Lead Controls Engineer

The Lead 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 and existing 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 is focused on providing leadership, technical oversight, and mentoring to junior level engineers. The Controls Engineer IV 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 reuseable PLC code and assist in all on-site controls engineering tasks. 
• Design and develop “Human Machine Interface” (HMI) using commercially available products such as Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk View, or FactoryTalk Optix. 
• 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. 
• Provides technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems. Solutions are imaginative, thorough, practicable and consistent with organizational objectives. 
• Guides the successful completion of major programs and may function in a project leadership role. 
• May serve as a mentor to more entry level Controls Engineers.  
• Provide support to commissioning team members as required. 
• Lead a team to execute complex automated systems, provide site engineering support and complete system acceptance testing. 
• Interface and coordinate with other departments on requirements and standards 

 
QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent. 
• 7+ years of experience within an industrial controls environment which includes: 

• PLC programming (Rockwell required, Siemens, Schneider or other is expected) 
• HMI Programming (FactoryTalk View, Ignition, Wonderware, Indusoft) 
• 3+ years of experience developing in Ignition
• 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 networked VFDs, Servos, and other motor controllers. 
• 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 advanced understanding of project management, service management, or relationship management principles. 
• Advanced 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 

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 25% travel to various sites.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• 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. 

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.

It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.