At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and program automated sortation systems while leading projects and mentoring junior engineers.
- Company: Join Fortna, a leader in transforming distribution operations for top global brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Expect up to 80% travel and a mix of office and industrial site work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in automation and lead innovative projects in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and 4-7 years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Fortna partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations.
The Sr. Controls Engineer will be responsible for driving design, functionality and testing of upper-level automated sortation systems. The candidate must lead and assist in the design and programming of new projects. Additionally, the candidate must demonstrate skillsets for diagnosing and solving controls related issues involving I/O, hardware (Controller setup, VFDs, Comms devices) and software (PLC and HMI) feedback along with best practices electrical troubleshooting techniques. This position requires providing leadership, guidance and mentoring to junior level engineers and contractors. The Sr. Controls Engineer is responsible for supporting other members of the FORTNA controls group to ensure accurate documentation, proper system functionality, adherence to approved design and customer specifications.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Write and implement modular and reusable PLC code and assist in all on-site controls engineering tasks.
- Design and develop Human Machine Interface using commercially available products such as Ignition.
- Implement PLC and HMI programs to satisfy current design and customer specifications.
- Work with FORTNA employees, customer representatives and third-party vendors to ensure all aspects of a project are considered during both the design and execution phases.
- Review electrical designs and provide accurate as-built drawings for approval.
- Individually or as a team, commission and troubleshoot complex automated systems, provide site engineering support, and complete system acceptance testing.
- Provide support of system commissioning efforts as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or comparable.
- 4-7 years of experience within an industrial controls environment which includes:
- PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT, LD, ST, SCL)
- HMI Programming (Ignition SCADA, Siemens Unified Comfort)
- Input and output device design, implementation, and troubleshooting.
- Industrial communication networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)
- Low voltage electrical design and drawing understanding and creation.
- Equivalent work experience will also be considered as a substitute for education.
- Experience with VFDs preferred (networked a plus).
- Experience with Microsoft 365 - Office Apps.
SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Must be self-motivated, self-aware, detail-oriented, and results-focused.
- Understanding of VFDs, induction motors, programmable logic controllers and industrial networks.
- Demonstrates understanding of project management, service management, or relationship management principles.
- Abilities and knowledge in practices and techniques gained through experience and exposure to complex and diverse techniques, theories, and principles.
- Ability to troubleshoot and isolate controls I/O problems.
- Schedule, manage, and execute basic system implementations, enhancements, and retrofits.
- Collaborate and communicate with FORTNA team members, project managers and customers in a professional written and spoken manner.
- Provide direction and leadership to Jr. level controls engineers and contractors.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, etc. When traveling the job environment shifts to a site‑based, typically industrial. When traveling this role routinely uses appropriate PPE, electrical diagnostic tools, electrical implementation tools, laptops, and networking equipment.
TRAVEL
This position requires up to 70‑80% travel to various sites.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to lift 50 pounds.
- Ability to climb ladders.
- Ability to navigate safely over and around warehouse automation equipment.
- Physical stamina may be required for prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and/or working in cramped quarters.
- Exposure to potentially dangerous tools and equipment amidst a variety of building materials is probable, as is occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.
- The noise level in the work environment can vary from being relatively quiet, to moderate, to excessive.
- Employees may be required to perform any other job‑related duties as requested by their supervisor.
Sr. Controls Engineer employer: Material Handling Systems, Inc.
Fortna is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering employees to take ownership of their projects while providing ample opportunities for professional growth. With a focus on cutting-edge technology in the omnichannel and parcel distribution sector, employees benefit from hands-on experience with advanced automated systems and the chance to mentor junior engineers, all within a supportive environment that values teamwork and excellence.
Contact Details:
Material Handling Systems, Inc. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr. Controls Engineer
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Material Handling Systems, Inc.!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Sr. Controls Engineer position at Material Handling Systems, Inc., linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Material Handling Systems, Inc. is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Sr. Controls Engineer role at Material Handling Systems, Inc.!
We think you need these skills to ace Sr. Controls Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Material Handling Systems, Inc. and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Material Handling Systems, Inc.
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Material Handling Systems, Inc..
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Material Handling Systems, Inc., so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
