Sr. Controls Engineer

Company Overview

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known worldwide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost‑effective order fulfillment and last‑mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

Job Summary

The Senior Controls Engineer will be responsible for driving the design, functionality and testing of upper‑level automated sortation systems. The candidate must lead and assist in the design and programming of new projects, diagnose and solve controls‑related issues involving I/O, hardware (controller setup, VFDs, communications devices) and software (PLC and HMI) feedback, and provide leadership, guidance and mentoring to junior level engineers. The Controls Engineer III 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” (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.
• 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 field.
• 4‑7 years of experience within an industrial controls environment, including PLC programming (Rockwell required; Siemens, Schneider or other expected).
• HMI programming with FactoryTalk View, Ignition, Wonderware or Indusoft.
• Experience with input and output device design, implementation and troubleshooting.
• Experience with 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 and 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.
• 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 junior‑level controls engineers.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. When traveling, the environment shifts to a site‑based, typically industrial setting. Appropriate PPE, electrical diagnostic tools, electrical implementation tools, laptops and networking equipment are required.

Travel

This position requires up to 40–50% 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 or working in cramped quarters.
• Exposure to potentially dangerous tools and equipment is probable, as is occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• Noise levels in the work environment can vary from quiet to moderate or excessive.

Employees may be required to perform any other job‑related duties as requested by their supervisor.

EEO Statement

FORTNA, Inc. and its affiliated companies provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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. FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Additional Information

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