Material Handling Controls Engineer (PLC/SCADA)

Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis - USA; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis - USA is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to enhance material handling and automation across facilities. You will troubleshoot PLC programs, supervise contractors, and implement reliability improvements from concept to deployment.

The role requires 2+ years in PLC/SCADA and familiarity with Allen Bradley systems; you’ll work a 8 AM–5 PM schedule with on-call weekends, supporting uptime and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferred with 2–5 years of relevant experience; combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Participation in at least two engineering design cycles (specification, component selection, programming).
• 2+ years working with PLC programming, robotics system components/controls, and SCADA-based monitoring and control systems.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules/shifts/areas, including weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Independent problem-solving ability; follows general instructions with minimal oversight.
• Meets physical requirements: stooping, standing, walking, stairs, and lifting 50+ lbs.
• Proven ability to navigate sensitive or complex communications, set expectations, and resolve issues.

Responsibilities

• Champion safety and regulatory compliance for system operations and safety.
• Troubleshoot and revise software for material handling control systems (PLC/PC).
• Serve as first-line escalation for on-site and remote support; resolve MHE controls issues.
• Inspect systems to verify performance against design specs and client requirements.
• Oversee scopes of work; coordinate contractors for upgrades and inspections.
• Engineer reliability improvements from concept through implementation.
• Monitor industrial networks and motor drives to drive uptime improvements.
• Communicate timelines and impacts with leadership and maintenance teams.
• Lead failure analyses and corrective actions to prevent recurrences.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics controls

SCADA monitoring

Industrial networks

Servo drives / VFDs

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Project coordination

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Allen Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix

RSLogix 5000

SCADA platforms

PLC programming tools

Job description

Step into a day where your engineering choices move products, protect people, and keep facilities hummingYou won’t just keep automation running—you’ll elevate it. In this role, you’ll blend hands-on troubleshooting with systems thinking to fine-tune preventive maintenance, solve complex controls issues, and raise the bar on uptime and safety across mission‑critical operations. Expect exposure to conveyors, sortation, PLCs, scanners, vision systems, print‑and‑apply, and SCADA—plus the autonomy to make measurable impact.Schedule: 8 AM-5 PM Monday- Friday + on call on weekendsYour core responsibilitiesChampion safety and compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, agencies, and company policies tied to system operations and workplace safety.Troubleshoot and revise software for material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers, Allen Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix, and RSLogix 5000.Serve as first-line escalation for on-site and remote support, during and after business hours, resolving MHE controls software issues and coordinating emergency response as needed.Inspect systems to verify performance within design specifications and the conditions established by the client.Oversee scopes of work: initiate requests, schedule, and inspect deliverables from external contractors for proprietary tasks, licensed installs, upgrades, and specialized system maintenance/inspections.Engineer process solutions and reliability improvements from concept through network-wide implementation.Monitor industrial networks (Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS‑I), motor control systems, servo drives, variable frequency drives, and electrical distribution.Track material handling equipment metrics and collaborate with site teams to resolve electrical issues driving performance gaps.Communicate proactively with leadership, operations, and maintenance on technical matters, timelines, and potential production impacts.Lead failure analyses and process reviews; recommend corrective actions, improvements, or retraining to prevent recurrences.Conduct control system assessments to sustain and enhance equipment reliability.Build and maintain positive relationships with the Client and Operations Maintenance teams.Perform other duties as assigned to support site success.Systems and technologies you’ll touchConveyors and sortation systemsPLCs (Allen Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix) with RSLogix 5000SCADA platformsScanners, vision systems, and print‑and‑apply equipmentIndustrial networks: Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS‑IMotor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distributionWhat you bringBachelor's Degree preferred with 2–5 years of relevant experience; a combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.Participation in at least two engineering design cycles (specification, component selection, programming).2+ years working with PLC programming, robotics system components/controls, and SCADA-based monitoring and control systems.Flexibility to work varied schedules/shifts/areas, including weekends, nights, and holidays.Independent problem-solving ability; follows general instructions with minimal oversight.Meets physical requirements: stooping, standing, walking, stair/ladder climbing, and lifting/carrying 50+ lbs.Proven ability to navigate sensitive or complex communications, set expectations, and resolve issues.Preferred qualifications2+ years apprenticeship or equivalent experience in control systems troubleshooting/programming.Background supporting diverse conveyors and sortation platforms.Robotics maintenance experience.Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).Excellent organization with an inquisitive mindset.Advanced math capability, including percentages, fractions, and financial-related calculations.You should be proficient inPLC Programming ExperienceSCADA ExperienceTools and platformsSCADAProgrammable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley)Work authorization (verbatim)Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.