Controls Support Engineer
About Vanderlande
Vanderlande is a global leader in logistics process automation, specializing in automated material handling systems for airports, warehouses, and parcel operations. Our innovative solutions help move millions of products and pieces of luggage around the world every day. With a strong focus on technology, collaboration, and continuous improvement, we are committed to delivering reliable solutions for our customers while providing meaningful career opportunities for our employees.
Position Summary
The Controls Support Engineer supports the North American Service Center (NASC) by providing both remote and on-site technical support for advanced automated material handling systems. This role plays a critical part in maintaining system reliability and operational efficiency through expert troubleshooting, incident management, and system optimization.
A strong understanding of Low-Level Controls (LLC), PLC systems, and industrial networking is essential. During the first year, the engineer will primarily support project activities and must be willing to travel and work away from home for extended periods.
Overview
- Provide on-site and remote support for automated material handling solutions through the North American Service Center (NASC).
- Ensure system reliability and operational efficiency through troubleshooting, incident management, and optimization.
- Apply expertise in Low-Level Controls (LLC) and PLC systems to maintain and improve system performance.
- Participate in project work during the first year, requiring travel and extended time away from home.
Key Responsibilities
- Diagnose and resolve complex incidents related to automated material handling systems, including PLC/LLC systems, IPC components, and electromechanical controls, to minimize downtime.
- Troubleshoot and optimize industrial communication networks including Profibus, ASI Bus, Profinet, and TCP/IP, while integrating and supporting related IT systems used in industrial automation.
- Analyze system log data to proactively identify potential issues and support system performance improvements.
- Provide on-site support for troubleshooting, commissioning, system maintenance, peak customer periods, and system upgrades while maintaining accurate documentation and escalating complex issues when required.
Qualifications / Requirements
- Minimum 3 years of experience in controls technology, with specialization in PLC systems and industrial automation environments.
- Strong knowledge of Low-Level Controls (LLC), industrial networking systems, and controls software used in automated logistics systems.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical issues, troubleshoot electromechanical and networking systems, and work independently while prioritizing tasks effectively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong teamwork and service mindset, and willingness to travel up to 70% across North America, including extended periods away from home and working in industrial environments.
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
- Hands-on experience working with Siemens PLC systems.
- Experience supporting automated material handling, logistics automation, or similar industrial systems.
- Exposure to international training environments, commissioning activities, or large-scale industrial automation projects.
What We Offer
- Career growth and professional development opportunities, including exposure to advanced automation technologies and global best practices.
- A collaborative and innovative team environment focused on solving complex automation and logistics challenges.
- Opportunities to work on large-scale automated material handling systems across customer sites in North America.
- Competitive compensation and benefits, including travel opportunities and occasional international training.
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.
Top Skills
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.
