Systems Controls Engineer

Grainger; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 158,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

Paid time off

401(k) contribution

Employee discounts

Job summary

Grainger is seeking a Systems Controls Engineer to optimize and maintain conveyor and automation systems at their distribution center in Houston, TX. This role requires advanced PLC programming skills and a commitment to safety and compliance.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in engineering and significant experience in maintenance of automated systems, including mentoring of technicians.

Benefits include comprehensive insurance coverage, PTO, and retirement savings contributions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in facilities or equipment maintenance.
• 2+ years on Dematic or similar conveyor systems.
• Technical training in electronic controls and PLC troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Resolve complex system issues involving conveyors and automation.
• Design and document PLC programming changes.
• Oversee contractors and service providers.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Automation systems

Education

Associate’s degree in engineering

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

PLCs (Siemens, Allen Bradley)

DC drives

AC inverters

VFDs

Job description

About Grainger W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Grainger serves over 4.5 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise.

Position Details

The Systems Controls Engineer is directly responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing all conveyor, automation, and building systems to support the operational goals of the distribution center. The role ensures maximum uptime through proactive preventive maintenance, rapid response to system issues, and implementation of reliability improvements. It requires advanced expertise in PLC programming, electrical systems, and operational controls, as well as leadership skills to mentor technicians, oversee contractors, and manage complex projects. The position plays a critical role in supporting safety, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.

Location: Houston, TX distribution center. Travel up to 40%, with on‑call responsibilities.

Compensation

Base salary range: $95,000 – $158,400. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 10% based on individual and company performance objectives.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment.
• 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full‑time employees and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing, and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non‑birth parents.

You Will

• Serve as the primary responder for complex system issues involving conveyors, sortation, AS/RS, cross‑belt systems, and goods‑to‑person fulfillment systems.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control system components, including but not limited to:
  • PLCs (Siemens, Allen Bradley)
  • DC drives, AC inverters, and VFDs
  • Linear motors
  • Print‑and‑apply systems
  • Encoders and barcode scanners
  • Power distribution and communication networks
• Design, implement, and document PLC programming changes as authorized.
• Manage the scope, timeline, and execution of controls‑related capital projects and infrastructure upgrades.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, wiring diagrams, and system configurations.
• Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards, OSHA regulations, LOTO protocols, and NFPA 70E Arc Flash requirements.
• Use predictive maintenance tools such as thermal imaging, monitoring systems, and CMMS to detect and address potential issues.
• Oversee and coordinate work performed by contractors, service providers, and other maintenance personnel.
• Operate and maintain all material handling systems within the distribution center.
• Provide training and mentorship to facilities technicians.
• Collaborate with network teams, vendors, and cross‑functional partners to identify, resolve, and document system issues and improvements.
• Respond to changing priorities and emergencies; participate in 24‑hour on‑call rotation.

You Have

• Associate’s degree in engineering, electrical or related technical field required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• PLC Controls Certificates.
• 5+ years of experience in facilities or equipment maintenance, including at least 2 years on Dematic or similar conveyor systems.
• Experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing automated distribution and building systems.
• Completion of technical training in electronic controls, power distribution, and PLC troubleshooting.
• Ability to travel up to 40%.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.