Position Summary:
As an Automation Support Engineer (Controls), you will be part of a dedicated Launch Support Team, focused on supporting large, high-throughput customer sites during system startup. This includes ramp-up-support during go live, and hyper care phases, where system stability, fast recovery, and clear communication are critical to daily operations.
You will work closely with the customer’s on‑site technical teams, acting as a local technical coach and helping them understand, troubleshoot, and stabilize the system. During incidents, you will be the primary technical link between the site team and Vanderlande, ensuring effective troubleshooting, timely escalation, and clear alignment between all parties.
This role supports fast paced environments where systems operate at high speed and high volume. You will help customers achieve reliable system availability, meet performance targets, and build confidence to operate the system independently. The role requires flexibility and being comfortable working irregular hours during launch windows, including nights and weekends when system availability is critical.
While launching new sites is the primary focus, you will also support existing customer sites when not deployed on new launches.
You will routinely work on-site at customer buildings for extended periods (typically 2 to 4 weeks). During these assignments, Vanderlande’s Short-term Assignment policy will apply. You will work alongside customer employees in a consultant role, supporting incident recovery, root cause analysis, and system automation improvements.
The role includes a specialization in Vanderlande Cross Belt Sorter (SCS) controls, which are based on a Siemens IPC communicating with field devices via Profinet. When not on-site, you will support the North American Service Center (NASC) by providing remote support and technical guidance for Cross Belt Sorter issues at existing sites.
Essential Functions
Support and troubleshoot incidents on Cross Belt Sorter systems both on-site and remotely
Support systems during go‑live, ramp‑up, and hyper care phases
Work alongside customer teams and the NASC to perform root cause analysis
Act as the main technical liaison between the site and NASC for SCS-related issues
Provide clear direction during incidents and escalate issues when required
Work effectively under time pressure and changing priorities in live operations
Challenge assumptions and work with incomplete or evolving documentation
Write incident summaries and provide reports as required
Maintain a safety‑first mindset when working on or near live automated systems
Required Education & Experience
Education or equivalent hands‑on experience in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field
Minimum 3 years of experience in controls or automation support
Hands ‑on experience with industrial networks (Profinet, Profibus, Ethernet/IP)
Preferred Education & Experience
Experience with distributed control architectures
On‑site commissioning, ramp‑up, or launch support experience
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science
5 years of experience supporting Material Handling Systems or automated logistics environments
Required Competencies
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills
Ability to work effectively under pressure and ambiguity, especially during launches
Comfortable acting as “the expert in the room” during technical incidents
Strong stakeholder management skills when working with customers on‑site
Ability to work independently and take ownership of issues
Able to prioritize work in fast‑changing, high‑volume environments
Willing to learn, adapt, and continuously improve technical skills
Practical, solution‑oriented mindset
Strong safety awareness and commitment to safe working practices
Flexible and comfortable working irregular hours during launch windows
Travel
This role is focused on launching new customer sites in North America and requires frequent travel on short‑term assignments. Expected travel is approximately 25%–75%, depending on launch schedules.
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.
