and SCADA platforms powering mission‑critical facilities.A day in the lifeYour mornings might begin reviewing SCADA dashboards and equipment KPIs, identifying opportunities to tune performance. By midday, you’re deep in Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix logic within RSLogix 5000, refining code to eliminate minor faults before they become major stoppages. In the afternoon, you’re shoulder‑to‑shoulder with maintenance and operations, diagnosing a stubborn sensor network issue across Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, or DeviceNet. When needed, you act as first‑line escalation—on‑site or remotely, even after hours—to bring systems back online fast.What you’ll ownChampion a zero‑incident mindset by aligning work with all applicable safety codes, regulations, and company procedures.Troubleshoot, modify, and optimize PLC/PC control software for material handling systems using Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix and RSLogix 5000.Serve as primary escalation for MHE controls issues; respond rapidly to emergencies and coordinate additional assistance as required.Inspect systems to verify they operate within design parameters and meet client‑defined conditions.Scope, schedule, and oversee work by external contractors, including proprietary solutions, licensed installs, upgrades, and specialized systems maintenance.Engineer reliability and process improvements from concept through network‑wide deployment.Monitor and troubleshoot industrial networks (Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS‑i), motor control centers, servo drives, VFDs, and electrical distribution.Track equipment metrics; partner with site teams to resolve electrical causes of performance gaps.Communicate clearly with leadership, operations, and maintenance on technical issues, timelines, and production impacts.Lead failure analyses and process reviews; recommend corrective actions or training to prevent recurrence.Conduct controls assessments to sustain and elevate equipment reliability.Build strong relationships with the client and the Operations Maintenance team.Perform other related duties as assigned.QualificationsRequiredBachelor’s degree preferred with 2–5 years of relevant experience; equivalent combinations of education and experience considered.Participation in at least two engineering design cycles (specification, component selection, programming).2+ years with PLC programming, robotics components/controls, and SCADA‑based monitoring and control.Flexibility to support varied shifts/areas, including nights, weekends, and holidays.Proven independent problem‑solving in standard situations with minimal oversight.Physical capability to stoop, stand, walk, climb stairs/ladders, and lift/carry 50+ lbs.Skilled at navigating sensitive or complex discussions, setting expectations, and resolving issues.Preferred2+ years apprenticeship or equivalent experience in control systems troubleshooting/programming.Hands‑on with diverse conveyor and sortation technologies.Experience with robotic maintenance.Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).Exceptional organization and a curious, investigative mindset.Advanced math capability (percentages, fractions, and financial‑related calculations).Core proficiencies and toolsProficient in PLC programming and SCADA systems.Hands‑on with Allen‑Bradley PLCs.Work authorizationApplicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.