Project Leader Engineering I - Controls

Vanderlande; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderlande in Atlanta, GA seeks a Project Leader Engineering I - Controls to guide multi-disciplinary teams in the design, integration, and deployment of automated control systems for large-scale material handling projects.

The role combines technical leadership with project management, requiring hands-on engineering expertise, strong communication, and close collaboration with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent required.
• Minimum 10 years in design and engineering of instrumentation and control systems.
• Travel up to 25% must be possible.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from conception through client handover with a focus on technical performance, financial results, and organizational success.
• Oversee control system design including hardware, software, electrical installation, and commissioning through final handover.
• Coordinate with project teams, subcontractors, and customers to ensure compliance with specs, codes and client requirements.
• Present technical solutions to stakeholders and manage requirements and changes throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Travel up to 25%

Industrial control knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent

Tools

PLC

SCADA

HMI

AutoCAD

REVIT

Job description

Job Title

Project Leader Engineering I - Controls

Job Description

Vanderlande is a global leader in logistics process automation, specializing in automated material handling systems for airports, warehouses, and parcel operations. Our innovative solutions help move millions of products and pieces of luggage around the world every day. With a strong focus on technology, collaboration, and continuous improvement, we are committed to delivering reliable solutions for our customers while providing meaningful career opportunities for our employees.

A Project Engineering Leader I - Controls is a leadership role accountable for the design and implementation of automated control systems. This position requires strong technical expertise in control systems engineering, automation, and software, along with leadership and project management skills to guide teams and ensure control system overall performance, quality, safety, and reliability and that projects are completed on time and within budget. This position requires strong technical leadership throughout the entire lifecycle, including project planning, design, fabrication, and implementation phases.

In addition to project execution, a PLE I for controls also acts at business partner level providing oversight for multiple projects and active participation in strategy development and implementation at customer center level.

Job Responsibilities:

• Execute projects from conception through client handover with a positive result contribution on technical performance, financial results and the organization
• Manage the control system design from hardware, system and network design, software development (PLC and/or PC related systems), electrical installation, integration of different components, system commissioning and testing through to final handover to the customer
• Oversight primarily includes work performed by control system subcontractors but also by internal employees
• Manage control system design activities to ensure that the design complies with specifications, codes, and client requirements
• Perform independent reviews and approve technical documentation, including low-voltage (up to 480V) electrical controls drawings, panel drawings, I/O drawings, network drawings, test plans, and operating manuals
• Manage all control system documentation during the project, including internal review, customer approval, document control, and final project archiving
• Participate in project meetings, working interactively with colleagues, customers, and subcontractors to develop/maintain strong relationships
• Coordinate with the Project Leader Engineering and/or Project Manager to manage project timelines and resources, communicating status updates and potential issues to stakeholders
• Confidently and comfortably present technical solutions to stakeholders; respond in real time to technical concerns and answer questions in a knowledgeable articulate manner
• Manage requirements and changes throughout the project life cycle
• Assist with quotation bids with the systems and sales departments on new projects and/or on project changes
• Communicate and work closely with other groups within Vanderlande and the project team (i.e., mechanical engineering, project management, planning, supply chain, sales department, service and installation)
• Execute the health and safety analysis and be responsible for the safety coordination during the engineering phase of the control system design activities.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent
• Minimum 7 years of experience in implementing and managing highly complex and large scale material &/or baggage handling systems
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the design and engineering of instrumentation and control systems in a project team environment for heavy industrial facilities, with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new or brownfield facilities
• Project management experience
• Experience with integration and configuration management
• Willing and able to travel up to 25%
• Knowledge of digital hardware and software components commonly used in industrial control system platforms, such as: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and SCADA systems
• Experience in electrical design of Electrical Panels, I/O systems, Motor/VFD Controls, and Ethernet-based networks

Team Leadership and Client Relations Experience:

• Previous experience in leading a controls engineering team
• Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others
• An aptitude for technical problem solving, strong interpersonal skills, written and oral communication, experience working in a team environment, and a client service focus

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience utilizing MS project, Primavera, or other scheduling software
• Knowledge of (mechanical) engineering theories and principles
• Familiar with Computer Aided Design (CAD) Software (i.e. AutoCAD, REVIT, Navisworks)
• Knowledge of TSA Planning Guidelines and Design Standards (PGDS)

Knowledge-Skills-Abilities:

• Technical knowledge/background in material handling processes
• Proactive and hands on work ethic
• Self-motivated with proven ability in problem solving, especially in intense situations
• Pragmatic and capable to balance quality, lead time, costs, and technology
• Ability to lead a specialized team responsible for complex project(s)
• Motivator and trainer for coworkers
• Strong analytical and computer skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while working effectively with all levels of staff and management
• Familiarity with project management principles, including planning, scheduling, and budgeting

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Vanderlande is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by law.