Controls Project Engineer I
Vanderlande’s Controls Engineering Department is responsible for the design, programming, commissioning, and testing of material handling systems for our customers. This is not an entry-level position. As a Controls Project Engineer I, you will be responsible for the design, commissioning, and testing of both small- and large-scale material handling systems that integrate hardware and software components.
In this role, you will work independently to deliver tangible results and support the successful completion of project milestones and fully operational systems.
Key Responsibilities
Controls Design & Documentation
- Review electrical drawings, specifications, and equipment lists to align PLC design
- Review system layouts, safety layouts, and power distributions (480 VAC, 120 VAC, 24 VDC)
- Review I/O layouts, network layouts, and third-party equipment mechanical and electrical interfaces
- Develop detailed design documentation, including controls functional specifications and descriptions of operation
- Create PLC design sheets, OEE flow maps, network topology diagrams, and interface lists
- Prepare test plans at the area, zone, and section levels
- Participate in internal peer reviews of PLC design elements
- PLC Programming & Testing
- Write, debug, and test PLC code
- Configure component-level devices and field hardware
- Identify and troubleshoot network communication issues proactively and reactively
- Troubleshoot electrical and controls-related issues involving conveyors, motors, drives, and associated equipment
Commissioning & Site Execution
- Perform device-, zone-, area-, and system-level testing in support of commissioning
- Develop and execute commissioning checklists and document test results
- Commission and test PLC control panels independently
- Perform integrated system-level testing in support of PLC commissioning
- Conduct on-site quality checks and document system status and completion
Project Support & Coordination
- Document progress of assigned tasks and prepare daily and weekly progress reports
- Manage and execute punch list items to closure
- Monitor and document subcontractor progress and performance
- Provide remote customer support for existing systems
- Attend Controls SCRUM meetings and collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Follow all jobsite safety requirements and procedures
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology (or equivalent experience)
- Minimum 2 years of experience implementing material handling systems or industrial control systems
- Experience with PLC-based hardware and software (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, etc.)
- Solid understanding of PLC logic, programming, and troubleshooting
- Working knowledge of industrial networking principles and computer hardware setup
- Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks effectively
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and research skills
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Team-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%, with flexibility based on project needs
Desired Qualifications
- Understanding of electrical controls hardware design and power distribution (480 VAC / 120 VAC / 24 VDC)
- Knowledge of machine and system safety standards and design considerations
- Ability to read Structured Text (writing preferred)
- Experience with SQL, Visual Basic, C, C++, C#, or similar programming languages
- Familiarity with industrial automation hardware such as fieldbus systems and sensors
- Self-motivated and able to collaborate effectively with team members
Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EEOC Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology, or equivalent experience
- At least 2 years of experience implementing material handling systems or industrial control systems
- Experience with PLC-based hardware and software, such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols, such as EtherNet/IP and Modbus
- Strong understanding of PLC logic, programming, and troubleshooting
- Working knowledge of industrial networking principles and computer hardware setup
- Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks effectively
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and research skills
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Team-oriented mindset with ownership and accountability
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%, with flexibility based on project needs
- Understanding of electrical controls hardware design and power distribution
- Knowledge of machine and system safety standards and design considerations
- Ability to read Structured Text; writing preferred
- Experience with SQL, Visual Basic, C, C++, C#, or similar programming languages
- Familiarity with industrial automation hardware, including fieldbus systems and sensors
- Self-motivated and able to collaborate effectively with team members
Vanderlande Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vanderlande and has not been reviewed or approved by Vanderlande.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, with day‑one eligibility in many U.S. roles and employer‑paid protections that reduce out‑of‑pocket exposure. Feedback suggests medical, dental, and vision are a clear strength.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings include a 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting in the U.S. Feedback suggests this forms a solid pillar of the total rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays are characterized as generous relative to peers. Compressed workweek options in some roles further support time away and recovery.
Vanderlande Insights
What We Do
Vanderlande is the global market leader for future-proof logistic process automation at airports. The company is also a leading supplier of process automation solutions for warehouses and in the parcel market. Vanderlande’s baggage handling systems are capable of moving over 4 billion pieces of baggage around the world per year. Its systems are active in more than 600 airports including 12 of the world’s top 20. More than 52 million parcels are sorted by its systems every day, which have been installed for the world’s leading parcel companies. In addition, many of the largest global e-commerce players and retailers have confidence in Vanderlande’s efficient and reliable solutions. The company focuses on the optimisation of its customers’ business processes and competitive positions. Through close cooperation, it strives for the improvement of their operational activities and the expansion of their logistical achievements. Vanderlande’s extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services – results in the realisation of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology. Established in 1949, Vanderlande has more than 7,500 employees, all committed to moving its customers’ businesses forward at diverse locations on every continent. With a consistently increasing turnover of 1.8 billion euros, it has established a global reputation over the past seven decades as a highly reliable partner for future-proof logistic process automation. Vanderlande was acquired in 2017 by Toyota Industries Corporation, which will help it to continue its sustainable profitable growth. The two companies have a strong strategic match, and the synergies include cross-selling, product innovations, and research and development.
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