Controls Project Engineer I

Vanderlande’s Controls Engineering Department is responsible for the designing, programming, commissioning, and testing of material handling systems for our customers. This is NOT an entry level position, as a Controls Project Engineer 1, you will be responsible for the design, commissioning /testing, of both small- and large-scale material handling systems that integrate hardware and software components. You will be able to work independently to deliver tangible results for the successful completion of project milestones and the system.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Review Electrical drawings, lists and specifications to align PLC design 

• Review 3rd Party equipment mechanical and electrical interfaces to align PLC design 

• Write detailed design documents 

• Review Safety layouts and specifications to align PLC design 

• Review 480 VAC layouts and specifications to align PLC design 

• Review 24VDC layouts and specifications to align PLC design 

• Review IO layouts and specifications to align PLC design 

• Review system layout and specifications to align PLC design 

• Write, debug, and test PLC code  

• Provide remote customer service support for existing customers  

• Document progress of assigned tasks 

• Internal peer review of PLC design elements 

• Regular attendance of Controls SCURM 

• PLC design sheets - Create 

• Write position papers as needed 

• OEE Flow map - Create 

• Network Topology Diagram - Create 

• Write test plans (Area, Zone, Section level) - Create 

• Write Controls Functional Specification / Description of Operations - Create 

• Preparation and review of daily and weekly progress reports - Create 

• Vendor net IP list - Create 

• PLC IP List - Create 

• IO check list - Create 

• Produced and consumed interface list - Create 

• Area Panel Test Rail files - Create 

• Area Panel OEE files - Create 

• Area Panel PLC files - Create 

• Configure component level devices 

• Perform device level testing in support of commissioning 

• Document device level testing (commissioning Checklist) 

• Perform zone level testing in support of  commissioning 

• Document zone level testing (commissioning Checklist) 

• Perform area level testing in support of commissioning 

• Ability to identify network communication issues reactively and proactively 

• Troubleshoot electrical based problems on conveyor systems, motors, drives, etc. 

• Manage punch list 

• Execute punch list 

• Monitor and document the progress of subcontractors 

• Follow all safety requirements at the jobsite 

• Write commissioning checklist  

• Commission and test PLC control panel independently  

• Perform quality checks on-site and provide documentation of completion and status  

• Document and perform integrated system level testing in support of PLC commissioning  

Required Qualification: 

• Willingness to learn 

• Proactive 

• Ownership culture 

• Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering/Technology discipline 

• Must be willing and able to travel 70% routinely, with increased amounts if projects demand 

• Must be able to communicate effectively 

• Team mentality and willingness to accept responsibility for project completion 

• Must have the ability to properly prioritize work/activities 

• Minimum 2 years of experience in implementation of material handling systems or industrial controls systems 

• Familiar with communication protocols (Ethernet IP, Modbus, etc.) 

• Familiar with installation, programming, and providing technical support of PLC based hardware and software, such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens 

• Possess a strong ability to solve problems and research solutions 

• Logical mentality, skilled in understanding and designing Engineering Science: Logic & Programming 

• Solid understanding of networking principles and computer hardware setup 

• Knowledgeable of project scheduling 

• Ability to identify network communication issues reactively and proactively  

• Troubleshoot electrical based problems on conveyor systems, motors, drives, etc. 

• Familiar with industrial automation and controls hardware such as field bus systems and sensors 

• A broad technical knowledge and well-developed analytical skills which helps you to overcome multidisciplinary challenges  

Desired Qualifications: 

• Solid understanding of Electrical controls hardware design and 480 VAC / 120VAC / 24VDC power distribution 

• Solid understanding of networking principles and computer hardware selection and setup 

• Strong understanding of machine and system safety standards and design considerations 

• Ability to read structured text, write preferred 

• Capable of programming in SQL, Visual Basic, C, C++, C#, or equivalent 

• Motivator and ability to work well with team members 

Physical Requirements: 

• Able to climb a 2-story ladder 

• Able to walk a mile in 20 minutes 

• Able to lift to 30 lbs. without difficulty 

• Capable of working 10 hours standing / sitting / walking / climbing stairs 

• Must be comfortable working in an office setting and a factory / construction environment 

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.