Controls Engineer

With a career at The Home Depot, you can be yourself and also be part of something bigger.

Position Purpose:  

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, programming, and supporting industrial automation and conveyance control systems within highly automated warehouse and material handling environments. This role focuses on hands-on PLC, HMI, and SCADA software development using Rockwell Automation and Ignition platforms to ensure safe, reliable, and high-performing automation operations.

The engineer will develop and integrate control systems for conveyors, motors, servo systems, and industrial equipment while supporting communication between PLCs and higher-level enterprise systems such as WES, WMS, and MES platforms. This role also requires strong expertise in industrial networking, motion control, safety systems, and real-time data exchange technologies to support scalable and efficient plant-wide automation solutions.

Additionally, the Controls Engineer will troubleshoot complex automation and communication issues, support commissioning and system optimization activities, and ensure all controls solutions comply with applicable electrical, safety, and industrial standards including ANSI, OSHA, NFPA 79, and UL 508A.

Key Responsibilities:

• 50% Design and Implementation - Lead or assist in control systems design projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications and safety regulations.

• 30% Collaboration - Collaborates and works closely with other departments including operations, maintenance, and IT, to ensure seamless project execution and adherence to timelines and budgets. 

• 20% Coding of Control Systems - Coding of control systems for conveyor and other automation solutions to improve efficiency and performance. Also conducts feasibility studies and cost analysis for potential projects.

Direct Manager/Direct Reports:  

• This Position typically reports to Manager or Sr. Manager, Controls Engineering

• This Position has 0 direct reports.

Travel Requirements: 

• Typically requires overnight travel more than 50% of the time.

Physical Requirements:  

• Must continuously stand or walk or regularly requires lifting/handling/carrying material or equipment of moderate weight (8-20 pounds).

Working Conditions: 

• Typically located in a comfortable indoor area. There may be regular exposure to mild physical discomfort from factors such as dust, fumes or odors, temperature extremes, loud noise, strong drafts, or bright lights.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Must be eighteen years of age or older.

• Must be legally permitted to work in the United States.

• Ability to work overnight shift and/or weekends on occasion. 

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field; master’s degree preferred. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively with cross-functional teams

• Demonstrated project management skills

• Ability to convey complex or technical ideas and processes in easy-to-understand terms to diverse audiences

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• 4+ years of experience in controls engineering, with a focus on automation and conveyor systems. 

• In-depth knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, and other control technologies. 

• Familiarity with industry standards and safety regulations (e.g. OSHA. ISO). 

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. 

• Proven technical experience with implementation of conveyor systems and/or experience in replacing legacy conveyor systems with new control systems in a large-scale retail, distribution, or enterprise environment. 

Minimum Education:

• The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job.

Preferred Education:

• The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a master's degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job.

Minimum Years of Work Experience:

• 2

Preferred Years of Work Experience:

• 4

Minimum Leadership Experience:

• No previous leadership experience

Preferred Leadership Experience:

• No previous leadership experience

Certifications:  

• None

Competencies: 

• Action Oriented

• Tech Savvy

• Collaborates

• Cultivates Innovation

• Manages Complexity

• Optimizes Work Processes

• Balances Stakeholders

• Drives Results

• Process Improvement: Uses Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodology to develop and execute efficient and cost-effective solutions to align with the business objectives within the Supply Chain organization.

For California, Colorado, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Nevada, New York City, Ithaca (NY), Westchester County (NY), and Washington residents: