The Project Leader Engineer II (PLC/Controls) is responsible for leading cross‑functional engineering teams in transforming sold projects into fully realized, high‑performing system designs. This role requires strong planning, coordination, and communication skills to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest technical standards. Acting as the technical authority and primary liaison between engineering teams, customers, and internal stakeholders, the Project Leader Engineer II plays a critical role in driving successful project outcomes.
Responsibilities & TasksProject Execution- Lead projects from concept through customer handover, ensuring strong technical execution, positive financial performance, and overall project success.
- Oversee complete system design activities, including hardware systems, network architecture, software development (PLC and/or PC‑based systems), electrical installation, component integration, commissioning, and testing.
- Ensure system functionality, technical accuracy, and quality across all material handling solutions.
- Develop and maintain detailed engineering project plans and schedules; monitor progress and provide regular updates.
- Coordinate engineering activities with the Project Manager, Site Manager, subcontractors, and other key stakeholders.
- Collaborate closely across the value chain to ensure aligned, efficient, and seamless project execution.
- Create and maintain functional system specifications, interface specifications, and high‑level test plans (FAT, SAT, CAT), including validation activities.
- Manage all engineering‑related project information and ensure proper documentation control and archiving.
- Provide clear, consistent progress reports — including risks, issues, and opportunities — to the Project Manager and Engineering Manager.
- Monitor and control engineering budgets throughout the project lifecycle.
- Perform health and safety analyses and coordinate safety‑related activities during the engineering phase.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent practical experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience working on large‑scale material handling systems.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% or as required by project milestones.
- Proactive, hands‑on, and self‑directed work style.
- Strong problem‑solving skills, especially under pressure.
- Ability to balance quality, schedule, cost, scope, and resources effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to lead specialized teams on complex technical projects.
- Ability to motivate, mentor, and support team members.
- Basic understanding of mechanical installation and design standards.
- Working knowledge of controls engineering principles.
- Familiarity with electrical installation and design standards.
- Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Project Management certification or relevant project management experience.
- Technical background in material handling processes and applicable industry standards.
- Advanced knowledge of software testing methodologies.
- Leadership experience managing project teams and contributing to people development.
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 laws.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent practical experience
- Minimum of 5 years experience working on large-scale material handling systems
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% as required by project milestones
- Proactive, hands-on, and self-directed work style
- Strong problem-solving skills, especially under pressure
- Demonstrated ability to lead specialized teams on complex technical projects
- Ability to motivate, mentor, and support team members
- Basic understanding of mechanical installation and design standards
- Working knowledge of controls engineering principles (PLC/PC-based systems)
- Familiarity with electrical installation and design standards
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Project management certification or relevant project management experience
- Technical background in material handling processes and industry standards
- Advanced knowledge of software testing methodologies
- Leadership experience managing project teams and contributing to people development
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.
