Project Leader Engineering I - Controls

vanderlande; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderlande is seeking a Project Leader Engineering I - Controls to drive design and implementation of automated control systems. You will lead teams across hardware, software, and electrical integration, ensuring quality, safety, and on-time delivery.

Strong leadership, PLC/SCADA expertise, and project management are essential. The role involves coordinating with clients and internal groups, reviewing technical documentation, and guiding projects from conception through client handover.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s in engineering and extensive experience leading controls projects.
• Proven ability to manage complex, large-scale material handling or related automation projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills in a client-focused setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute control system design from concept to client handover.
• Oversee hardware, software (PLC/PC), electrical installation, and testing activities.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and internal teams to meet scope, schedule, and budget.
• Review and approve technical documentation and drawings.
• Ensure safety coordination and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Present technical solutions to stakeholders and manage change requests.
• Support bids with engineering input and cost considerations.
• Collaborate across engineering, planning, supply chain, and sales teams.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Control systems

Automation

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

PLC/SCADA

CAD (AutoCAD/REVIT)

HMI development

Job description

Job Title

Project Leader Engineering I - Controls

Job Description

Role Summary:

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 & 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 ver