Sr. Controls Engineer

Material Handling Systems; Peachtree Corners (GA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

FORTNA is seeking a Sr. Controls Engineer to lead design, programming, and testing of upper-level automated sortation systems. This role requires hands-on PLC and HMI development, debugging, and on-site commissioning support across diverse sites.

The ideal candidate has 4–7 years in industrial controls, experience with Rockwell PLCs, HMI tools, and industrial networks. This role is remote with significant travel and opportunities to mentor junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent is required.
• 4–7 years in industrial controls with PLC and HMI programming.
• Experience with Ethernet/IP/Modbus/Profinet and low voltage design.

Responsibilities

• Write and implement modular PLC code for automated systems.
• Design and develop HMI using Ignition, Wonderware, or FactoryTalk products.
• Implement PLC/HMI programs per design specs and customer needs.
• Collaborate with project managers, customers, and vendors during design and execution phases.
• Review electrical designs and generate as-built drawings for approval.
• Lead or mentor junior controls engineers and provide site engineering support.
• Assist with system commissioning and acceptance testing.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Electrical design

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Rockwell PLCs

Ignition

Wonderware

FactoryTalk View

Job description

FORTNA partners with the world's leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known worldwide 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. 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.

Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach. Excited to grow your career? We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help one of our associates grow professionally before recruiting new talent to our open positions. Our people make all the difference in our success.

The Sr. 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 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 requires providing leadership, guidance and mentoring to junior level engineers. The Sr. Controls Engineer 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.
• Individually or as a team, commission and troubleshoot complex automated systems, provide site engineering support, and complete system acceptance testing.
• Provide support of system commissioning efforts as required.

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

This is a remote position. Please review this posting for information on travel requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or comparable.
• 4-7 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), 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 VFDs preferred (networked a plus).
• 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 understanding of project management, service management, or relationship management principles.
• 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 jr. level controls engineers.

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.

This position requires up to 70-75% travel to various sites.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• 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.

The base salary range for this role is $87,600 to $131,300. This base salary range represents the low and high end of the base salary range for this position. Actual base salary offered will vary based on various factors including but not limited to location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and performance.

It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.